Physicians Discuss What’s Best About SVMC Page 4 Spectacular Hospital - Nurses Week Page 7 St. Vincent Times 1 st hospital in Los Angeles JUNE 2011 publication of St. Vincent Medical Center VINCENTIAN VALUES: Respect Compassionate Service Simplicity Advocacy for the Poor Inventiveness to Infinity
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Physicians Discuss What’s Best About SVMC Page 4
Spectacular Hospital - Nurses Week Page 7
m e d i c a l s t a f f
St. V incent Times2131 W. 3rd St.Los Angeles, CA 90057www.StVincentMedicalCenter.com
1st hospital in Los Angeles
April 16, 2011Marc Schwartz, MD – NeurosurgeryKFI newsradio (syndicated to CBS stations)TOPIC: Use of cell phones and brain tumors
April 19, 2011Carlos Echeverria, MD – Interventional RadiologyKRCA - Ch. 62 Spanish-language TOPIC: Latinas should get mammography screening too
May 12, 2011Thomas Horowitz, DO – Family PracticeKTLA - Ch. 5 newsTOPIC: Antivirals reduce HIV transmission
JUNE 2011 publication of St. Vincent Medical Center
VINCENTIAN VALUES: Respect Compassionate Service Simplicity Advocacy for the Poor Inventiveness to Infinity
Chief of Medical Staff Ronald Fishbach, MD and President/CEO Cathy Fickes honor cardiologist Robert Karns, MD at the Medical Staff Annual Reception at the Wilshire Country Club on May 11 for 45 years on staff at St. Vincent Medical Center.
d o c t o r s i n t h e n e w s
& n u r s i n g s t a f f
At left, nurses hold a fashion show of the latest clinical attire. At right, nurses adopt ancillary departments, bringing cookies, brownies and muffins to associates in all departments.
These and other creative new events made Hospital-Nurses Week 2011 great.
NURSE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Nicomedes Berango – 6th Floor Maricel Balingit – D-ORAnnabelle Campbell – MOTC Salvador Cervantes – POB DialysisSr. Priscilla De Guzman – D-OR Fernando Corona – RadiologyRebecca Lim – POB Dialysis Guadalupe Godina – SSUMaria Fe Little – SSU Maxsim Kazakevich – TeleLorna Lyon – Periop Zayda Lopez – 6th FloorGeorge Ocampo – 7th Floor David Martinez – 7th FloorCora Maria Pacheco – CCU Barbara McKee – Cardio/Cath LabMartha Salcedo-Gonzales – Tele Martina Olivacce – PeriopYuri Suh – TCU Rafael Zuniga – EDAlice Wong – Cardio/Cath LabMeriam Wunderlich – DICU
Congratulations to Nurse & Team Member Nominees for 2011
Nurse of the Year & Team Member of the Year
Ulysses Sandigan – ERNURSE OF THE YEAR
Jerhao Kaing – Nursing Admin.TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR
JUNE 2011
COVER STORYPhysicians explain why 10 service lines at SVMC earned “high performing” status, an honor accorded by US News & World Report. Page 4
APLC: L.A.’S HEP B RESEARCH CENTERThe Asian Pacific Liver Center (APLC) is now participating in hepatitis B studies that may offer new methods of disease treatment for CHB. Page 3
HOSPITAL-NURSES WEEK EVENTS Nurses invite a 9/11 survivor to share his experience of team formation and the value of working together to get through a life-threatening, life-altering event. Page 7
St. Vincent Times is a publication for St. Vincent Medical Staff and Associates. Please submit articles as soon as possible prior to or after an event for the earliest inclusion in the newsletter by e-mailing information to [email protected] or by calling (213) 484-5593. Medical Staff submissions may also be sent to [email protected]. Or call (213) 484-5525.
Ronald S. Fishbach, MD – chief of medical staff
Cathy Fickes – president/chief executive officer Sr. Sylvia Parks, DC – chairman of the board
The story of Michael Hingson’s 9/11 survival was a featured event of St. Vincent Medical Center’s Hospital-Nurses Week 2011. Nursing Administration selected him to give a motivational lecture to all SVMC associates.Hingson talked about “Trust and Teamwork” to an audience of nurses and other associates in Seton Auditorium on May 11. From his perspective as a blind man, Hingson told the story of his escape from the 78th floor of Tower One on Sept. 11, 2001.Without the luxury of eyesight, Hingson hurried downstairs, not as a follower but as a leader. Sighted people followed him and his guide dog on the descent, trusting the Labrador Retriever to help them navigate the darkness, and Hingson, a salesman, to maintain the calm. They formed an effective team, according to Hingson, because they were able to trust and respect one another.The relationship between Michael Hingson and his dog is something we all can learn from,” said CNO Kim Deese. “His story reminds us of the meaning of interdependence and the
crucial value of working together. It’s a compelling story and stars a dog. I knew we just had to have them here for our hospital-wide celebration.” SVT
S t . V i n c e 2 7
n t T i m e st. Vincent Medical Center has a way of personalizing national celebrations like Hospital Week and Nurses Week. Every year we try something a little bigger and better.
