Einstein Health

Congratulations to Shakyra Goodman, Nutritional Care Associate at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, who was recently presented with the Beyond Expectations of Excellence (BEE) Award. Here's what Shakyra's colleague said.

“Shakyra frequently assists patients with their dietary needs on Levy 5. Her positive attitude and smile bring comfort and care to our patients. She never complains and always follows through on any staff or patient requests. She truly deserves recognition as she makes our job easier.”

Congratulations to Helen Zhang, BSN, RN, for being honored with the
DAISY Foundation award. Helen is a clinical nurse in the Neurology unit at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital and was nominated by a grateful patient.

“My daughter needed expedited pre-authorization for a crucial seizure medication. During this very stressful situation, I was reassured knowing that Helen was advocating for my daughter with the insurance companies, staying on top of the timeline, and keeping me updated every step of the way. She always made me feel as though she was genuinely happy to help. I truly hope she remains with the neurology department long term. Helen is a true asset to neurology patients and their families!”

Dr. Erin Kelly discusses the unique challenges of cancer-related fatigue in a recent interview with CURE Today. He emphasizes the importance of physical activity during cancer treatment and offers practical strategies to gradually build stamina.

Focusing Energy on Cancer-Related Fatigue Fatigue is a common side effect that may linger for years following cancer treatment. Experts and survivors talk about ways to help find a balance between life and fatigue.

As a nurse navigator at Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital, Joanne Cipollini helps patients and their families adapt to life with cancer.

“I guide patients through the system,” Cipollini says. “I answer their questions or tell them where they can get answers to their questions. I teach them about chemotherapy, I do emotional support groups and educational programs. I’m a jack of all trades, except I don’t do treatment.”

Cipollini relates to her patients and their families all too well – and not just because she’s been a nurse for 45 years. In a tragic irony, her husband developed glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable brain cancer.

“My husband was a left-handed civil engineer with a wacky creative side,” Cipollini says. “He liked to live a bit on the edge, loved to explore, ride his bike, camp and backpack and spend time with our daughter Olivia and her friends, hauling them around on little outings for ice cream, etc. Mark came home from a business trip on a Wednesday evening, drove us to the airport for a girls trip to Ireland and two days later was unable to walk. He never returned to work again.”

After 22 tragic months deteriorating physically and mentally, Mark died in 2011.

“It was a terrible experience,” Cipollini says. But it deepened the compassion she has for patients and their families.

“I certainly had a better understanding of what people were going through,” she says of her loss. “When you do it as long as I have, you think you understand how people feel but you really can’t until you feel it yourself.”

Cipollini’s initial ambition was to become a Spanish language interpreter – at the United Nations.

But she worked part-time during high school and college at Coatesville Hospital and liked it so much that she decided to leave college, where she was majoring in Spanish, to go to nursing school.

She has no regrets.

“For those people I see through the whole course of treatment over a couple of years – what a privilege it’s been to be part of their lives for that time,” she says

“To have been able to make a difference, and provide support through the sad times, it’s very profound for me.”

PA Healthcare and Hospital Emergency Relief Fund Supports Hospital's Vital Work

Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital received $436,000 from the Pennsylvania Healthcare and Hospital Emergency Relief Fund to support the vital work of the hospital in caring for the Montgomery County communities we serve.

(L-R: Brian Sweeney, RN, MBA, FACHE, President, Jefferson Health North Region; Matt Bradford, Majority Leader of the PA House of Representatives; Amanda Cappelletti, PA State Senator; Marc Schaller, MBA, DPT, COO, Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital)

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but it's highly treatable when detected early. Know the risk factors and symptoms—early detection can save lives. https://bit.ly/4cS4KQU

After years of struggling with obstructive sleep apnea, Nicole found lasting relief thanks to Otolaryngologist Dr. Colin Huntley and an innovative upper airway stimulation device. Her journey from CPAP frustration to restful nights highlights the transformative power of this cutting-edge treatment.

From CPAP Struggles to Sleep Success: How Upper Airway Stimulation Helped Me Find Restorative Rest | Jefferson Health Nicole struggled with treating her obstructive sleep apnea for years, trying everything from CPAP machines to oral appliances. Nothing worked until she tried an innovative medical device.

