J.C. Blair and PinnacleHealth Enter Partnership Negotiations

May 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Two Pennsylvania Health Systems, PinnacleHealth System, Harrisburg, and J.C. Blair Health System, Huntingdon, announced today they have entered into a period of exclusive partnership negotiations. The organizations are considering clinical affiliations and close corporate alignment to offer expanded high-quality healthcare services in the Huntingdon region. The agreement began on May 17, 2013.

The careful evaluation of partnership options stems from each organization’s recognition of the importance of maintaining quality, healthcare service in local communities.

“PinnacleHealth System is honored to be selected for these strategic partnership discussions,” said Michael A. Young, president and CEO of PinnacleHealth System. “We look forward to exploring the potential of such an arrangement with an outstanding hospital with a long history like J. C. Blair. We share the common mission of putting our patients’ needs first, which creates a strong foundation for our potential alignment.”

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Conemaugh Health System Selects First Class for Aspiring Leader Program

May 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Conemaugh Health System has selected 18 employees to participate as its first class for the newly introduced in-house Aspiring Leader Program (ALP). The two-year program is designed to provide additional education and cross-training experience for employees who aspire to grow into leadership roles within the organization.

“This program was developed to recognize the leadership potential in Conemaugh Health System staff members as well as to meet the future management needs of the organization,” says Joan Colbert, Manager of Education Resources at Conemaugh. “Aspiring leaders are assisted in affirming their desire to pursue a career in leadership, ultimately enhancing engagement and satisfaction among CHS employees.”

The Aspiring Leader program consists of three components including formal classroom training, job shadow experiences with organizational leaders and field experiences within the organization. These opportunities create an environment for networking and well as increasing understanding functions of each entity, division and department.

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Seated L to R:  Deborah Sanders, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Kimberly Gossard, Good Samaritan 4 Nursing Unit; Tammi Connah, Risk Management; Jennifer Koontz, Rose 9 Nursing Unit; Stacy Roberts, Marketing Communications

Middle row L to R:  Krista Krause, Case Management; Kimberly Gorman, Ashman 6 Nursing Unit; Jane Drzewiecki, Case Management; Anita McCoy, Home Health; Tammy Podgorney, Food & Nutrition; Deborah Morgart, Patient Accounting

3rd row L to R:  Mike Lowry, Human Resources; Todd Devers, Conemaugh Physician Group Billing; Steve Miller, School of Nursing & Allied Health; Ryan Shawley, Nuclear Medicine; Deborah Hegedus, Radiology; Veronica Burley, E6 Nursing Unit

Not pictured:  Jessica Yakicic, Laboratory

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Local Students Win at International Science & Engineering Fair

May 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Three students from the Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair competed at Intel International Science & Engineering Fair last week. The Intel ISEF, the world’s largest international pre-college science competition, provides an annual forum for more than 1,500 high school students from over 70 countries, regions, and territories to showcase their independent research as they compete for more than $3 million annually. The Intel ISEF is the premier global science competition for students in grades 9–12.

Ryan Maurer, 18, Senior at Frazier High School
Project: Rocket Motor Test System -7000 

Rishi Mirchandani, 16, Sophomore at Fox Chapel Area High School
Project: Superadditivity and Subadditivity in Fair Division

Anishaa Sivakumar,14, Freshman at Franklin Regional High School
Project: Dictyostelium Discoideum- Novel Diagnostic Tool for Lung Cancer using VOCs

From left to right, Anishaa Sivakumar, Rishi Mirchandani, and Ryan Maurer.

From left to right, Anishaa Sivakumar, Rishi Mirchandani, and Ryan Maurer.

Each student won a special award and two placed in their category.  Here are the details:

Anishaa Sivakumar was awarded a Grand Award of $500, an American flag and a framed copy of the first patent granted in the United States of America from the Patent and Trademark Office Society. The PTOS is a membership-based organization for Patent and Trademark professionals and other interested individuals. From its inception in 1917, the Society has been dedicated to the improvement and appreciation of the United States Patent and Trademark Systems through promoting the systems’ growth and well-being, as well as promoting the social and intellectual welfare of the Society members.
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Book by Duquesne University Author Named on Three Essential-Reading Lists

May 19, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Dr. Matt Drake with a student.

Dr. Matt Drake with a student.

A recently published book by Duquesne University business professor Dr. Matt Drake has been named to three different lists of essential new works on supply chain management (SCM).