The third annual Food Drive was truly a success. We know that we gave from the heart and acted upon our values. We advocate for the poor on a daily basis and made this value the focus of our Hospital Week celebration.
We are also inventive to infinity. The Nursing Administration tried something new during this week of celebration by inviting a renowned motivational speaker to lecture about team-building. Nurses and all associates were invited to Seton Auditorium for a riveting lecture by Michael Hingson, a blind man, and his seeing-eye dog who led a group of people down from the 78th floor of World Trade Center Tower One on Sept. 11, 2001 before the building collapsed.
Another new and popular activity during Nurses Week, led by the Critical Care Unit, was the Adopt-an-Ancillary-Department event. Nurses from all units brought baked goodies to departments that support their patient care efforts every day. There was a great outpouring of appreciation all around.
Our physicians got into the act, as well. During Hospital Week, we hosted an educational forum for pre-med students, led by the Korean American Graduates Medical Association (KAGMA) physicians. By having our physicians inspire and coach the next generation of doctors, SVMC will be able to continue the legacy of top quality medical care for a third century and beyond.
The SVMC Medical Staff Annual Reception at the Wilshire Country Club was an excellent affair and a time for physicians to see one another in a relaxed environment.
Among the new programs that we’re implementing at SVMC is one based on the leadership principles of the Studer Group, with a heavy emphasis on rounding on one another. All associates at the hospital are getting involved in a new way, setting goals and taking global responsibility for quality of care and for everything that needs to be done. It’s my job. It’s your job. We are pulling together and working as a team.
In the coming months, units and departments throughout the hospital will continue to set specific individual and team goals in
c e o n o t e s
President/CEO
CA
TH
Y F
ICK
ES
St. V
ince
nt
Med
ical
Cen
ter
S
St. Vincent Times
n u r s e s w e e k : t e a m - b u i l d i n g
g o t c o n c e r n s ?Physicians may report safety or quality of care concerns:
physician Quality hotline: (213) 207-5783.
Call the values line at (800) 371-2176 or go online at www.dchsvaluesline.org to report concerns
confidentially and anonymously.
ho sp i t a l week : hono r s
Renowned Survivor Talks About Team-Building
Director of Professional Nursing Practice Barb Mayer introduces Michael Hingson and his new guide dog, Africa, to SVMC nurses and associates.
Jerhao “Hao” Kaing is Team Member of the Year.
Ulysses Sandigan, RN is Nurse of the Year.
ore than 600 leaders from throughout Daughters of Charity Health System
(DCHS) were energized by the first DCHS Leadership Development Institutes (LDI) held in northern and southern California on April 12 and 14, 2011. With doses of humor and story-telling, Bob Murphy, from Studer Group, engaged attendees during the day-long session, highlighting the importance of rounding and other “evidence-based leadership” strategies. Evidence-based leadership is a collection of research, tools and best practices that, when used consistently, lead to better patient experiences and outcomes.Future Leadership Development Institutes will be held on a quarterly basis. “We will meet with success if our trainings are aligned with well-defined goals,” says DCHS
President & CEO Robert Issai. “Quarterly leadership institutes will allow us to turn our training into results, and keep camaraderie strong within our health system.” “Rounding on staff ” was the number one focus during the recent groundbreaking institute. It is mandatory for all managers within DCHS to round on their associates. “This keeps the lines of communication open all the time and allows management to better understand the needs of our associates.” The subject matter for future meetings will be aligned with our organizational goals and determined by a multidisciplinary LDI planning team comprised of leaders from our Local Health Ministries and System Office.