Abnormal bleeding during menopause is a red flag you shouldn’t ignore. OB/GYN Dr. Rebecca Jackson shares essential insights on what you need to know about menstrual bleeding before and during menopause. https://bit.ly/4cBJv5q

Is Spotting Normal During Perimenopause and Menopause? | Jefferson Health Abnormal bleeding at any time can be concerning—here’s what to expect before and during menopause.

Proud to support the Morivivi Latino Cancer Support Group's Community Health Screening event at Taller Puertorriqueño! Our clinicians, employees, and students provided vital health screenings and resources to the North Philadelphia community. Together, we're making a difference in cancer prevention and early detection.

Want to strengthen your spine and reduce the risk of injuries? Neurological surgeon Dr. James Harrop shares expert tips on exercise, diet, and posture to help you maintain long-term strength and mobility. https://bit.ly/3MdZagE

Protect Your Backbone: 7 Tips for Maintaining Spine Health | Jefferson Health Your spine is the backbone of your well-being, literally and figuratively. But are you taking care of it the way you should?

As COVID-19 cases rise in Philadelphia, Dr. Eric Sachinwalla, Medical Director of Infection Prevention & Control at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, speaks with the PhillyVoice about the importance of getting the new COVID shots and shares prevention tips to stay safe. https://bit.ly/3YQVedn

New COVID-19 shots will be available soon, and Philly doctors say most people should get them Infections surged this summer due to new variants and hot temperatures forcing people indoors. The FDA is approved updated vaccines on Thursday.

Congratulations to recent DAISY Foundation award winner Erin McLaughlin, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse at the Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital Cancer Center. Here is what a colleague had to say:

“A fragile cancer patient who had undergone an invasive procedure, chemotherapy, and blood and platelet transfusions needed transportation home. As Erin was leaving for the night, she noticed the patient waiting on a bench on Tabor Road. She approached him to see what the problem was with his transportation. When she was unable to resolve the issue, she hired an Uber from her personal account and waited until the patient was safely in the vehicle.”

Looking to reduce food waste while keeping it healthy? Emily Rubin, RN, LDN, shares creative recipes like broccoli and avocado fries, mini pizzas with bread ends, and potato skin snacks on FOX 29.

No waste recipes reimagine ways to use commonly discarded food parts Dietitian Emily Rubin joins Good Day Philadelphia to share some no waste recipes.

Congratulations to recent DAISY Foundation award winner Deena Slevenski, BSN, RN, BSN, Clinical Nurse in the MICU unit at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital. Here is what a grateful patient had to say:

“Deena treated my uncle with the utmost dignity, respect, patience, and kindness. Not only did she care for him, but she cared for our family as well. Thank you, Deena, for everything you did for my uncle and our family. We were very blessed that you were his nurse every day during his stay”

Learn some important facts about how Jefferson promotes breastfeeding during World Breastfeeding Month! 💙 🤱 💙

Is your memory slipping? Family medicine physician Dr. Robert Danoff explains the crucial differences between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia, emphasizing the importance of early detection.

Memory Changes: What’s Normal and What’s Cause for Concern? | Jefferson Health Our brains change as we get older, but there are signs to look out for that might not be normal.

Many years ago, Susan Riley moved to Philadelphia from her hometown in Maryland to find a better life. She also found a lifetime job.

Because, with the exception of a brief maternity leave and a short-lived retirement, Riley has been working at the Department of Psychiatry at Jefferson Einstein Hospital for more than 50 years.

She’s outlasted seven department administrators, moved from building to building as the department relocated, and worked as a receptionist, a secretary, and now is part-time administrator of a city-funded program for troubled school children.

“I liked what I was doing and the people I worked with,“ Riley says about why she stayed so long. The work also gave her the opportunity to fulfill her responsibility as a mother of four children – and accomplish her dream.

“All my life, I wanted to be a secretary,” she says. Riley was the secretary to the department administrator for 13 years, among her other jobs.