Global Supply Chain Management (Business Expert Press, 2012), Drake’s first book, is an introduction to SCM basics with an emphasis on business operations in a global context. Though in print for little more than a year, it is considered recommended reading by:

  • totalsupply, an e-newsletter for supply chain and logistics professionals, which selected Drake’s book as one of five recent noteworthy titles;
  • StudyNation.com, an Indian higher education website that included the book on a list of essential reference works on the subject; and
  • The Bridgefield Group, a Georgia-based organization providing supply chain consulting and education services for various industries, which calls the book recommended reading.

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Hayden Named J.C. Blair Medical Director

May 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment
James B. Hayden, M.D

James B. Hayden, M.D

J.C. Blair President & CEO Lisa Mallon is pleased to announce the appointment of James B. Hayden, M.D., as J.C. Blair’s first medical director.  As medical director, Hayden will work part time as a liaison between the medical staff and the Health System’s administration and board.  His primary focus will be related to clinical quality and the development of a medical care model that will meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.

Hayden joined J.C. Blair Medical Services in January, after serving as family physician and medical director of the Broad Top Area Medical Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center, for a number of years. Board certified in family medicine, he has been on the medical staff at J.C. Blair since 1986.  He currently sees patients in the new Huntingdon Family Care Center at 835 Washington Street in Huntingdon and at the Trough Creek Medical Care Center in Cassville.  He will continue to see patients in these practices.

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Alzheimer’s: A Different View

May 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

For more than a decade, US sociologist Cathy Greenblat has been travelling the world studying the treatments offered to people with dementia. Her mother and two of her grandparents all developed the disease – and she wanted to understand more about the condition.

In her book – Love, Loss and Laughter – she tells positive stories of ageing, dementia and end-of-life treatment, across seven countries. Take a look at some of her touching images here, as she explains what she discovered.

Read more at BBC News.

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Timely Data: A Must for Effective Stroke Program Management

May 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

By Scott Bachik and Jan Yanko

In these tough economic times, it’s more important than ever to ensure our healthcare system is organized with exceptional leadership that understands how to run the business side of a service line, while keeping the clinical patient care perspective top of mind.  But, too often, we come across homegrown managers with excellent clinical skills who lack any formal management and/or business training.  Although some succeed, far more fail due to a gap in understanding that the programs they manage must be managed as a business.

Whether working to manage patient care, aspects of a clinical program, or a hospital’s operations, program leadership must have access to key data points that aid decision-making in real-time.  In the absence of timely data, how are we to make informed decisions?  The phrase “you can’t manage what you can’t measure” has relevance…  Although there is truth in thinking that some important aspects of “the business of healthcare” cannot be measured, it remains important to effectively measure what can be quantified in order to ensure efficient operations and appropriate allocation of resources.

How can a manager be expected to effectively improve practice, or a clinician be asked to enhance the care of a patient in the absence of good data?  For instance, consider how the lack of timely data impacts the management and care in a stroke program.

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Filed Under: Consulting

Urban Living at The Brix at 26

May 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The Brix at 26 promises urban living at its best with upscale Class-G® “green” sustainable design, inviting on-site amenities and a super user-friendly location.

Your apartment features a stylish open plan with aesthetic finishes in a hip neutral palette, WiFi access, a walk-in closet, an in-suite washer dryer, & a pantry.

Cool on-site amenities include a Media/Game Clubroom, Virtual Fitness Center, Two meeting/conference rooms, Office/Business Center, Bicycle storage – garage racks & On-site storage lockers available.

Everything you need is close by. The Brix is on a transit line, close to the South Shore Riverfront Park & Three Rivers Heritage Trail, & major thoroughfares, so getting to work & back is easy.

Call today to be one of our first residents!  855-719-4841.

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My Classmate Vince Was The Exception; The Design Process Is The Rule

May 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment

John ReddickBy John Reddick AIA

We all knew a similar classmate in High School.  In my class it was Vince.  Vince and I attended the same junior-year first-period English Composition Class.  When the class was assigned yet another five paragraph essay Vince would blow off the topic brainstorming session. He would also skip the research, the outline, and the rough drafts.

Vince would pen the first draft – which was also his final product on the bus ride to school the morning the assignment was due.  A few days later, after the teacher had evaluated the work, Vince received a better mark than most of the class even though we had spent many evenings working diligently through the process.

Vince was representative of the truly gifted among us – the exception not the rule.  To the less gifted – our only option is to respect the process. Then work smart, and work hard, to make a positive difference in the world.  An effective process combined with time, diligence, and perseverance is the key to success.