Post LDI activities will be assigned to make sure that leaders are hardwiring new learnings and behaviors into their daily work. All associates are invited to visit the Patient Experience team site on the DCHS intranet under Shared Documents. Documents available on the site include the PowerPoint presentation from our first LDI, rounding logs, stop-light reports, and links to the Studer Group website and Press Ganey. SVT
L E A P : r o u n d i n g i s g r o u n d i n g
SVMC’s Asian Pacific Liver Center (APLC) has become the chosen research center in Los Angeles for trials of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) drug safety and treatment efficacy. With excellent patient follow-up and a steady referral base of new patients, the APLC has become the ideal location for testing new approaches to treatment.The APLC won a $205,000 grant in March 2011 to research bone density among patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The four-arm 160-patient study, which began in April, will look at patients who have active CHB infection; patients with liver cirrhosis; patients with high viral loads but normal liver enzymes; and patients with inactive CHB. The purpose of the study is to help determine whether patients with CHB have osteopenia or osteoporosis in higher numbers than the general population.Also, a study treatment protocol has begun to test a new finite treatment approach to CHB using interferon. Senior Nurse Practitioner Mimi Chang of the APLC explained that the study is part of a multi-center trial by pharmaceutical company Gilead, but that the APLC is the only study site in Los Angeles. The four arms of the study will involve treatment with interferon alone; treatment with interferon in combination with an oral antiviral drug in two different treatment periods; and treatment with an oral antiviral
drug alone. Interferon has been used successfully to inactivate an active hepatitis C viral infection (HCV), but it has not previously proven useful at inactivating CHB. However, the importance of a short-term therapy versus lifelong antiviral drugs is driving this research study. “The APLC has been qualified and selected for this research as the only site in Los Angeles,” said Mimi. “In three years, we have gained recognition in the research community and in the medical community, especially among primary care physicians. The APLC is the first place primary care physicians call when they have a CHB patient who needs further evaluation and treatment.”
A third research study ongoing at the APLC is a continuation of a 2009 hepatitis B diagnostic tool study that will be used to develop a better hepatitis B assay toolkit.The APLC is in its fourth year at SVMC and has performed more than 10,000 free hep B screenings throughout the community, especially among vulnerable populations of people who emigrated from Korea, China, Pacific Islands, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The APLC is a full clinic that provides follow-up care to people diagnosed with various forms of liver diseases. Medical Director Ho Bae, MD and Program Director Tse-Ling Fong, MD lead the APLC efforts. SVT
Oscar lives our Vincentian values every day, whether he is assisting a physician, helping a patient, or giving a hand to a co-worker. He comes to work every day with a smile on his face and a willingness to do his very best in every situation. He helps out in various areas of his department, in his role as Radiology Assistant, retrieving reports, answering phones, even transporting patients. SVT
36
S t . V i n c e
n t T i m e s
Oscar CuencaRadiology
Vincentian Spirit Award Winner
April 2011
Vincentian Spirit Award a w a r d s
APLC: the hep B research center of L.A.
From left, Carolina Lim, APLC Administrative Assistant, APLC Medical Director Ho Bae, MD, Sue Lee, LVN, and Senior Nurse Practitioner Mimi Chang (bottom) are conducting several research projects focused on medications used to treat chronic hepatitis B with liver involvement.
what ’s new: smart pumps & quick testsPHARMACY/NURSING – SVMC Nurses received training during the fourth week of March to use new Baxter Sigma smart pumps. The 350 pumps are used throughout the hospital to ensure the safe administration of medication to patients. LAB/ER – Acetaminophen and salicylate tests are now available in the Lab for patients who are suspected of having overdosed on these over-the-counter drugs.
M
m i s s i o n i n t e g r a t i o n : f o o d d r i v eSVMC associates participated in the third annual charitable Food Drive, bringing in packaged and canned food for local families in need of assistance.Associates from every department carted many pounds of food items to the hospital weigh station on May 16. A wide variety of nutritious food was donated for a total collection weighing 3,618 lbs. After the weigh-in, several associates stayed to help
sort the food on pallets for pickup by the food pantries. Sr. Patricia Miguel, DC invited volunteers from Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish, St. Vincent’s Parish, Our Lady of Talpa Parish, and Casa de Amigos to collect the food for final distribution to families.EVS and Materials Management associates helped load the food onto trucks and vans on May 17. SVT
Claire Mecija, RN, in the CCU, wins the first DAISY award on May 10, honored for extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care.
DAISY Award
4 5
S t . V i n c e n t T i m e sP h y s i c i a n s Ta l k A b o u t 1 0 “ H i g h Pe r f o r m i n g ” S e r v i c e L i n e s a t S t . V i n c e n t M e d i c a l C e n t e r
q u a l i t y / s a f e t y : o n e o f t o p 1 0 B E S T H O S P I TA L S i n G r e a t e r L . A .