Riley is now the administrative coordinator of the Student Assistance Program (SAP) at Jefferson Einstein, one of four agencies contracted by the city to identify and assist Philadelphia school students who are experiencing barriers to learning.

“The teachers or counselors will refer students with problems to us,” Riley says. “Our assessors evaluate the cases and refer them to case managers who connect students to the right program.“

“I take the referral and get it to the proper assessor. Just knowing the students can get help makes me feel good.”

When the SAP program was briefly suspended in 2013, she says, Riley retired. It didn’t last long.

“While I enjoyed the time off, do you know what I did every day?” she says. “I went to a different store every day buying stuff I didn’t need because there was nothing else to do.”

So when the program was reinstated six months later and she was asked to return, she agreed. “I’m a person that likes to be busy.”

The years have brought loss to Riley; her 27-year-old son died in 1995 after heart surgery. She recently lost her brother and so many friends in her gospel singing group have “gone home,” that the group is currently on sabbatical. But her faith – and her job at Jefferson Einstein – have kept her going.

She still sings in the church choir at Oak Grove Baptist Church. And, she says, “My longevity on this job was made by the grace of God.”

Family medicine physician Dr. John Russell shares insights on vaccination guidelines and the importance of staying up to date with immunizations.
https://bit.ly/3M3Hp3z

How Do You Know if Your Vaccines Are Still Working? | Jefferson Health Vaccines protect our immune systems and overall health throughout adulthood. Here’s what to know about your vaccine and immunity status.

Congratulations to Yvonne Hammonds, clerk and phlebotomist at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, for receiving the July 2024 Mission Moment Award. Yvonne was recognized for going above and beyond, showing her dedication to our patients and their family members. Here’s what her colleague had to say:

"Yvonne Hammonds was moving her car when she saw a man pouring water on an unresponsive woman in another vehicle. She asked if he was alright, and the man replied, 'No, this lady is unresponsive.' Yvonne called security but was advised to call 911 as the car was off hospital property on 11th Street between Tabor and Olney. While speaking to 911, another woman arrived to assist. With no pulse detected, Yvonne and the man alternated performing chest compressions until they restored a pulse. A police officer then arrived and took over. Yvonne returned to work unscathed, saying she was just doing what she was trained to do. In addition to being a phlebotomist, Yvonne is also a certified Medical Assistant."

Congratulations to Dr. Gunjan Kahlon, Division Chair-Hospitalist Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital for receiving The Lynne & Abelardo Lechter Award for Physician Excellence.

“Dr. Kahlon is deeply committed to patient care and the institution. She consistently goes above and beyond in her work. Her integrity, humility, and genuine concern for others serve as an inspiration.”

Dr. Brooke Worster discusses the innovative Same Day/Next Day Cancer Care program at Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson with the Philadelphia Inquirer, highlighting how it provides immediate support and resources to newly diagnosed cancer patients.

You found out you have cancer. A Jefferson program can help you through it Need help with transportation, child care, and paying medical bills? Jefferson offers a suite of supportive oncology care within a day of a cancer diagnosis — even for non-Jefferson patients

Wearable Technology Saves the Day: Dr. Erica Harris, an emergency medicine physician at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, shares her story with the Philadelphia Inquirer about how her wearable health device alerted her to a dangerously high heart rate, helping her prevent a potential stroke.

This Philly doctor credits her Apple Watch with saving her life during heart emergency. One Philly doctor credits her Apple Watch with alerting her to a dangerously high heart rate.

Could your smile be the key to protecting your heart and mind? Certified nurse practitioner Jennifer Bidey, DNP, explains how maintaining good oral hygiene can help safeguard your overall health.
https://bit.ly/3WD8sbU

The Hidden Dangers of Poor Oral Health: Impact on Brain and Heart Health | Jefferson Health Good dental hygiene can protect against chronic inflammation and associated health issues.

Congratulations to Raelynne Jordan, MSN, RN, CEN, Emergency Department Nurse Manager for receiving the May 2024 Mission Moment Award at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital. Raelynne was recognized for going above and beyond, showing her dedication to our patients and their family members. Here’s what her colleague had to say:

“While driving home on Broad Street, Raelynne witnessed a boy lying semi-conscious in the street. She immediately stopped to assist the injured child. Raelynne coordinated bystander assistance, including calling 911 and gathering contact information for the boy’s parents. Upon EMS arrival, she assisted with patient care by requesting necessary equipment and coordinating with the ED. The critically injured boy, diagnosed with bilateral subdural hematomas, was transported to St. Christopher’s Hospital.”