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Gallagher Home Care Services

May 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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MVH Nurse Is Honored for Mission Work

May 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Steve 
Stache (left) receives his award from Dr. Vasu Melepati.

Steve 
Stache (left) receives his award from Dr. Vasu Melepati.

Operating Room nurses help bring comfort to many people who will never know the names or faces of these dedicated health care professionals who play a significant role in helping to restore their health. Steve Stache, RN, an Operating Room nurse at Monongahela Valley Hospital, is one of those silent heroes.

Mr. Stache was surprised to receive recognition from an MVH physician during the hospital’s National Nurses Week celebration breakfast on May 9 for his contributions to the health and well-being of people throughout the world. Mr. Stache accompanied Vasu N. Malepati, M.D., an otorhinolaryngologist (a physician who specializes in disorders of the ears, nose and throat) and Chito M. Crudo, M.D. a general surgeon, on a medical mission to the Philippines in 2011.

“The award came as a complete surprise to me. ’I’ve worked with Dr. Malepati and Dr. Crudo for years and always wanted to volunteer for medical missions,” said the award recipient. “About four or five years ago I signed up for a mission but had to postpone it. When I was presented with the opportunity to travel to the Philippines with the two MVH physicians, the timing was perfect. It was a very rewarding experience. The staff of our hospital should feel very proud to know that supplies we took with us were put to great use in helping to treat the people in the Philippines.”

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From the Tribune-Review: Magee-Womens Nurse Donates $450,000

May 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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Family Hospice and Palliative Care Presents “Soul to Sole” an Unforgettable Night of Music, Dancing, Food and Entertainment

May 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Friday June 14 in Pittsburgh’s South Side

The public is invited to “kick up its heels and kick off its summer” Friday evening June 14, when Family Hospice and Palliative Care presents Soul to Sole, 6-11 p.m. at J. Verno Studios, 3030 Jane St. in Pittsburgh’s South Side. Soul to Sole will feature live music from Pittsburgh’s favorite 70s, 80s and 90s R&B band, House of Soul. The evening will also feature dancing, food, drinks, an entertainment memorabilia silent auction sponsored by Huntington and prizes for the most outrageous “soles” (footwear), sponsored by Barefoot Wine and Bubbly.

Soul to Sole is the ideal event for anyone ages 18 to 108 who loves music, food, dancing, entertainment and fun. As far as the venue, reviews on Yelp.com call J. Verno Studios “as versatile as it is impressive,” “insanely gorgeous” and “fun.”

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Monongahela Valley Hospital Honors Its Nurses

May 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment

aMVHTonyCintron copyWhen you ask someone who has received medical care at Monongahela Valley Hospital about the quality of their care, one of the first comments you will hear is “the nurses are so compassionate.” It takes a special type of person to be a nurse and MVH hires men and women who are among the best in their profession.

In celebration of National Nurses Week, May 6-12, MVH hosted a breakfast to honor its nurses. During the event, Mary Lou Murt, senior vice president of Nursing, presented the 2013 Cameos of Caring® Award to Tony Cintron, RN, progressive care unit. This prestigious award is presented annually by the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing to honor exceptional bedside nurses who work in acute care hospitals. Nurses throughout Western Pennsylvania nominate their co-workers who demonstrate excellence in nursing care, serve as advocates for patients and families and embody the essence of the nursing procession.

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Local Resident Receives Monongahela Valley Hospital’s 2013 Protin Award

May 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Monongahela Valley Hospital honored it employees, medical staff and board during the organization’s 41st Annual Service Awards Dinner on May 6 at the Willow Room in the Mon-Vale HealthPLEX in Rostraver.

Dale Varega, of Monongahela, received the 2013 Edward J. Protin Memorial Award, one of the hospital’s most prestigious honors.

Those eligible for the Protin Award have served the hospital for at least a decade, exhibited significant contributions to the health care system over and above what is required, and demonstrated the qualities of leadership, loyalty, compassion and empathy.

Monongahela Valley Hospital’s 2013 Protin Award Winner Dale Varega, of Monongahela, accepts his award at the hospital’s 41st Annual Service Awards Dinner on May 6 at the Willow Room in Rostraver, from last year’s winner, Mary Lou Murt, senior vice president of Nursing.

Monongahela Valley Hospital’s 2013 Protin Award Winner Dale Varega, of Monongahela, accepts his award at the hospital’s 41st Annual Service Awards Dinner on May 6 at the Willow Room in Rostraver, from last year’s winner, Mary Lou Murt, senior vice president of Nursing.

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