Eduardo Lim, MD Hematology/Oncology
Samuel Lee MD Urology
Tariq Shah MD Nephrology
Robert Naraghi MD Transplant Surgery
Brian Itagaki, MD Orthopaedics
Jo Ann Pullen, MD Internal Medicine
Rick Friedman, MD Neurotology
Marc Schwartz, MD Neurosurgery
Phillip Ahn MD Neurology
St. Vincent Medical Center has been ranked 9th Best Hospital for 2010-2011 out of 138 in Greater Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Santa Ana. This recognition by US News & World Report is based on calculations of clinical quality data and depends upon the practice of medicine and delivery of patient care by physicians, clinicians, nurses and support staff throughout the hospital.
In addition to this overall honor, SVMC received recognition for 10 “high performing” service lines.
The question was put to physicians whose specialties were recognized as high performing:
“What is it about the way this service is practiced at SVMC that’s especially good for patients?”
NEUROSURGERY
“Given the personnel and resources available at St. Vincent’s, including the Doheny OR and ICU, we are able to carry out truly world-class surgery. We have been able to attract patients from all over the U.S. and from every continent, except Antarctica.”
– Marc Schwartz, MD
ENT
“The House Clinic is the largest center in the world for management of acoustic neuromas (AN) and we pioneered the approaches to removal of them. With SVMC, we provide consistently the best possible outcomes with the least number of complications. None of this would be possible without the wonderful staff and their expertise. One of the unique aspects of the practice is that we have a dedicated O.R., a dedicated neuro-anesthesia, and an ICU dedicated specifically to patients with acoustic neuroma.”
– Rick Friedman, MD
NEUROLOGY
“We have excellent nursing staff and a good response team in-house, good E.R. service that recognizes an acute neurological problem and provides quick and adequate service for patients.”
– Phillip Ahn, MD
ORTHOPAEDICS
“St. Vincent Medical Center received this recognition in Orthopaedic Surgery because of its esteemed members, who are among the best in California. Our department is honored to have such distinguished and reputable physicians, notably Drs. Amstutz, Schmalzried, Mynatt, and McPherson to name a few. We are also thankful for the talent of our newest members in Orthopaedic Surgery as they will allow us to continue the highest quality of care in the years to come.” – Brian Itagaki, MD
GYNECOLOGY
“Gynecology at SVMC is very specialized and focused. I bring patients because of the care they receive from nurses and support staff. I bring not just difficult cases, but the easy ones. It ’s a very good hospital.”
– Michael Lem, MD
PULMONOLOGY
“My approach to pulmonary care is by improving performance by continuing education. I encourage my colleagues to be proactive and identify areas where there is a need for improvement.At St. Vincent, we have very high compliance with pneumonia core measures. Every discipline including pharmacy, nursing and physicians do their best to provide quality care consistently. I especially want to acknowledge Core Measures Coordinator Marina Sarkisian, RN for making the process smooth and seamless.” – Anita Kriplani, MD
CANCER TREATMENT
“Each patient gets individualized treatment. Success is higher at this time because we use a multi-modality approach in caring for the patient. There is new and exciting medication in the last five years that’s made an impact on the survival of patients. We give patients cutting edge treatment. We are not followers. We are leaders. We never think about the financial aspects. If a drug is the best drug for the patient and is available, it is immediately available for our patient. – Eduardo Lim, MD
UROLOGY
SVMC provides excellent and comprehensive urological care to patients in the greater Los Angeles area. Women with urinary incontinence or pelvic prolapse can expect to improve their quality of life dramatically by undergoing simple, safe, and state-of-art outpatient procedures. SVMC also provides high quality urological care to men with voiding discomforts. Latest technologies, including Green light and Holmium lasers, are used by board certified urologists to treat BPH and urinary stone diseases at SVMC.” – Samuel Lee, MD
NEPHROLOGY
“Patients with ESRD require close supervision and attention. Renal failure is treated at SVMC as the complex disease that it is. We have many years of experience taking care of our patients and offering them state-of-the-art options for the best quality of life.”
– Tariq Shah, MD
GERIATRICS
“Our hospital focuses on diseases that affect seniors. We have the expertise to use many non-invasive techniques to minimize disability.”
– Jo Ann Pullen, MD
TRANSPLANT
“SVMC assists patients in early stages of renal insuffiency throughout the transplant process. Our nephrologists are experts in treating and managing renal failure patients and providing dialytic therapies. Wait times for organ transplant at SVMC are comparable to other transplant centers.”
