BEST CANCER CARE FINDING THE - JOINT REPLACEMENT - RWJBarnabas Health
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healthy
A Publication of Winter 2021
SAINT BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER
together
JOINT
REPLACEMENT
GETTING IT RIGHT
COVID-19
RECOVERY
HELP IS HERE
10 MINUTES TO
SAFER SKIING
FINDING THE
BEST CANCER CARE
SBMC_Cover_Winter2021_Final.indd 1 12/10/20 7:23 AM
A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
HEALTH NEWS
Stronger Together MEET THE SAINT
BARNABAS MEDICAL
T he past year has been one of unprecedented challenges for CENTER BOARD OF
our communities and for our healthcare system. The onset TRUSTEES
and spread of COVID-19 tested our hearts and minds as
never before, all against a backdrop of national social, political and OFFICERS
economic turmoil. Bruce Schonbraun Chairman
Each day, we’ve learned more about this new virus and how to Stephen P. Zieniewicz, FACHE President and Chief
treat it. We’ve also learned that the pandemic’s impact is falling Executive Officer
drastically harder on communities already struggling against
economic and social disadvantages. MEMBERS
Throughout this crisis, our medical professionals and staff have Joseph Bier
been compassionate and expert while caring for patients inside our Celia Colbert
walls, and innovative in creating ways to provide virtual care. They’ve Alan Garten, MD
risen magni icently to the challenge of keeping our facilities safe and Stuart Geffner, MD
sanitized. And many throughout our system have been working hard Gregg Gottsegen
in a wide range of programs to help our communities stay healthier Alison Grann, MD
and to eliminate healthcare disparities. Jeffrey Kigner
At Saint Barnabas Medical Center, we have worked diligently to Russell Langan, MD
keep the community informed and connected with virtual educational Michael Marano, MD
events and programs that address community uestions and concerns, Robert Marcus
and provide the latest information around the pandemic. Our social Joseph Mauriello
media channels are illed with important information to keep you and Andrea Melchiorre
your family healthy. Now more than ever, please consider following Barry H. Ostrowsky
us for our latest news and programs on Facebook or Instagram (see Rahul Pawar, MD
addresses below). Evan Ratner
t RWJBarnabas Health, we’ve learned something else this year Michael Rekoon
how strong and encouraging the communities we serve are. We can Richard Ritholz
never thank you enough for your ongoing generosity. John Russo, MD
While we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic together, we Elena Santoro
want you to be as healthy and strong as you can, and we pledge to do Ryan Schinman
everything possible to help you achieve that goal. Cori Wilf
Yours in good health, Kathryn Zizza
Richard J. Kogan Chairman Emeritus
BARRY H. OSTROWSKY STEPHEN P. ZIENIEWICZ, FACHE
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
RWJBARNABAS HEALTH SAINT BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER 94 Old Short Hills Rd., Livingston, NJ 07039
973.322.5000 | www.rwjbh.org/saintbarnabas
CONNECT WITH US ON
@SaintBarnabasMedicalCenter
@SaintBarnabasNJ
RWJBarnabas Health
@SaintBarnabasNJ
Saint Barnabas Medical Center complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. For
more information, see link on our home page at www.rwjbh.org/saintbarnabas. Saint Barnabas Medical Center cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables
y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo. ATENCIÓN: Si usted habla español, servicios de asistencia lingüística, de forma gratuita,
están disponibles para usted. Llame al 973.322.5000. Saint Barnabas Medical Center konfòm ak lwa sou dwa sivil federal ki aplikab yo e li pa fè diskriminasyon sou baz ras,
koulè, peyi orijin, laj, enfimite oswa sèks. ATANSYON: Si w pale Kreyòl Ayisyen, gen sèvis èd pou lang ki disponib gratis pou ou. Rele 973.322.5000.
Healthy Together | 2 | Winter 2021
SBMC_Memo_Winter21_final.indd 2 12/10/20 12:23 PM
healthy
together
contents WINTER 2021
20
5 17
6 22 23
2. WELCOME LETTER. 10. CANCER SURGERY: 17. DO THIS BEFORE YOU
A community update PART OF A PLAN. What HIT THE SLOPES. A pre-
from our CEOs. to consider when you’re ski warm-up to reduce
deciding where to be injury risk.
4. BREATHE EASIER THIS treated.
WINTER. Don’t let 18. JOINT REPLACEMENT:
12. WHAT A HOSPITALIST
10
cold weather slow you GETTING IT RIGHT.
down. CAN DO FOR YOU. This Increase the odds for
doctor’s specialized skills success.
5. IS IT A COLD, FLU OR can get you feeling better
COVID-19? How to faster and home sooner. 20. RECOVERING FROM
tell what your child’s COVID-19. A new
symptoms may mean. 14. THE TRUTH ABOUT program treats
DEPRESSION AND OLDER lingering symptoms.
6. PROACTIVE STEPS ADULTS. Symptoms to
AGAINST PANCREATIC watch for, and how to 22. TAKING CARE OF YOUR
CANCER. Catching get help. HEART DURING A
growths early can 9. FAST FACTS ABOUT PANDEMIC. What top
save lives. CARDIAC STRESS 16. ONE STEP AT A TIME. doctors have learned.
TESTS. Monitoring your Intensive physical
8. A SALUTE TO heart while you exercise therapy allows a little 23. HEARTY GLUTEN-FREE
LIFESAVERS. SBMC gives doctors important boy to overcome a rare SOUPS. Delicious and
honors area heroes. information. condition. nutritious.
We’ve taken every precaution to keep you safe. So if you’ve put off care due to COVID-19, please don’t delay it any longer.
Saint Barnabas Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/SAINTBARNABAS 3
SBMC_TOC_Winter21_final.indd 3 12/10/20 12:28 PM
HELP FOR ASTHMA
Saint Barnabas Medical Center offers
an Asthma Self-Management Education
Program, the only adult and pediatric
program in the nation to receive
certification through the American
Association for Respiratory Care. For
more information, call our Certified
Asthma Educator at 973.322.5093.
li s the mood and is a way of taking care
of our mental health.
When should a person worry about
a winter cough?
BREATHE EASIER
The cause of a cough o en depends on
how long it’s been present. For example,
a er a viral infection, a cough can linger
for up to three weeks, and supportive
THIS WINTER
care—like drinking tea with honey—may
be all that’s needed. Warning signs would
include continued fever, getting better
and then sick again, coughing up blood or
struggling to breathe.
