NATHAN LITTAUER WELCOMES NEW PEDIATRICIAN Posted on October 2, 2012October 3, 2012 by Dakota PikePediatrician has relocated to the region.Nathan Littauer announced today that a new pediatrician has joined the Nathan Littauer Family of Health Services. Walid Hanafi, MD will start seeing patients today, October 2, 2012. He is working in Littauer’s Mayfield offices Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays and at the Gloversville Primary Care Center on Fridays. “We are extremely fortunate to have found someone who has an exceptional medical pedigree and a passion for childhood health.” stated Laurence E. Kelly Hospital President and CEO. He added, “People have already commented on his warmth. I think parents and children will take to him instantly.”Dr. Hanafi completed his pediatric residency training at the Metropolitan Hospital at New York Medical College. He has special interests in childhood obesity and diseases of the thyroid and endocrine system. He also is interested in newborn screenings, and childhood growth and development.“Dr. Hanafi is a well-trained young pediatrician who has participated in research regarding endocrinology, diseases of thyroid, and growth disorders etc. With the growing need in these fields, our area is very fortunate to have his expertise.” stated Dr. Horowitz, Chief of Pediatrics for Littauer, adding, “He is very enthusiastic about getting started in pediatric practice and he will be a welcome addition to the pediatric staff at Nathan Littauer Hospital.”Dr. Hanafi (or Dr. Wally, as his patients call him) has participated in studies related to nutrition and health education for children who have diabetes and also in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. In his home country of Egypt, Dr. Hanafi participated in immunization programs delivered to children in rural areas. Dr. Hanafi is also well versed in treating critically-ill children as he spent part of his residency at the Maria Ferari Children’s Hospital treating critical and post-operative children.Dr. Hanafi also speaks Spanish and Arabic. When Dr. Hanafi reflected about relocating here he explained, “I am really impressed with how friendly the people are here. I am excited to serve this community. I believe I will fit well in the community.” He concluded, “In the coming weeks and I will work hard to gain my colleagues’ and families’ trust.” XXX
Littauer’s Susan McNeil Serves as Statewide President to Professional Association Posted on September 25, 2012September 26, 2012 by Dakota PikeNew organization formed under her leadershipSusan McNeil lead statewide organzationGloversville, NY …Nathan Littauer’s Director of Volunteer Services, Susan McNeil recently finished serving a two-year term as President of the New York State Volunteer Services Administrators, Inc. The statewide organization’s mission is to promote and contribute to the principles and practices of sound administration of volunteer services in health care organizations, and to foster the professional development of its members. Susan McNeil’s term started in 2010 and ended recently when she handed the reigns over to Julie Chrysler. In her farewell address Susan noted, “You are a great group of men and women that I have had the pleasure of working quite closely with these past two years.”Under Sue’s tenure the organization changed their association name, secured their non-for-profit status, improved their financial status and bottom line by 900% , developed a new website and launched new social media platform. Colleagues throughout the state have been very complimentary and appreciative of her leadership. Amy L. McAden, Director of Volunteer Services at Kingston Hospital, also a NYSVSA member explained, “In addition to her daily tasks of overseeing Volunteer Services, Sue McNeil promotes positive visibility and good will towards the hospital. She has set high standards by taking on additional leadership roles in advancing the practice of healthcare volunteer management. She is responsible for the advancement of our profession through management initiates and creative leadership innovations.” XXX
Stereotactic Breast Biopsies at Nathan Littauer means greater comfort and precision. Posted on September 25, 2012September 26, 2012 by Dakota PikeWomen commenting on the new systemGloversville, NY …Local women requiring biopsies to reexamine suspicious findings from their mammograms can now reap the benefits of state-of-the-art technology Littauer is using in their Diagnostic Imaging Center. The new stereotactic breast biopsy equipment is delivering greater comfort and precision to women during their breast biopsies. It is the first technology of its kind available in the Fulton-Montgomery region. “We have already heard from women who have had biopsies on our old system and now our new system and they are very complimentary and