– Robert Naraghi, MD
Anita Kriplani, MD Pulmonology
4 5
S t . V i n c e n t T i m e sP h y s i c i a n s Ta l k A b o u t 1 0 “ H i g h Pe r f o r m i n g ” S e r v i c e L i n e s a t S t . V i n c e n t M e d i c a l C e n t e r
q u a l i t y / s a f e t y : o n e o f t o p 1 0 B E S T H O S P I TA L S i n G r e a t e r L . A .
Eduardo Lim, MD Hematology/Oncology
Samuel Lee MD Urology
Tariq Shah MD Nephrology
Robert Naraghi MD Transplant Surgery
Brian Itagaki, MD Orthopaedics
Jo Ann Pullen, MD Internal Medicine
Rick Friedman, MD Neurotology
Marc Schwartz, MD Neurosurgery
Phillip Ahn MD Neurology
St. Vincent Medical Center has been ranked 9th Best Hospital for 2010-2011 out of 138 in Greater Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Santa Ana. This recognition by US News & World Report is based on calculations of clinical quality data and depends upon the practice of medicine and delivery of patient care by physicians, clinicians, nurses and support staff throughout the hospital.
In addition to this overall honor, SVMC received recognition for 10 “high performing” service lines.
The question was put to physicians whose specialties were recognized as high performing:
“What is it about the way this service is practiced at SVMC that’s especially good for patients?”
NEUROSURGERY
“Given the personnel and resources available at St. Vincent’s, including the Doheny OR and ICU, we are able to carry out truly world-class surgery. We have been able to attract patients from all over the U.S. and from every continent, except Antarctica.”
– Marc Schwartz, MD
ENT
“The House Clinic is the largest center in the world for management of acoustic neuromas (AN) and we pioneered the approaches to removal of them. With SVMC, we provide consistently the best possible outcomes with the least number of complications. None of this would be possible without the wonderful staff and their expertise. One of the unique aspects of the practice is that we have a dedicated O.R., a dedicated neuro-anesthesia, and an ICU dedicated specifically to patients with acoustic neuroma.”
– Rick Friedman, MD
NEUROLOGY
“We have excellent nursing staff and a good response team in-house, good E.R. service that recognizes an acute neurological problem and provides quick and adequate service for patients.”
– Phillip Ahn, MD
ORTHOPAEDICS
“St. Vincent Medical Center received this recognition in Orthopaedic Surgery because of its esteemed members, who are among the best in California. Our department is honored to have such distinguished and reputable physicians, notably Drs. Amstutz, Schmalzried, Mynatt, and McPherson to name a few. We are also thankful for the talent of our newest members in Orthopaedic Surgery as they will allow us to continue the highest quality of care in the years to come.” – Brian Itagaki, MD
GYNECOLOGY
“Gynecology at SVMC is very specialized and focused. I bring patients because of the care they receive from nurses and support staff. I bring not just difficult cases, but the easy ones. It ’s a very good hospital.”
– Michael Lem, MD
PULMONOLOGY
“My approach to pulmonary care is by improving performance by continuing education. I encourage my colleagues to be proactive and identify areas where there is a need for improvement.At St. Vincent, we have very high compliance with pneumonia core measures. Every discipline including pharmacy, nursing and physicians do their best to provide quality care consistently. I especially want to acknowledge Core Measures Coordinator Marina Sarkisian, RN for making the process smooth and seamless.” – Anita Kriplani, MD
CANCER TREATMENT
“Each patient gets individualized treatment. Success is higher at this time because we use a multi-modality approach in caring for the patient. There is new and exciting medication in the last five years that’s made an impact on the survival of patients. We give patients cutting edge treatment. We are not followers. We are leaders. We never think about the financial aspects. If a drug is the best drug for the patient and is available, it is immediately available for our patient. – Eduardo Lim, MD
UROLOGY
SVMC provides excellent and comprehensive urological care to patients in the greater Los Angeles area. Women with urinary incontinence or pelvic prolapse can expect to improve their quality of life dramatically by undergoing simple, safe, and state-of-art outpatient procedures. SVMC also provides high quality urological care to men with voiding discomforts. Latest technologies, including Green light and Holmium lasers, are used by board certified urologists to treat BPH and urinary stone diseases at SVMC.” – Samuel Lee, MD
NEPHROLOGY
“Patients with ESRD require close supervision and attention. Renal failure is treated at SVMC as the complex disease that it is. We have many years of experience taking care of our patients and offering them state-of-the-art options for the best quality of life.”