DON’T LET COLD AIR KEEP YOU FROM BEING ACTIVE. For a more chronic cough, I would
look into treating the most common
C old, dry winter air can lead to
breathing problems. Why is that,
and what can people do about
it? Elena Burke, MD, a pulmonologist
and intensivist at Saint Barnabas Medical
experiencing worsened symptoms.
Viruses also tend to be worse in the
winter months, so everyone needs to be
taking precautions such as washing hands
fre uently, wearing a mask and avoiding
causes such as asthma, heartburn or
allergies. We can also use pulmonary
function tests, X-rays or CT scans and
blood tests to look for other causes.
Center Pulmonary Consultants in unprotected close contact with people What other conditions are you
Millburn and a member of RWJBarnabas outside of your household—especially treating at Pulmonary Consultants?
Health Medical Group, explains. indoors, as viruses can be spread through I am a general pulmonologist and am happy
droplets or through the air. to see all types of conditions or symptoms.
How can we minimize the effect of I also strongly encourage everyone That said, I have a special interest
cold air on breathing? to protect themselves by getting the flu in interventional pulmonology,
With certain conditions, like asthma and vaccine. Even though we’re well into flu including advanced procedures such as
COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary season, it’s not too late. Talk with your bronchoscopies, which can diagnose lung
disease], cold air can cause airways to doctor about whether you need the cancer at a very early, treatable phase.
constrict, making it harder for air to move pneumonia vaccine as well. I’m also very interested in interstitial
in and out. This can cause these chronic lung disease, a group of diseases that’s
conditions to be Is it OK to exercise outdoors? caused by either inflammation or
aggravated or Working out or running in cold weather can scarring of the lung tissue.
become more trigger breathing problems for some people. ulmonology o en re uires a team-
symptomatic, If you wrap a gaiter around your neck and based approach, where the pulmonologist
making it even over your mouth, you’ll breathe in warmer works closely with the patient’s primary care
more important air and you may nd it easier to exercise. care doctor and perhaps a rheumatologist,
to continue your Whether you do it indoors or out, it’s a thoracic surgeon or any one of a number
normal medications very important to continue to exercise of specialists. At Saint Barnabas Medical
and tell your throughout the winter. The more you Center, all these specialists coordinate
ELENA BURKE, MD doctor if you’re move, the stronger you’ll be. Exercise also closely on a patient’s care.
Saint Barnabas Medical Center Pulmonary Consultants is located at 235 Millburn Avenue, Suite 101,
in Millburn. To make an appointment, call 973.376.8034 or visit www.rwjbh.org/sbmcpulmonary.
Healthy Together | 4 | Winter 2021
SBMC_WinterBreathing_Winter21_final.indd 4 12/10/20 12:31 PM
IS IT A
COLD,
FLU OR
COVID-19?
HERE’S HELP FOR KNOWING
WHAT YOUR CHILD’S COLD FLU COVID-19
SYMPTOMS MAY MEAN. HOW IT Droplets expelled by Droplets expelled by Droplets expelled by
SPREADS coughing, sneezing coughing, sneezing or coughing, sneezing or
or talking; touching a talking; touching a surface talking; touching a surface
T
surface that has the that has the virus on it that has the virus on it
hese days, parents see upper- virus on it
respiratory symptoms in their
KEY Mainly upper Fever, chills, muscle aches, A wide range, including
children and worry that they
SYMPTOMS respiratory: nasal exhaustion, runny nose, sore fever, cough, shortness of
may indicate COVID-19. “If you’re congestion, sore throat, throat, headache, possible breath; sometimes, lack of
concerned, reach out to your child’s headache, possibly nausea, vomiting, diarrhea taste or smell, which may
physician,” says Robert Deutsch, MD, mild cough come on suddenly. Some
Clinical Director of the Pediatric people experience only a few
Emergency Department (ED) at Saint of these symptoms, or none
Barnabas Medical Center. “However, at all.
don’t hesitate to come to our Pediatric HOW IT’S No test; diagnosis Swab test performed by Usually swab or saliva test
ED if you feel the symptoms warrant DIAGNOSED based on symptoms healthcare provider performed by healthcare
it. We have taken every precaution provider
necessary to keep patients, visitors
TREATMENT Bed rest, fluids, Bed rest, fluids, COVID-19 treatments are
and staff safe.” acetaminophen acetaminophen or ibuprofen still in the development
A young child is more likely or ibuprofen for for fever. Consult physician stage.
to have a cold or the lu than the headache. Consult for cough, congestion and
coronavirus, Dr. Deutsch says. physician for cough nausea medications. In
“However, we do see incidences of and congestion severe or high-risk cases,
COVID-19 in all ages. It’s important medications. antiviral medications may be
to seek medical attention when it’s prescribed.
needed.” RECOVERY A few days to two A few days to two weeks, if For mild cases, about two
Take safety measures as well, he TIME weeks no complications, such as weeks; for more severe
advises: Wash pneumonia, develop cases, six weeks or more,
hands, wear a and hospitalization may be
mask, practice required
social distancing PREVENTIVE Wash hands frequently; Wash hands frequently; Wash hands frequently;
and get a flu shot. MEASURES don’t touch face; avoid don’t touch face; avoid don’t touch face; age 2 and
“The flu season close contact with close contact with infected older, wear mask; maintain
lasts through infected persons. persons. Annual flu vaccine 6 feet of distance from other
April, so it’s not is recommended for most people outside your home;
people aged 6 months and avoid close contact with
too late to get the
older. infected persons.
ROBERT DEUTSCH, MD shot,” he says.
To nd a ediatrician at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, call
888.724.7123 or isit www.rwjbh.org/saintbarnabas.
Saint Barnabas Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/SAINTBARNABAS 5
SBMC_KidsED_Winter21_final.indd 5 12/10/20 12:34 PM
Bob Rudnick is doing well
after the detection and
removal of a large cyst on
his pancreas. “I’ve been
RWJBarnabas Health and lucky,” he says.
the Cancer Center at Saint
Barnabas Medical Center, together
with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New
Jersey—the state’s only NCI-Designated
Comprehensive Cancer Center—provide
close-to-home access to the latest
treatment options. To learn more, call
844.CANCERNJ or visit
www.rwjbh.org/beatcancer.
PROACTIVE
STEPS
AGAINST
PANCREATIC
CANCER
CATCHING AND
EVALUATING GROWTHS
ON THE PANCREAS CAN
A t his routine physical exam in
the fall of 2019, Bob Rudnick’s
weigh-in showed that he had
lost 13 pounds. The weight loss was
unexplained, and his primary care
that Bob, 82, had a cyst on his pancreas.