Whether you're planning a European getaway or a beach day at the Jersey Shore, protect your eyes, skin, and body with these essential summer safety tips. 🌞 🏖️ https://bit.ly/43DfVYY

Summer Safety Guide: Tips for Keeping Mishaps at Bay as the Weather Heats Up | Jefferson Health Summer is the season of fun. Learn how to keep the good times rolling with our experts' tips on preventing common summer injuries.

Are you suffering from frequent headaches? Dr. Michael J. Marmura discusses headache causes and treatments with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, advising when to seek medical help, especially for older adults with persistent symptoms. https://bit.ly/4fCzTKE

Getting ahead on headaches - Philadelphia Corporation For Aging It is important for people having frequent headaches to bring it up early in conversations with their pri­mary doctor.

Dr. Chhavi Kaushik discusses conflicting breast cancer screening guidelines with PhillyVoice, emphasizing the importance of providing patients with comprehensive information so they can make informed decisions about when to begin mammogram screenings.

Mixed messages about mammograms can leave women confused about when to get them Two Philadelphia breast cancer specialists say recommendations from the American College of Radiology and American Society of Breast Surgeons are the ones to follow.

Most doctors and nurses help save patients’ lives in operating rooms, or emergency rooms, or patient rooms.

But Anthony Scornaienchi helps saves lives in boiler rooms – and other rooms filled with pipes, wires and machinery. He’s a mechanic, not an MD, and can be as pivotal to patient safety and comfort as anyone in a white coat.

“If anything happens with the boiler room, it affects the operating room, the whole cycle of the hospital’s function,” says Scornaienchi, Director of Operations at Jefferson Einstein Hospital, who helps manage the physical plant. “I go into a patient room if there’s a problem with plumbing or heating or air conditioning or general problems. I’m not a doctor but I feel that I’m helping a patient by making them comfortable,” he says.

Scornaienchi, who’s been at Jefferson for 53 years, also is responsible for roofing installation and repair, outdoor brick work, the welding shop, the plumbing department and coordinating with contractors involved in new construction.

Not to mention unanticipated crises, such as COVID. “We never took a day off during COVID,” he says. “We were deeply involved with each floor. We created a negative air pressure system in the operating room to protect everyone. It was actually thrilling to use my knowledge for something like that."

When Scornaienchi was a little boy, he’d occasionally tag along when his father, a mechanic, went to work. “I always wanted to go into the mechanical end of the trades,” he says. “I wanted to prove that I could do the same thing and do it better.”

Scornaienchi was 17 years old when he was hired at Einstein as a construction “helper.” After a stint in the military, he returned to Einstein, learned air conditioning and heating on the GI Bill, and eventually was promoted to head mechanic. He was promoted to plant manager in 2006.

Scornaienchi is gratified by the changes made after Einstein merged with Jefferson Health, particularly the installation of a central air conditioning system. “We used to have air chillers in all five buildings here which we had to maintain separately,” he says. “Things have been better since Jefferson took over. We’ve got great leadership and it’s all very supportive.”

And though he’s now 71, Scornaienchi is sticking around so that he can continue to manage the physical plant, and help save lives in his own way.

“Basically, it’s a good place to work,” he says. “Thank God I feel healthy enough to come in here and do what I have to do.”

Congratulations to Dr. Valorie Haves, Assistant Chair and Medical Director of the Crisis Response Center at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital for receiving The Lynne & Abelardo Lechter Award for Physician Excellence.

Dr. Valorie Haves, who directs the CRC, is highly respected by staff and her physician colleagues for her outstanding clinical judgment. As the assistant chair and CRC director, she supports residents, navigates complex cases, and coordinates with different departments to ensure proper patient disposition. Her expertise is further demonstrated by her past role on the national board of oral examiners for the ABPN oral boards.