– Tariq Shah, MD
GERIATRICS
“Our hospital focuses on diseases that affect seniors. We have the expertise to use many non-invasive techniques to minimize disability.”
– Jo Ann Pullen, MD
TRANSPLANT
“SVMC assists patients in early stages of renal insuffiency throughout the transplant process. Our nephrologists are experts in treating and managing renal failure patients and providing dialytic therapies. Wait times for organ transplant at SVMC are comparable to other transplant centers.”
– Robert Naraghi, MD
Anita Kriplani, MD Pulmonology
ore than 600 leaders from throughout Daughters of Charity Health System
(DCHS) were energized by the first DCHS Leadership Development Institutes (LDI) held in northern and southern California on April 12 and 14, 2011. With doses of humor and story-telling, Bob Murphy, from Studer Group, engaged attendees during the day-long session, highlighting the importance of rounding and other “evidence-based leadership” strategies. Evidence-based leadership is a collection of research, tools and best practices that, when used consistently, lead to better patient experiences and outcomes.Future Leadership Development Institutes will be held on a quarterly basis. “We will meet with success if our trainings are aligned with well-defined goals,” says DCHS
President & CEO Robert Issai. “Quarterly leadership institutes will allow us to turn our training into results, and keep camaraderie strong within our health system.” “Rounding on staff ” was the number one focus during the recent groundbreaking institute. It is mandatory for all managers within DCHS to round on their associates. “This keeps the lines of communication open all the time and allows management to better understand the needs of our associates.” The subject matter for future meetings will be aligned with our organizational goals and determined by a multidisciplinary LDI planning team comprised of leaders from our Local Health Ministries and System Office.
Post LDI activities will be assigned to make sure that leaders are hardwiring new learnings and behaviors into their daily work. All associates are invited to visit the Patient Experience team site on the DCHS intranet under Shared Documents. Documents available on the site include the PowerPoint presentation from our first LDI, rounding logs, stop-light reports, and links to the Studer Group website and Press Ganey. SVT
L E A P : r o u n d i n g i s g r o u n d i n g
SVMC’s Asian Pacific Liver Center (APLC) has become the chosen research center in Los Angeles for trials of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) drug safety and treatment efficacy. With excellent patient follow-up and a steady referral base of new patients, the APLC has become the ideal location for testing new approaches to treatment.The APLC won a $205,000 grant in March 2011 to research bone density among patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The four-arm 160-patient study, which began in April, will look at patients who have active CHB infection; patients with liver cirrhosis; patients with high viral loads but normal liver enzymes; and patients with inactive CHB. The purpose of the study is to help determine whether patients with CHB have osteopenia or osteoporosis in higher numbers than the general population.Also, a study treatment protocol has begun to test a new finite treatment approach to CHB using interferon. Senior Nurse Practitioner Mimi Chang of the APLC explained that the study is part of a multi-center trial by pharmaceutical company Gilead, but that the APLC is the only study site in Los Angeles. The four arms of the study will involve treatment with interferon alone; treatment with interferon in combination with an oral antiviral drug in two different treatment periods; and treatment with an oral antiviral
drug alone. Interferon has been used successfully to inactivate an active hepatitis C viral infection (HCV), but it has not previously proven useful at inactivating CHB. However, the importance of a short-term therapy versus lifelong antiviral drugs is driving this research study. “The APLC has been qualified and selected for this research as the only site in Los Angeles,” said Mimi. “In three years, we have gained recognition in the research community and in the medical community, especially among primary care physicians. The APLC is the first place primary care physicians call when they have a CHB patient who needs further evaluation and treatment.”
A third research study ongoing at the APLC is a continuation of a 2009 hepatitis B diagnostic tool study that will be used to develop a better hepatitis B assay toolkit.The APLC is in its fourth year at SVMC and has performed more than 10,000 free hep B screenings throughout the community, especially among vulnerable populations of people who emigrated from Korea, China, Pacific Islands, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The APLC is a full clinic that provides follow-up care to people diagnosed with various forms of liver diseases. Medical Director Ho Bae, MD and Program Director Tse-Ling Fong, MD lead the APLC efforts. SVT
Oscar lives our Vincentian values every day, whether he is assisting a physician, helping a patient, or giving a hand to a co-worker. He comes to work every day with a smile on his face and a willingness to do his very best in every situation. He helps out in various areas of his department, in his role as Radiology Assistant, retrieving reports, answering phones, even transporting patients. SVT
36
S t . V i n c e
n t T i m e s
Oscar CuencaRadiology
Vincentian Spirit Award Winner
April 2011
Vincentian Spirit Award a w a r d s
APLC: the hep B research center of L.A.