That generated another referral, to a
surgeon with expertise in pancreatic
cysts and the risks they pose: Russell
Langan, MD, Chief of Surgical Oncology
SAVE LIVES. physician was concerned. “He suggested and Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery
I see a gastroenterologist,” says the at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and
air ield resident. “I’m lucky he did.” surgical oncologist at Rutgers Cancer
An endoscopy and CT scan revealed Institute of New Jersey.
Healthy Together | 6 | Winter 2021
SBMC_PancreaticCyst_Winter21_final.indd 6 12/10/20 12:37 PM
“It was an exceedingly large cyst—10 surgery known as a Whipple procedure,
centimeters,” Dr. Langan says. “We a complex operation in which a portion
often operate when cysts are a uarter of the pancreas is removed along with
of that size.” other parts of the gastrointestinal
Yet the concern was less the cyst itself tract, including a piece of the small
than its potential to become pancreatic intestine, bile duct and gallbladder. The
cancer. “As a cyst grows, the risk of pancreas, bile duct and stomach are then
cancer increases,” Dr. Langan says, “and reconstructed.
it’s an aggressive malignancy.”
Bob was indeed fortunate his cyst A DECISION TO MAKE
was caught. Although pancreatic cysts “Dr. Langan didn’t want to push me, but
sometimes cause weight loss and other he tells it the way it is,” Bob says. “He
symptoms, they o en escape notice. “I told me, ‘You can live with the cyst, but
was feeling like my normal self,” he says. the implication of what’s going on in PANCREATIC CYSTS:
there is not good.’” SCREENING AND
HIDDEN DANGER Dr. Langan advised Bob to think SURVEILLANCE
“Most pancreatic cysts are found about it for a week, during which time
The Pancreatic Cyst Surveillance
incidentally when you get scanned for Bob got a second opinion from a former
Program at Saint Barnabas
something else,” Dr. Langan says. “But we colleague of Dr. Langan’s in New York. Medical Center is a new, novel
believe 15 percent of Americans have a That surgeon’s verdict was the same. program helping people who
pancreatic cyst.” Bob was mindful of famous people are at risk. “The cancer risk
Some people with a pancreatic cyst who have developed or died from from a pancreatic cyst can
have a precancerous subtype. Treatment pancreatic cancer. Recent examples be as high as 60 percent and
in these cases, when administered include Supreme Court Justice Ruth as low as 2 percent. The risk
in time, can prevent cancer from Bader Ginsburg, Congressman John needs to be stratified and
developing. Some cysts don’t re uire Lewis and “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek. assessed by specialists, and we
immediate surgery but should be “Rather than live in fear, I thought, have a team that does that,”
says Russell Langan, MD,
monitored regularly for particular ‘I’ll have the operation,’” Bob says. “I
Chief of Surgical Oncology and
changes that may suggest an increased elected to have Dr. Langan perform the
Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery.
risk of malignancy. surgery because I liked him and thought
“Once you have pancreatic cancer, he was a good surgeon, and I could stay “Here at Saint Barnabas Medical
even a small, early-stage cancer can local rather than traipse into New York.” Center, we have partnered with
threaten your life,” Dr. Langan says. “It’s important to have surgery at a EON to build and roll out the
country’s first pancreatic cyst
“We’ve made great strides in treating high-volume center with high-volume
surveillance platform. Our new
pancreatic cancer, but you could receive surgeons,” Dr. Langan says. “At Saint
cloud-based system automatically
surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and Barnabas Medical Center, we check both flags patients when scans
this cancer still has the potential to come those boxes. discover pancreatic cysts so at-
back. Therefore, high-risk pancreatic “It’s not just about the surgeon but risk people can be contacted for
cysts should be removed prior to their having a team of highly trained and potential follow-up.” Patients who
developing into a pancreatic cancer.” experienced nurses and other specialists elect to enroll in the program are
Still, many high-risk patients aren’t built around care pathways that help set up to see a pancreatic expert
identi ed in a timely manner. “ ot all ensure a safe operation and postoperative and scheduled for the necessary
practitioners are knowledgeable about recovery. That has a positive impact on screening, procedures or surgery.
cyst risks and guidelines for follow-up rates of complications and on survival.” “In many cases, surveillance will
and interventions,” Dr. Langan says. “A Bob’s delicate operation took place prevent people from needing an
lot of patients fall between the cracks. in ovember . “Thank God the cyst operation,” Dr. Langan says. “We
At Saint Barnabas Medical Center and turned out to be benign,” he says. He says do not take pancreatic surgery
RWJBarnabas he felt no pain a er surgery other than lightly and only utilize it when
Health, we have soreness from the incision. absolutely necessary. However, if
taken a strong “Even my scar is hardly noticeable,” needed, we are here for you.”
approach with Bob says. “I’ve been lucky on all counts.”
preventative
medicine to catch
things early.” To learn more about the Pancreatic Cyst Surveillance
In Bob’s Program at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, call
case, Dr. Langan 973.322.6652 or visit www.rwjbh.org/sbmc.
RUSSELL LANGAN, MD recommended a
Saint Barnabas Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/SAINTBARNABAS 7
SBMC_PancreaticCyst_Winter21_final.indd 7 12/10/20 12:37 PM
A SALUTE TO
BATTALION CHIEF
BRIAN LOPAZANSKI
PERTH AMBOY
LIFESAVERS
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Battalion Chief Brian Lopazanski was
off duty when he spotted re in a two-
story house. er calling , he forced
entry and located people trapped on the
SAINT BARNABAS MEDICAL CENTER RECOGNIZES second floor. opa anski escorted them outside and returned
to continue his search, still without any personal protective
AN ELITE GROUP OF COMMUNITY HEROES. e uipment. He found an elderly woman unable to escape the
E
re on her own and guided her out. With no thought to his own
ach year, The Burn enter at Saint Barnabas Medical safety, opa anski cleared the building so re ghters could
enter honors re ghters, rst responders and civilians begin battling the bla e immediately on arrival.
for their exceptional bravery in service to the community.
