First Babies of the Year at Nathan Littauer – Twins!

First Babies of the Year at Nathan Littauer – Twins!

GLOVERSVILLE, NY — Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is thrilled to announce the birth of the first babies of the year born at its Birthing Center. Baby girls Raven and Stormy Ostrander arrived on January 6th, 2025 at 7:41 AM and 7:34 AM respectively, bringing joy to the family of David Ostrander and Tatiana Rulison. Baby girl Raven was four pounds, seven ounces, and 17 inches long. Baby girl Stormy was four pounds, three ounces, and 16 and a half inches.

The Nathan Littauer Auxiliary, a group of dedicated volunteers, has been supporting the hospital and its patients for years. Their donations and contributions complement the care and services provided at the hospital. As a special part of this momentous occasion, the Nathan Littauer Auxiliary and Volunteers presented the Ostrander family with a beautifully curated basket filled with baby essentials. The thoughtful gift basket, which includes items such as diapers, blankets, stuffed animals, clothing, and more, is meant to welcome the newest members of the community with warmth and care.

“We are excited to celebrate the first birth of the year here at Nathan Littauer,” said Gayle Sandel, Nathan Littauer Auxiliary President. “And it’s even more exciting this year because the first babies are twins. This is a tradition that brings our auxiliary joy, and we’re honored to be part of such a special moment for this family.”

“We’re grateful to collaborate with the hospital and Birthing Center staff every year for this occasion,” said Nathan Littauer Auxiliary Vice President Kathy Collar.

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home would like to extend congratulations to the proud parents and their family on the arrival of their new bundles of joy. Nathan Littauer staff and volunteers alike wish them a lifetime of health, happiness, and love.

About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive,

Nathan Littauer is Pleased to Launch Fulton-Montgomery Medical with St. Mary’s Healthcare

St. Mary’s Healthcare, Nathan Littauer Hospital launch Fulton-Montgomery Medical Mohawk Valley Orthopedics – joins as first service line.

GLOVERSVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 2, 2025—Three long-standing, independent regional providers—St. Mary’s Healthcare, Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, and Mohawk Valley Orthopedics—have joined forces to ensure that orthopedic care is available where residents need it most: close to home.

The two hospitals have launched Fulton-Montgomery Medical, a professional corporation that enables them to partner   in attracting and retaining much-needed providers and medical practices.

The joint venture already is having the desired effect. As of January 2025, Mohawk Valley Orthopedics, the leading sports medicine and orthopedic group for the Mohawk Valley Region, will become a service of Fulton-Montgomery Medical, PC.

“We are pleased to work with St. Mary’s Healthcare to ensure the availability of orthopedic medicine at the traditional Mohawk Valley Orthopedic offices in Johnstown and Amsterdam,” said Sean Fadale, president and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. “Patients will maintain the ability to schedule surgical procedures at either Nathan Littauer, or St. Mary’s Hospital.”

As partners in Fulton-Montgomery Medical, St. Mary’s and Nathan Littauer will collaborate to ensure continued, ease of access to orthopedic care locally. Equally important, the hospitals will partner in recruiting additional providers to expand the scope of services offered by the practice to meet the growing orthopedic needs of the region.

The hospitals anticipate that the joint-venture may present additional opportunities to improve local access to other services that can have a positive impact on community health and quality of life.

“This collaborative approach benefits everyone involved: the hospitals, the individual medical practices and, above all, our community,” said Jeffrey Methven, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare. “Through this partnership, we can pool limited resources for certain service lines, enhance our ability to reduce duplicate expenses, and free those funds to invest in attracting and retaining highly qualified specialists. That, in turn, will result in improved, more seamless access to care.”

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About Fulton-Montgomery Medical, PC: A joint venture of St. Mary’s Healthcare and Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, Fulton-Montgomery Medical, PC, was founded in fall 2024 to help ensure continued, seamless access to essential care locally. Instead of competing on certain service lines, the two independent community hospitals created a vehicle to collaborate in attracting and retaining physicians and other providers. Orthopedics is the first specialty under this new partnership.

 

Nathan Littauer Auxiliary and Volunteers Host Annual Tree of Lights

Littauer Auxiliary’s Annual Tree of Lights Ceremony – A Celebration of Hope and Love

On the evening of December 2nd, our Auxiliary hosted its Annual Tree of Lights Ceremony in the main lobby of Nathan Littauer Hospital. This cherished event serves as a symbol of hope, love, and remembrance, as the tree will be lit throughout December to honor and memorialize loved ones.

The Tree of Lights ceremony was held in conjunction with our Auxiliary’s Gift Shop Open House, which took place from 7:00 AM on December 2 to midnight on December 3.