From left, Carolina Lim, APLC Administrative Assistant, APLC Medical Director Ho Bae, MD, Sue Lee, LVN, and Senior Nurse Practitioner Mimi Chang (bottom) are conducting several research projects focused on medications used to treat chronic hepatitis B with liver involvement.
what ’s new: smart pumps & quick testsPHARMACY/NURSING – SVMC Nurses received training during the fourth week of March to use new Baxter Sigma smart pumps. The 350 pumps are used throughout the hospital to ensure the safe administration of medication to patients. LAB/ER – Acetaminophen and salicylate tests are now available in the Lab for patients who are suspected of having overdosed on these over-the-counter drugs.
M
m i s s i o n i n t e g r a t i o n : f o o d d r i v eSVMC associates participated in the third annual charitable Food Drive, bringing in packaged and canned food for local families in need of assistance.Associates from every department carted many pounds of food items to the hospital weigh station on May 16. A wide variety of nutritious food was donated for a total collection weighing 3,618 lbs. After the weigh-in, several associates stayed to help
sort the food on pallets for pickup by the food pantries. Sr. Patricia Miguel, DC invited volunteers from Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish, St. Vincent’s Parish, Our Lady of Talpa Parish, and Casa de Amigos to collect the food for final distribution to families.EVS and Materials Management associates helped load the food onto trucks and vans on May 17. SVT
Claire Mecija, RN, in the CCU, wins the first DAISY award on May 10, honored for extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care.
DAISY Award
NURSE OF THE YEAR NOMINEES TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Nicomedes Berango – 6th Floor Maricel Balingit – D-ORAnnabelle Campbell – MOTC Salvador Cervantes – POB DialysisSr. Priscilla De Guzman – D-OR Fernando Corona – RadiologyRebecca Lim – POB Dialysis Guadalupe Godina – SSUMaria Fe Little – SSU Maxsim Kazakevich – TeleLorna Lyon – Periop Zayda Lopez – 6th FloorGeorge Ocampo – 7th Floor David Martinez – 7th FloorCora Maria Pacheco – CCU Barbara McKee – Cardio/Cath LabMartha Salcedo-Gonzales – Tele Martina Olivacce – PeriopYuri Suh – TCU Rafael Zuniga – EDAlice Wong – Cardio/Cath LabMeriam Wunderlich – DICU
Congratulations to Nurse & Team Member Nominees for 2011
Nurse of the Year & Team Member of the Year
Ulysses Sandigan – ERNURSE OF THE YEAR
Jerhao Kaing – Nursing Admin.TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR
JUNE 2011
COVER STORYPhysicians explain why 10 service lines at SVMC earned “high performing” status, an honor accorded by US News & World Report. Page 4
APLC: L.A.’S HEP B RESEARCH CENTERThe Asian Pacific Liver Center (APLC) is now participating in hepatitis B studies that may offer new methods of disease treatment for CHB. Page 3
HOSPITAL-NURSES WEEK EVENTS Nurses invite a 9/11 survivor to share his experience of team formation and the value of working together to get through a life-threatening, life-altering event. Page 7
St. Vincent Times is a publication for St. Vincent Medical Staff and Associates. Please submit articles as soon as possible prior to or after an event for the earliest inclusion in the newsletter by e-mailing information to [email protected] or by calling (213) 484-5593. Medical Staff submissions may also be sent to [email protected]. Or call (213) 484-5525.
Ronald S. Fishbach, MD – chief of medical staff
Cathy Fickes – president/chief executive officer Sr. Sylvia Parks, DC – chairman of the board
The story of Michael Hingson’s 9/11 survival was a featured event of St. Vincent Medical Center’s Hospital-Nurses Week 2011. Nursing Administration selected him to give a motivational lecture to all SVMC associates.Hingson talked about “Trust and Teamwork” to an audience of nurses and other associates in Seton Auditorium on May 11. From his perspective as a blind man, Hingson told the story of his escape from the 78th floor of Tower One on Sept. 11, 2001.Without the luxury of eyesight, Hingson hurried downstairs, not as a follower but as a leader. Sighted people followed him and his guide dog on the descent, trusting the Labrador Retriever to help them navigate the darkness, and Hingson, a salesman, to maintain the calm. They formed an effective team, according to Hingson, because they were able to trust and respect one another.The relationship between Michael Hingson and his dog is something we all can learn from,” said CNO Kim Deese. “His story reminds us of the meaning of interdependence and the
crucial value of working together. It’s a compelling story and stars a dog. I knew we just had to have them here for our hospital-wide celebration.” SVT
S t . V i n c e 2 7
n t T i m e st. Vincent Medical Center has a way of personalizing national celebrations like Hospital Week and Nurses Week. Every year we try something a little bigger and better.