The alor wards event was a virtual gathering that raised
funds for The Burn enter, the only state-certi ed burn treatment FIREFIGHTER
facility in ew ersey. To see the full list o alor ward recipients, KENEYADA THOMPSON
visit www.rwjbh.org valorawards. JERSEY CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
While off duty, ire ghter eneyada
Thompson came across a building under
heavy smoke. er calling re dispatch, he
ran into the building to conduct a search
despite not having any personal protection
or re-suppression e uipment. With the help of areem How e,
a civilian, Thompson successfully evacuated six people, then
returned to continue searching. The three-alarm re displaced
people and caused extensive damage to surrounding buildings.
CAPTAIN DANIEL MITCHELL,
FIREFIGHTER JOHN KRUSE, FIREFIGHTER
FIREFIGHTER JORDAN LANG DENNIS GALVIN
JERSEY CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT JERSEY CITY
Battling flames and smoke, aptain Daniel Mitchell and FIRE DEPARTMENT
ire ghters ohn ruse and ordan ang searched the second er forcing entry to a second-floor
floor of a residential home. inding a woman incapacitated and apartment in a building engulfed by
in respiratory distress, ruse shared his self-contained breathing flames, re ghters were confronted by
apparatus with her as the three re ghters coordinated a successful extreme hoarding conditions, which made
exit through the extremely dangerous space. it more di cult to locate the handicapped woman living there.
When they found her, she was burned, disoriented and unable
to move on her own. ire ghter Dennis Galvin immediately
FIREFIGHTER RENE RIVERA picked up the woman and carried her to safety.
PASSAIC FIRE DEPARTMENT
When ire ghter Rene Rivera put his ladder
up to the second floor of a burning home, he PAUL C. YODICE, MD
found that the trapped resident wasn’t able to This year’s Making a Difference
t through the window. Using his helmet and ommunity Service ward was
gloved hands, Rivera removed the window presented to aul . Yodice, MD,
frame, then reached in to guide the man to hairman, Department of Medicine,
the ladder. But, desperate to breathe, the victim went head rst out SBM , and the ID ritical
of the window, forcing Rivera to use all his strength to keep them are Team in recognition of their
both from plummeting to the ground. Though both were injured, extraordinary effort and care during
both re ghter and resident survived thanks to Rivera’s actions. the ID- pandemic.
To donate to The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, the only state-certified burn
treatment facility in New Jersey, call 973.322.4330 or visit www.sbmcgiving.org.
Healthy Together | 8 | Winter 2021
SBMC_Foundation_Winter21_final.indd 8 12/10/20 12:41 PM
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN
EXERCISE STRESS TEST?
• Most stress tests are done in a
cardiologist’s office. Patients should
wear comfortable clothes and refrain
from eating or smoking for four hours in
advance.
• The patient is connected to heart-
monitoring equipment, then walks on a
FAST
treadmill under the supervision of a doctor
or healthcare professional.
• At first, the pace is a gentle 1.7 miles per
FACTS hour. The pace will gradually be increased
to a brisk walk or light jog.
ABOUT
• At the same time, the incline of the
CARDIAC
treadmill is increased by two degrees every
three minutes. It begins at 10 degrees and
progresses to 16 degrees.
• The patient’s heart rate, blood pressure
STRESS TESTS
and breathing are monitored throughout
the test, which can last up to 15 minutes.
The patient can stop at any time if needed.
• After the stress test, the patient will be
MONITORING YOUR HEART WHILE YOU EXERCISE observed for five minutes during cooldown.
IS SAFE AND CAN GIVE YOUR DOCTORS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
A stress test is a way to detect STRESS TESTS ARE PRESCRIBED WHEN SYMPTOMS EXIST.
heart disease while the body is Unlike a colonoscopy or mammography, there’s no recommended age for a
in motion. person to begin having stress tests. “People need a stress test if they’re having
“We have several noninvasive tests, symptoms, usually chest pain or shortness of breath with activity, or unexplained passing
such as electrocardiogram (ECT) out,” says Dr. Mahal. “In the absence of symptoms, you might also want to do a stress
or echocardiogram, to help detect test if a patient has a family history of cardiac disease, or as a precautionary measure if a
coronary artery disease as well as heart patient who has been sedentary wants to start an exercise program.”
disease,” explains Sharan Mahal, MD,
an interventional cardiologist at Robert THERE’S NO NEED TO BE AFRAID OF A STRESS TEST.
Wood Johnson University Hospital
Somerset and a member of RWJBarnabas “It’s a simple, cost-effective and low-risk procedure,” says Dr. Mahal.
Health Medical Group. “Those tests are “You’ll be carefully monitored the whole time, and if there’s any problem at
done when the patient is sitting or lying all—which only about one in 10,000 patients will experience—be reassured that your
down. However, some people are not cardiologist is prepared and will be able to take care of you.”
symptomatic until they are exercising.”
Think of the heart as an engine, he THERE ARE DIFFERENT KINDS OF STRESS TESTS.
suggests. “You can only get so much
The most common is the exercise stress test as described in “What Happens
information when the engine is at rest;
During an Exercise Stress Test?” above. Depending on your risk factors, your
to really see how
physician may prescribe a nuclear stress test, which is the same as an exercise stress test,
it’s working, you
except that a safe radioactive dye is injected and an imaging machine is used to take
have to rev it up
pictures. If for some reason you can’t handle the physical activity of a stress test, your
and take it for a
doctor can prescribe a medication that will mimic the effects of exercise.
drive. A stress test
lets us see how
the heart acts and Your heart doesn’t beat just for you. Get it checked. To
how blood flows
through the body
connect with one of New Jersey’s top cardiac specialists,
SHARAN MAHAL, MD while it’s moving.” call 888.724.7123 or visit www.rwjbh.org/heart.
RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 9
System_CardiacStress_Winter_Final.indd 9 12/9/20 3:08 PM
CANCER
SURGERY:
PART OF A PLAN
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU’RE DECIDING
WHERE TO BE TREATED FOR CANCER
S urgery has been a mainstay of
cancer treatment for millennia—in
fact, the use of surgery to treat
cancer appears in Egyptian papyri dating
back as far as B . Today, medical
at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New
Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer
Institute-Designated Comprehensive
Cancer Center.
“The best outcome for surgery doesn’t
counseling and more—have weekly
conferences to assess individual patient
cases and make recommendations.