Individuals honored and memorialized will be displayed in the hospital lobby, and the tree will shine brightly, representing the warmth and compassion of our community. Lights for the tree are available for a $5.00 donation each and are a special gift to recognize someone important in your life.

Thank you to those who attended the ceremony, and for supporting our mission and helping to make a difference in the lives of our patients and community.

Cardiologist Dr. Iqbal Joins Nathan Littauer

Syed Iqbal, MD joins
Cardiology at Nathan Littauer

GLOVERSVILLE, NYSyed Iqbal, MD, has joined Nathan Littauer’s Cardiology Team at its Gloversville Specialty Practice. Dr. Iqbal brings over two decades of comprehensive experience in cardiology, positioning him as a valuable addition to Nathan Littauer’s Cardiology practice and to Fulton County, NY.

“Dr. Iqbal represents a stabilizing presence to the Cardiology Outpatient and Inpatient services offered by the Nathan Littauer Team,” said Senior Director of Provider Practices Emily Wright, RN, BSN, MS, MBA. “His practicing philosophy of whole-person/patient care is a gift to our community. The addition of Dr. Iqbal to our Cardiology team will ensure effective collaboration and collegiality with the team, ultimately providing our patients with safe, high-quality cardiology care. We are excited to have him.”

Since May 2003, Dr. Iqbal has been practicing as a cardiologist in a solo practice at Genesee Valley Cardiology in Dansville, NY, where he established a reputation for excellence in patient care. He served as the Director of the ICU at the University of Rochester Noyes Memorial Hospital, further demonstrating his leadership and expertise in critical care. For more than a year, Dr. Iqbal has been practicing at Nathan Littauer’s Gloversville Cardiology office while contracted with Saratoga Cardiology Associates. Now employed with Littauer, Dr. Iqbal is excited about the official transition to the Nathan Littauer team of medical staff.

Syed Iqbal, MD – Cardiologist at Littauer

“I look forward to growing our Gloversville practice,” said Dr. Iqbal. “Joining Nathan Littauer allows me to enhance the level of service I offer, collaborating with an exceptional Cardiology team. We are dedicated to the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”

Dr. Iqbal has an impressive background. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Medicine and Surgery from Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, India, in June 1982. He also holds an Associate of Science in Pre-Med from Anwar Ul Uloom College in Hyderabad, obtained in June 1974.

Some of Dr. Iqbal’s extensive career background includes roles such as: Chief of Cardiology at Castle Point VA Hospital, a fellowship in Cardiology at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, and Montefiore Medical Center, affiliated with the University Hospital of Albert Einstein. His earlier medical training includes significant residency experiences in Internal Medicine and Orthopedics in New York and Saudi Arabia.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome a provider of Dr. Iqbal’s caliber to our team of providers,” said Nathan Littauer President and CEO Sean Fadale, FACHE. “Dr. Iqbal will allow us to grow Cardiology coverage or expand Cardiology coverage for the patients we serve in our communities.”

Throughout his career, he has contributed to the field of cardiology through various publications, including studies on imaging techniques and case presentations in prominent medical journals. His commitment to advancing cardiology practices is underscored by his recognition, including a distinction in his early medical education and an award for his presentation at the Downstate Associates Poster Competition in 2000.

Dr. Iqbal is now accepting new patients at Littauer’s Gloversville Specialty Practice. To schedule an appointment, please call (518) 773-5393.

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About Nathan Littauer
Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve. More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org.

Local Teens Brighten Patients’ Days

Local Teens Brighten Patients’ Days

with Handmade Pillows at Nathan Littauer Hospital

Gloversville, NY – In a heartwarming display of community spirit, 14-year-olds Timothy VanKleeck-Eagan Jr. (HFM PTECH) and his cousin, Richard Eagan III (Mayfield Jr./Sr. High School), have made a generous contribution to Nathan Littauer Hospital. On Friday, Aug. 2, Timothy and Richard donated 30 heart-shaped pillows to the hospital’s patients.

From left: Timothy VanKleeck-Eagan Jr., his cousin, Richard Eagan III, Nathan Littauer President and CEO Sean Fadale, Birthing Center Manager Maureen Mosher, and Birthing Center Nurse Wendy Bowie.

Inspired by the memory of their late grandfather, Richard Eagan Sr., Timothy and Richard dedicated themselves to creating these comforting pillows. “I wanted to do something good and help make a real difference in the lives of those who may be in pain or need support,” said Timothy. Timothy and Richard invested over 20 hours to complete the pillows.

After certain surgeries, many patients experience discomfort. To support their recovery, Nathan Littauer provides heart-shaped pillows that patients can hug. These pillows offer relief by cushioning the surgical area when patients cough, laugh, or move. Additionally, they serve as a symbol of love and care during the healing process.