The third annual Food Drive was truly a success. We know that we gave from the heart and acted upon our values. We advocate for the poor on a daily basis and made this value the focus of our Hospital Week celebration.
We are also inventive to infinity. The Nursing Administration tried something new during this week of celebration by inviting a renowned motivational speaker to lecture about team-building. Nurses and all associates were invited to Seton Auditorium for a riveting lecture by Michael Hingson, a blind man, and his seeing-eye dog who led a group of people down from the 78th floor of World Trade Center Tower One on Sept. 11, 2001 before the building collapsed.
Another new and popular activity during Nurses Week, led by the Critical Care Unit, was the Adopt-an-Ancillary-Department event. Nurses from all units brought baked goodies to departments that support their patient care efforts every day. There was a great outpouring of appreciation all around.
Our physicians got into the act, as well. During Hospital Week, we hosted an educational forum for pre-med students, led by the Korean American Graduates Medical Association (KAGMA) physicians. By having our physicians inspire and coach the next generation of doctors, SVMC will be able to continue the legacy of top quality medical care for a third century and beyond.
The SVMC Medical Staff Annual Reception at the Wilshire Country Club was an excellent affair and a time for physicians to see one another in a relaxed environment.
Among the new programs that we’re implementing at SVMC is one based on the leadership principles of the Studer Group, with a heavy emphasis on rounding on one another. All associates at the hospital are getting involved in a new way, setting goals and taking global responsibility for quality of care and for everything that needs to be done. It’s my job. It’s your job. We are pulling together and working as a team.
In the coming months, units and departments throughout the hospital will continue to set specific individual and team goals in
c e o n o t e s
President/CEO
CA
TH
Y F
ICK
ES
St. V
ince
nt
Med
ical
Cen
ter
S
St. Vincent Times
n u r s e s w e e k : t e a m - b u i l d i n g
g o t c o n c e r n s ?Physicians may report safety or quality of care concerns:
physician Quality hotline: (213) 207-5783.
Call the values line at (800) 371-2176 or go online at www.dchsvaluesline.org to report concerns
confidentially and anonymously.
ho sp i t a l week : hono r s
Renowned Survivor Talks About Team-Building
Director of Professional Nursing Practice Barb Mayer introduces Michael Hingson and his new guide dog, Africa, to SVMC nurses and associates.
Jerhao “Hao” Kaing is Team Member of the Year.
Ulysses Sandigan, RN is Nurse of the Year.
Physicians Discuss What’s Best About SVMC Page 4
Spectacular Hospital - Nurses Week Page 7
m e d i c a l s t a f f
St. V incent Times2131 W. 3rd St.Los Angeles, CA 90057www.StVincentMedicalCenter.com
1st hospital in Los Angeles
April 16, 2011Marc Schwartz, MD – NeurosurgeryKFI newsradio (syndicated to CBS stations)TOPIC: Use of cell phones and brain tumors
April 19, 2011Carlos Echeverria, MD – Interventional RadiologyKRCA - Ch. 62 Spanish-language TOPIC: Latinas should get mammography screening too
May 12, 2011Thomas Horowitz, DO – Family PracticeKTLA - Ch. 5 newsTOPIC: Antivirals reduce HIV transmission
JUNE 2011 publication of St. Vincent Medical Center
VINCENTIAN VALUES: Respect Compassionate Service Simplicity Advocacy for the Poor Inventiveness to Infinity
Chief of Medical Staff Ronald Fishbach, MD and President/CEO Cathy Fickes honor cardiologist Robert Karns, MD at the Medical Staff Annual Reception at the Wilshire Country Club on May 11 for 45 years on staff at St. Vincent Medical Center.
d o c t o r s i n t h e n e w s
& n u r s i n g s t a f f
At left, nurses hold a fashion show of the latest clinical attire. At right, nurses adopt ancillary departments, bringing cookies, brownies and muffins to associates in all departments.
These and other creative new events made Hospital-Nurses Week 2011 great.
Related Documents