“These discussions aren’t about
deciding whether to do surgery versus
breakthroughs have opened exciting new just depend on what happens in the some other treatment,” explains Dr.
possibilities for the successful surgical operating room,” says Dr. Alexander. lexander. “Instead, because we
treatment of cancer. “The best outcome happens when surgery understand cancer so much better now,
As critical as surgical advances are, is integrated into a comprehensive, these discussions are about nding the
however, they’re individualized plan of care for a patient best ways to use surgery to complement
most effective who has a new diagnosis of cancer.” the latest chemotherapy, immunotherapy
when they’re part or biologic treatments.”
of a continuum COMPLEMENTARY ll treatments offered by Rutgers
of cancer care, TREATMENTS ancer Institute and RWJBH are
says H. Richard s part of the robust partnership available to any patients being treated
Alexander Jr., between RWJBarnabas Health RWJBH within the system, regardless of the
MD, FACS, and Rutgers Cancer Institute, experts facility at which the patient’s treatment
Chief Surgical from a wide range of specialties—surgical originated. Among those treatments are
cer and hief, oncology, radiation oncology, medical advanced and complex surgeries, some
H. RICHARD ALEXANDER JR., MD Surgical Oncology oncology, gastroenterology, genetics of which are only available at Rutgers
Healthy Together | 10 | Winter 2021
System_SurgicalOnc_Winter21_Final.indd 10 12/9/20 3:16 PMRWJBarnabas Health,” he says. “We
have the experience and technology to
recognize potential complications early
on and intervene as necessary.”
CANCER CAN’T WAIT
NEXT STEPS
Because of the pandemic, cancer When a patient is told that cancer
patients may have concerns about
surgery is needed, how should he or she
scheduling surgery. However, cancer
decide what to do next?
care shouldn’t be delayed. Rutgers
Cancer Institute and RWJBarnabas The rst step, says Dr. lexander,
Health facilities have taken every is to do further research. “Every doctor
precaution to keep patients, visitors wants the best outcome for their
and care-team members safe, patients, and no doctor should object to
including: a patient asking for a referral for another
• COVID-19 screening and testing of all opinion,” he says.
patients and staff prior to working in Patients also have the option
an operating room or being involved of calling the RWJBH ncology
in a surgical procedure ccess enter at . ER J
• Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting . . . “The call will be taken
practices in recovery room spaces, by a specialist who is trained to
frequently touched surfaces, exam gather information about the patient
rooms and terminals. and identify the appropriate experts
to evaluate and potentially provide
treatment for them,” explains
Dr. Alexander.
abdominal cavity, which is designed Be sure to consider the continuum
to obliterate the remaining invisible of care in the place where you will
cancer cells that may be present in receive treatment. “Treatment that is
the tissues. fragmented, or administered in different
•Preventive, or prophylactic, locations without proper coordination,
surgery, in which sophisticated testing becomes more challenging,” he says.
and analysis is used to identify high-risk “To me, it’s always best for a patient
patients and remove an organ or gland to get cancer treatment from a
before cancer can develop. This may multidisciplinary team of specialists
be recommended for people at risk of who have good communication and
developing breast, colon, endometrial, coordination, from diagnosis through
gastric, ovarian, thyroid and many other treatment, discharge and survivorship.”
ancer Institute or RWJBH facilities, types of cancer. To help keep communication flowing
including: Experience counts when it comes smoothly among all experts treating a
•Robotic surgery and laparoscopic to cancer surgery. “There’s a large body cancer patient at RWJBH facilities and
surgery. These are minimally invasive of literature showing a relationship Rutgers Cancer Institute, an oncology
and very precise, and are performed between the volume of operative nurse navigator assists each patient
with the most up-to-date technology on procedures done and how successful throughout the cancer journey.
the market. the outcomes are,” says Dr. Alexander. “When it comes to cancer treatment,
•HIPEC (hyperthermic “The more experience surgeons and patients shouldn’t move forward until
intraperitoneal chemotherapy) surgery, hospitals have, the better patients do they’re absolutely certain the best care
used for cancers that have spread to in terms of a shorter length of stay, plan has been presented to them,”
the abdominal cavity. This treatment fewer complications and the return to a says Dr. lexander. “We’re uni uely
strategy involves the surgical removal normal life more uickly. positioned to provide that plan through
of metastatic cancer, followed by “That’s something we do especially the partnership between Rutgers ancer
heated chemotherapy given within the well at Rutgers Cancer Institute and Institute and RWJBarnabas Health.”
Barnabas ealth, to ether ith ut ers Cancer nstitute the state s only C esi nated
Co rehensi e Cancer Center ro ides close-to-ho e access to the latest treat ent o tions
or ore in or ation, call 844.CANCERNJ or isit www.rwjbh.org/beatcancer
RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 11
System_SurgicalOnc_Winter21_Final.indd 11 12/9/20 3:16 PMWHAT A
HOSPITALIST
CAN DO FOR YOU
THIS DOCTOR’S SPECIALIZED SKILLS CAN GET YOU FEELING BETTER FASTER AND HOME SOONER.
I f you’re admitted to a hospital,
you’ll be cared for by a specialist
physician known as a hospitalist.
Though the specialty has been growing
fast for more than
hospitalist for 18 years and was recently
named Chief of Hospitalist Medicine
at RWJBarnabas Health. Here, she
explains what patients should know.
that patient’s care during the time the
patient is in the hospital.
How does the hospitalist
manage a patient’s care?
years, many What is a hospitalist? The hospitalist will see the patient
patients and A hospitalist is usually an internal every day during the hospital stay,
family members medicine-trained physician who has sometimes more than once. In addition
may not be undergone a residency training and is to evaluating the patient, they will spend
familiar with what dedicated to and skilled at inpatient care. a large amount of time coordinating
a hospitalist does. Whether a patient is admitted their care. This means making sure
Maninder to the hospital from the Emergency all consultants and specialists are on
“Dolly” braham, Department or as part of a planned the same page, keeping the primary
MANINDER ABRAHAM, MD MD, has been a admission, the hospitalist will manage care physician in the loop and
Healthy Together | 12 | Winter 2021
System_Hospitalist_Winter21_Final.indd 12 12/9/20 3:18 PMFAST FACTS ABOUT HOSPITALISTS
1996
IT’S A RELATIVELY NEW FIELD
60,000
IT’S GROWING FAST
30%/20% March 4
THEY SAVE TIME AND MONEY NATIONAL HOSPITALIST DAY
The term “hospitalist” was More than 60,000 Studies show that hospitalists is held on the first Thursday
coined in 1996. physicians practice hospital can reduce patient lengths of in March every year
medicine, up from just a few stay by up to 30 percent and (this year, March 4).
hundred 20 years ago. reduce hospital costs by
up to 20 percent.