grateful for this new technology” stated Priscilla Person who works at Littauer’s Diagnostic Imaging Center.A Nathan Littauer Diagnostic Imaging staff member reviews an image of a stereotactic breast biopsy procedure performed at Littauer recently. The new equipment is ergonomically designed, allowing women to sit during the exam, well supported throughout the entire procedure. Dr. McBiles, Chief of Radiology explains, “As a radiologist comfort is paramount because greater patient comfort usually equates to better images and samples.” He added, “The computer-guided technology gives us better precision requiring smaller tissue sampling.” Dr. McBiles, continued, “The entire procedure is shortened and our patients have reported very little discomfort. The incision is much smaller so there is little if any scarring and decreased pain. Usually the entire procedure is completed within 45 minutes.” Another benefit? Women requiring a breast biopsy can avoid the operating room all together. Dr. McBiles explained, “We do biopsies in our newly renovated diagnostic imaging rooms. During the procedure, the patient sits in a specially designed, ergonomic chair, with the breast exposed. The digital machine takes focused images of the suspicious area which are viewed by the radiologist on the computer screen. The equipment then pinpoints the exact location of the breast abnormality seen on earlier mammograms by using a computer and x-rays taken from different angles.” The doctor continued, “Using exact computer coordinates; the doctor determines the site for the biopsy and administers a local anesthetic – similar to what dentist’s use. The tissue samples quickly secured with a vacuum-assisted device and the tissue samples are sent to the lab to be thoroughly examined.” Tammy Gerdes, who leads the mammogram unit for Littauer explains, “It all comes down to dignity and compassion. We strive with every exam to make our patients feel at ease and cared for. It is a stressful time.” The new technology was paid for with monies raised by the hospital’s Foundation. For more information on our advanced outpatient diagnostic radiology services people are encouraged to speak to their referring physician. XXX
Nathan Littauer obstetrics practices sets a national standard Posted on May 25, 2012September 25, 2012 by Dakota PikeApproach to labor care is deemed “particularly meritorious” by national medical group Gloversville, NY — Nathan Littauer Hospital was recently informed that its clinical approach to augment labor has been published in an American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) publication. The clinical method Littauer uses with the labor enhancing drug Oxytocin was selected as one of three national standards for other health care organizations to follow. “This is an amazing endorsement of the high-level of care we administer in our Birthing Center.” said Ginger Mulligan, Vice President of Nursing. Littauer’s Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr. Patricia Nguyen made the submission explaining, “Our clinical approach to the birthing process is very well thought out- with a foundation centered in safety and comfort.” She added, “As a clinician, I felt was worth sharing.” Dr. Nguyen continued, “Our entire team is focused upon patient safety. And I think it is that collaborative approach at Littauer that yields results.”ACOG asked hospitals to submit their protocols for using the drug oxytocin- a labor enhancing medicine used in the birthing process. In all, the organization received 23 submissions and selected three for their publication, “Optimizing Protocols in Obstetrics”. The prestigious clinical document explains, “Although many were well written and met the needs of their institution, three protocols were particularly meritorious. We are submitting these documents as examples that any hospital may want to consider for their own use.” They added, “The Committee has chosen and enclosed the oxytocin protocols from Community General Hospital, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Nathan Littauer Hospital.”ACOG has over 55,000 members and is the nation’s leading group of professionals providing health care for women. It is a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization. The Birthing Center’s Manager, Kelly Hartz explained, “This organization strives to maintain the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education for its members. To see our name printed as a standard of care is thrilling for our staff and especially our obstetrics team.” She concluded, “The organization has a stellar reputation.” To read the full document and Littauer’s special approach to the labor process readers are encouraged to visit: http://mail.ny.acog.org/website/OxytocinForInduction.pdf.Nathan Littauer’s The Birthing Center sets a national standard in clinical protocols