Sean Fadale, FACHE, president and CEO of Nathan Littauer Hospital, expressed his appreciation: “I had the pleasure on Friday to meet both Timothy and Richard, who generously donated 30 handmade heart pillows for our patients. I am continually impressed by the support of our community, and these two young men really impressed me with the generosity of their talent and time. What a gift! I know these pillows will provide comfort for our patients, and for that I am incredibly grateful to Timothy and Richard.”

The heart pillows are intended to provide both physical and emotional comfort to patients, especially those who underwent challenging surgeries. Maureen Mosher, manager of Nathan Littauer’s Birthing Center, remarked: “Bless their hearts for doing so much for our community, our hospital, and our patients. Our patients say they love these pillows so much, and they help ease their pain. These young boys are giving to help others in such a simple yet compassionate way – it’s absolutely amazing. We’re incredibly thankful for their time and donation.”

Additionally, the Nathan Littauer Hospital Auxiliary and Volunteers have organized a community effort to create additional heart pillows similar to those made by Timothy and Richard, to distribute to patients. Materials such as cotton, fleece, hypoallergenic stuffing, thread, and fabric scissors are needed. Donations can be dropped off at Nathan Littauer Hospital’s switchboard, labeled “Attention to: Kelly Colby.”

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About Nathan Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home is a full-service, 74-bed acute care hospital with an 84-bed skilled nursing home. Since 1894, Nathan Littauer has provided safe, high-quality health and wellness services with a focus on securing appropriate new technologies for people residing in Upstate New York. Over the years, the hospital has expanded its services in order to offer health care that is comprehensive, accessible, and relevant to the needs of the communities they serve.  More information can be found by visiting www.nlh.org. 

Littauer Welcomes Emily Wright

Meet Littauer's New Senior Director of Provider Practices

Emily Wright, RN, BSN, MS, MBA

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is thrilled to announce the appointment of Emily Wright, RN, BSN, MS, MBA, as their new Senior Director of Provider Practices. Emily brings a wealth of experience, exceptional nursing leadership skills, and a profound commitment to patient care and medical staff support to her new role.

Welcome Emily!

Emily’s academic credentials are impressive and diverse. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business from SUNY Geneseo in 2008, followed by an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rochester School of Nursing in 2011. She continued her education at the University of Rochester, achieving a dual degree in Master’s of Science in Nursing and an MBA in 2013.

Emily chose Nathan Littauer for its unique environment and commitment to personalized care. “There is a lot of uniqueness about Nathan Littauer,” she noted. “I’ve worked with larger institutions, but here, I feel privileged to directly impact patient care outcomes. The personal touch in care can mean the world to patients. When I stepped in the door, I felt like I belonged. There is a real capability for inclusiveness here—not just the idea of teamwork, but the actuality of it. Larger healthcare networks can feel impersonal and overwhelming, but here at Littauer – it feels like home.”

Throughout her career, Emily has garnered experience in various healthcare settings. She most recently worked with Honest Medical Group, a joint venture start-up partnered with Community Care Physicians, focusing on value-based care for Medicare recipients. Prior to that, she served at Albany Medical Health System as the Director of Nursing of Faculty Practices and Director of Operations of Emergency Services. Her tenure at Malta Med Emergent Care (MMEC) as the Site Administrator saw her overseeing urgent care volumes, a full-service laboratory, and a comprehensive suite of radiology services. Emily also served as a Practice Nurse with the University of Rochester in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit, honing her hands-on patient care expertise.

Emily is dedicated to enhancing the patient experience at Nathan Littauer. She aims to provide greater access to Littauer’s network of providers while maintaining and improving the quality of its services. Emily believes in fostering coordinated care within the network, ensuring efficient and complete patient-focused care. “One of the reasons I became a nurse was to become a leader,” Emily shared. “You see many great nurses who excel in patient care and bedside manner, but I wanted to be a trailblazer in understanding and leading the business behind the care. I strive to give our staff the knowledge and support they need to succeed and break down barriers.”

Emily is eager to connect with the Nathan Littauer team and the communities we serve. She emphasizes her commitment to working closely with the Littauer team to achieve the best patient outcomes. “Together, we can get the boat rowing in the same direction,” she said.

Under Emily’s leadership, we have a great opportunity to increase access and improve the quality of the care we provide. There was a highly competitive interview process to fill this role, and Emily stood out because of her experience, her clinical background, and her understanding of how to position our providers for success in the future. In her short time at Nathan Littauer, Emily is already making positive changes and fitting in well.

Sean Fadale, FACHE

Chief Executive Officer of Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home

Learn More Career Opportunities with Littauer