Sources: Staffcare.com, Society of Hospital Medicine
to be those who are very sick. They train new hospitalists on how to talk
re uire a lot of time and attention, with them in layman’s terms and not use
“A HOSPITALIST which hospitalists are able to provide. medical jargon.
IS LIKE A STAR Primary care providers entrust their We ask families to designate one
patients to us. We become an extension person to be our contact, and we make
QUARTERBACK WHO of that primary care physician. every effort to communicate with the
KNOWS HOW TO patient’s family every day.
How does a hospitalist get up
CALL THE PLAYS to speed on a patient’s history What advantages does a
AND NAVIGATE and condition? hospitalist have when it comes
YOU THROUGH THE There is a steep learning curve on day to treating a patient?
one. The primary care or referring Hospitalists have broad knowledge
SYSTEM TO GET YOU physician sends over a patient’s ile of most illnesses and how to manage
HOME AS QUICKLY AS and has a phone conversation with the cases, including surgery patients,
hospitalist. t the irst encounter with diabetes and cancer patients and more.
POSSIBLE.” the patient, the hospitalist will do a We are specialists in inpatient
detailed history and physical exam on care. We organi e care throughout the
the patient, getting to know him or her hospital. We’re there to order tests,
as well as possible. track the results and order follow-up
Electronic sharing of medical tests promptly. We can clear a patient
records has made this process much for surgery and manage him or her post-
communicating with nurses, social easier and faster. We have access to the operatively.
workers, case managers and discharge patient’s history and to all the doctors We’re also available to explain test
planners, as well as the patient’s family. involved. In addition, we have HI - results to patients and family members
Schedules are usually in blocks of days compliant, secure text messaging, so we and respond to any medical crises.
to ensure continuity of care for patients. can communicate with other physicians Then, at discharge time, we have all the
e iciently. tools needed for a smooth handoff to
Why doesn’t a patient’s the next step of the healthcare plan.
“regular doctor” see him or her How does a hospitalist A hospitalist is like a star
in the hospital? communicate with the patient’s uarterback who knows how to call
s medicine has evolved, primary care family members? the plays and navigate you through the
doctors need to dedicate more time to Hospitalists spend a lot of time talking system to get you home as uickly as
seeing patients in an outpatient setting. In with patients and family members. We possible.
addition, as treatments have become more
sophisticated, doctors are able to treat
more patients on an outpatient basis. To find a hysician at an Barnabas ealth acility,
s a result, patients who are call 888.724.7123 or isit www.rwjbh.org/doctors.
admitted to the hospital these days tend
RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 13
System_Hospitalist_Winter21_Final.indd 13 12/9/20 3:18 PMTHE TRUTH ABOUT
DEPRESSION
AND OLDER ADULTS
SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR, AND HOW TO GET HELP
D o old age and depression
go together—especially in
a pandemic? We asked two
people who know: Jessica Israel, MD,
Senior Vice President, Geriatrics
and alliative are, at RWJBarnabas
Health, and Frank Ghinassi, PhD,
B , Senior ice resident of
Behavioral Health and ddictions at
RWJBarnabas Health and resident
or eight who are doing very well as they
transition to the later stages of their
career and life.
DR. ISRAEL: That expectation is a
stereotype and needs to change. In fact,
and hief Executive icer of Rutgers chances are that someone who has had
University Behavioral Health are. years to develop strategies to deal
with stresses in life is, in many ways,
Many people expect older adults better at coping than a younger person.
to be depressed, or at least
unhappy. Is that fair? How does social isolation affect
DR. GHINASSI: Seniors get a bad rap seniors?
about that. In fact, the age to age DR. ISRAEL: In my experience, people
group is more likely to be prone to of any age who were already prone to
depression. or every older person who depression have seen their symptoms
FRANK GHINASSI, PHD JESSICA ISRAEL, MD is struggling, there are probably seven magni ed since the pandemic began. f
Healthy Together | 14 | Winter 2021
System_SeniorsDepression_Winter21_Final.indd 14 12/9/20 3:25 PMcourse, ID- struck older adults in
disproportionate ways. I would say that
a signi cant number of my patients were
able to stay safe at home and nd new
resources to help them stay connected,
although some of them needed extra help
to nd those connections and services.
DR. GHINASSI: The folks we worry
most about have a troubling package of
circumstances for example, they live
alone, their children have moved away HOW TO THRIVE WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING
or they never had children, friends are
Seven research-backed ideas to promote physical and mental health.
beginning to die off, or they’ve moved
to a community where they don’t have
an existing network. Some may begin to • KEEP TO A CONSISTENT ROUTINE. Studies show that a regular daily
show cognitive decline. If that’s combined routine, especially a consistent pattern of sleeping and waking,
with a history of depression or anxiety, has distinct benefits for mental health. Create new routines for
daily and weekly activities, including time for self-care, such as
that’s when we get most concerned.
exercise or meditation.
What are signs of depression? • SPEND TIME WITH CRAFTS AND HOBBIES. People who take part in
DR. GHINASSI: At any age, changes creative activities feel higher levels of positive emotion, according
in baseline behavior are concerning to recent studies. Creativity includes not only hobbies such as
somebody who had a good sense of humor drawing, knitting or woodworking, but even simple activities like
no longer laughs, somebody who had a coloring or keeping a diary.
healthy appetite isn’t eating, somebody • TAKE A DAILY WALK. Walking helps maintain a healthy weight,
who was a good sleeper now has sleep improves heart health and elevates your mood by increasing your
disturbances. Have they stopped doing body’s levels of endorphins, the feel-good hormones. If you can
things they enjoy? Are they saying things get outside, so much the better: Numerous studies have shown
like, “What’s the point of going on?” that time in nature is an antidote for stress. If weather or slippery
DR. ISRAEL: These days, it may be conditions prevent going outside, put on your sneakers, put on
some music and walk in place at home.
harder to pinpoint these changes because
people have less contact with other • READ BOOKS. Reading books reduces stress, decreases blood
people they haven’t been going to the pressure and lowers heart rate. Reading actually strengthens
gym, or they no longer get together with the brain by promoting the development of neurons. Moreover,
their knitting circle. studies show that reading fiction books increases the ability
to empathize. If you use an e-reader, turn to a print book at
How can loved ones help? bedtime. The blue light from screens can interfere with sleep.
DR. ISRAEL: It’s so important to reach • LISTEN TO PODCASTS. Podcasts are mini-radio shows created on
out to someone who may be isolated every topic you can imagine, and they’re available free online or
and depressed to learn more about the through apps for iPhone or Android. A 2016 study found that
situation surrounding the person, and listening to podcasts activates multiple parts of the brain and can
what’s happening inside that situation. soothe, excite or make you laugh.
If you see signs of depression, know that • LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC. Music is an effective form of
it’s treatable. The rst step, the critical mood regulation, helping us to calm down, feel pleasure or even
one, is to reach out. indulge in a good cry. One study found that adults with chronic
DR. GHINASSI: This is the time to osteoarthritis who listened to music daily for two weeks reported
connect with seniors more fre uently less pain.
than usual. ptions range from phone • KEEP AND BUILD YOUR SOCIAL NETWORK. A range of studies has
and video calls to screen porch visits and shown that meaningful social connections increase longevity and
talking through windows even providing feelings of well-being. Stay connected by reaching out to friends
i ads. isual contact can be a godsend for and family, whether it’s via your phone or laptop, or the “old-
both the senior and his or her family. fashioned” pen-and-paper way.
To reach the hysician re erral ser ice at Barnabas ealth, call 888.724.7123 To learn about
ental health ser ices, call the Barnabas ealth Beha ioral ealth hotline at 800.300.0628.
RWJBarnabas Health | RWJBH.ORG | 15
System_SeniorsDepression_Winter21_Final.indd 15 12/9/20 3:25 PMJen Fecowycz and
her son, Oscar;
far right, Oscar
shortly after he
was born with the
congenital condition
arthrogryposis.
ONE STEP AT A TIME
INTENSIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY
ALLOWS A LITTLE BOY TO where his legs needed the most support
and creating bracing options for his
OVERCOME A RARE CONDITION. uni ue needs,” en says. ust before
J
Oscar’s second birthday, Deshefy helped
An RWJBarnabas Health facility
ennifer Fecowycz was only 13 weeks him take his rst independent steps.
pregnant when she learned her Today, Oscar is a typical 5-year-old
baby wasn’t developing normally in were needed to increase the ability of his boy who loves to spend time outside
utero. Doctors could see that he wasn’t arms to bend. He had casts on his legs hiking, swimming and throwing rocks
bending at his wrists, knees, ankles or from the age of ve weeks to six months, into the creek. He also enjoys coloring,
elbows, and diagnosed a rare condition which made rolling over a big challenge. building with Legos and playing with
called arthrogryposis—a congenital joint Oscar and his therapist Diana trucks, cars and dinosaurs. Oscar
contracture stiffness in two or more Deshefy, PT, DPT, PCS, worked on continues to see Deshefy weekly and
areas of the body. exercise modi cations. When the leg interact with all of his friends at CSH.
When Jen’s baby, Oscar, was born he casts were removed, Deshefy taught him “My advice for parents going
faced a myriad of complications: club how to roll over. Deshefy also served as through a similar situation is to take a
feet, hyperextended knees and elbows, a friend and con dant to en and made deep breath, be patient and trust your
and wrists that hooked under the wrong sure Oscar's entire care team had the therapists and the process,” Jen says.
way. All necessary healthcare services, most up-to-date information on his case. “It can be overwhelming to hear the
including surgery and casting, began “When Oscar was born, we were told therapists set goals for three, six and 12
right a er birth. Then, when he was just that the only way he’d ever walk would months and worry that your child isn’t
six weeks old, he began weekly physical be if we amputated his legs at his knees,” going to hit them. But your therapists
therapy sessions at Children’s Specialized says Jen. “Children’s Specialized made work with you and your child, adjusting
Hospital SH in Mountainside. sure that was a decision we never had the plan as needed. I’m so grateful to
to make.” Because Oscar couldn’t bend Children’s Specialized for all they’ve
TRUSTING THE PROCESS his knees, physical therapists began by done for Oscar and our entire family.”
Because Oscar couldn’t bend his elbows, having him stand and put pressure on his To learn more about Children’s
“tummy time" to strengthen the neck legs. “The team at hildren’s continued Specialized Hospital, call 888.244.5373
was very di cult. ighttime splints to work with us each week, guring out or visit www.childrens-specialized.org.
At Children’s Specialized Hospital, we provide world-class care for children and young adults who face special health
challenges across the state of New Jersey and beyond. We treat everything from chronic illnesses and complex physical
disabilities, like brain and spinal cord injuries, to developmental and behavioral issues, like autism and mental health
conditions. We have convenient locations throughout the state: Bayonne, Clifton, East Brunswick, Egg Harbor Township,
Hamilton, Jersey City, Mountainside, New Brunswick, Newark, Toms River and Warren.
Healthy Together | 16 | Winter 2021
System_CSH_Winter21_Final.indd 16 12/9/20 3:28 PMDO THIS BEFORE
YOU HIT THE SLOPES
A SIMPLE PRE-SKI WARM-UP WILL REDUCE YOUR RISK OF INJURY.
W arming up is important before any kind of exercise, but especially so for cold-weather sports, says Scott Fryczynski,
PT, DPT, at the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center. “In cold weather, you want
to be sure to get your blood flowing to warm up your muscles, which has been shown to reduce the risk of injury,” he says.
He advises the exercises shown here for a pre-ski warm-up to prepare the major muscle groups in the hips, legs and trunk that are used
while skiing. “These exercises should take no more than about minutes,” he says, “and should be done immediately before you ski,
when you’re already outside and wearing your ski clothes.”
aution heck with your physician to be sure you’re t for these and any other exercises. If you’re having pain while exercising,
make an appointment for an evaluation by a physical therapist.
Squats With Poles Into Heel Raise
• Hold your ski poles in front of you and stand with
feet shoulder-width apart. Then, bend your knees
and stick your butt out to perform a s uat.
While at the bottom of your s uat, push down on
your ski poles and extend your body to stand up
straight and then up onto your toes into a heel raise.
Repeat for two to three sets of .
Trunk Rotations
• Hold one pole
Hip Pendulums Side to Side overhead, feet
• Hold your ski poles in front of you. shoulder-width
Swing one leg on a diagonal just in front apart. Keep your
of the opposite pole, keeping your knee arms straight and
straight. Trunk Side Bends twist as far as you
• Swing your leg back toward where it • Hold one pole overhead, feet shoulder- can from le to
came from, bringing it further backward width apart. Keep your arms straight and right.
and out to the side. bend as far as you can from side to side. • Repeat for two to
Repeat for two to three sets of . Repeat for two to three sets of . three sets of .
For information about physical therapy and rehabilitation services at Saint Barnabas
Medical Center, call 973.322.7500 or visit www.rwjbh.org/sbmcrehab.
Saint Barnabas Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/SAINTBARNABAS 17
SBMC_Pre-ski_Warmup_Winter21_Final.indd 17 12/10/20 12:42 PMJOINT
REPLACEMENT:
A PATIENT’S CHOICES INCREASE THE ODDS FOR
A SUCCESSFUL JOINT SURGERY.
W hile no operation has a 100 percent success
rate, it’s worth asking some key uestions in
advance of orthopedic surgery to help ensure
a good outcome. Between 3 and 4 percent of hip and knee
surgeries are revisions—surgeries performed to compensate
for problems with the original operation—according to the
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
A major part of planning is deciding where you’ll have
your procedure done. “Whether you are contemplating
having a surgery for the irst time, or whether things
haven’t worked out correctly from the original surgery, you
want a medical center that has the ability and personnel
to ix whatever issues you have,” says rank iporace, MD,
the new hair of the Department of rthopedics at Saint
Barnabas Medical enter.
Here, Dr. iporace offers his advice for people
considering joint surgery.
What misunderstandings do people have about
orthopedic surgery?
Some people think the surgery is debilitating, that the
patient is in great pain afterward and prohibited from living
his or her regular life for a long time. None of that is true.
Now, enhanced pain management protocols enable us
to keep people’s discomfort under control without the use
of narcotics. dvancement in surgical techni ues means
the pool of people we can treat has greatly expanded,
and the materials used to make joints have much more
longevity than they did even a decade ago.
Healthy Together | 18 | Winter 2021
SBMC_Orthopedic_Winter20_Final.indd 18 12/10/20 12:35 PMDepending on what you do for a living, you could be MEET THE NEW
back to work within a week. I’ve even had some very
Type people go back to the o ice in two days.
ORTHOPEDIC CHAIR
“At Saint Barnabas Medical
What can cause an orthopedic surgery to go wrong? Center, we offer world-class
care close to home,” says new
A host of factors can contribute to problems with a
Chair of the Department of
surgery—infection, technical issues or something related
Orthopedics Frank Liporace,
to the patient’s condition, such as osteoporosis or MD. “We’re combining our
malnutrition. comprehensive orthopedic
However, the biggest factor in preventing FRANK LIPORACE, MD services, along with our sports
complications is the orthopedist’s attention to detail. medicine and concussion
Big problems can be avoided if signs are caught early on. center, into one comprehensive musculoskeletal
These can include unfounded pain, redness, discoloration institute at the Livingston campus.” A member
or a feeling of instability in the extremity during of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, Dr.
rehabilitation. Liporace has designed orthopedic implants that
are used around the world. He has made scientific
presentations nationally and internationally and has
What should a patient look for in an orthopedic
more than 70 publications in peer-reviewed journals
surgeon? and 10 chapters in orthopedic textbooks.
Do some research to check out the surgeon’s training and
years of experience, and to see whether the surgeon has been
published in evidence-based national literature and has
taught medical students and residents. You want somebody
who’s board-certi ied and well-respected in the ield. a diagnosis. Then you’ll be given options for care that are
Word of mouth is also a highly reliable referral source. If tailored to the speci ics of your case.
the surgeon has a long waiting list for elective surgery, that’s The irst step is to go through the nonoperative gamut
a sign that he or she must have had a lot of happy patients. of care—medication, injections, physical therapies and so
Because communication is so important, you should on. It’s important to know that many orthopedic issues
feel that you have timely access to evaluation and care can be treated nonsurgically. Because every surgery has the
from your orthopedic surgeon. potential for complication, patients should not have an
invasive procedure unless it is truly necessary.
How about the institution where the surgery will Many patients come to a stopping point in their
take place? journey with nonoperative therapies because those
Medical centers are ranked by many organi ations for safety treatments are enough to take care of their pain. or other
and uality. or example, Saint Barnabas Medical enter is people, the treatments work for a while, but the condition
one of only U.S. hospitals to have received an “ ” grade progresses and surgical options are considered.
for safety in every assessment done by The eapfrog Group,
among many other awards and accreditations. If surgery is indicated, what’s next?
t Saint Barnabas Medical enter, we have some of the If your options involve joint replacement, you could be
shortest lengths of stay for joint surgery patients in the cared for at the ACC or the main hospital. We can offer
tri-state area. We also have some of the lowest readmission the latest treatments and techni ues, such as robotic arm-
rates and the highest rates of patients who go straight assisted joint replacement for advanced accuracy.
home after surgery, rather than having to go to a skilled In addition, we can convert a patient’s T scan into a D
nursing facility or inpatient rehab irst. model of their knee and from there design an implant that
Orthopedic patients should look for comprehensive precisely matches the si e and shape of the patient’s joint.
care in a facility. They may need many musculoskeletal We are proud that we have a total joint program
services, including rehabilitation, physical therapy, navigator to coordinate care for each patient. In addition,
neurology, advanced imaging studies and infectious disease we invite all total joint patients to join education classes
expertise. Here, we can offer all those services under one along with a friend or family member, so they’ll know
roof, at the Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center what to expect and have the best possible outcomes.
at South range venue in ivingston.
What’s a typical journey of care for a joint To learn more about orthopedic services at
replacement patient? Saint Barnabas Medical Center, call
et’s say you come in to see us because your knee hurts. 888.724.7123 or visit www.rwjbh.org/ortho.
You’ll get an exam and radiographic studies, and receive
Saint Barnabas Medical Center | RWJBH.ORG/SAINTBARNABAS 19
SBMC_Orthopedic_Winter20_Final.indd 19 12/10/20 12:35 PMRECOVERING
FROM F or many COVID-19 patients, “getting better” is a long
journey. “This is a new disease and our understanding of
it is still developing,” says Stephen ieniewic , resident
COVID-1
and E of Saint Barnabas Medical enter SBM . “We
are seeing patients who are experiencing ongoing health and
behavioral impacts. amily members have been deeply affected
as well.”
To meet these needs, SBM has created the ost- ID-
omprehensive ssessment, Recovery and Evaluation RE
AN INNOVATIVE NEW PROGRAM program. RE is designed for patients who are still having
TREATS LINGERING SYMPTOMS. symptoms four or more weeks a er a positive ID- test,
says anessa Trespalacios, MD, RWJBarnabas Medical Group
provider and RE rogram Director.
Healthy Together | 20 | Winter 2021
SBMC_PostCOVID_Winter21_Final.indd 20 12/10/20 12:32 PMYou can also read
