December 2009 - Ecmc.edu

Volume 4; Issue 6 2009
Message from ECMC Corp. CEO
Jody L. Lomeo - pg. 2
ECMC Participates in operation
Vigilant Guard 2009 - pgs. 4-7
Dr. Jehle – Recipient of the
“Extraordinary HERO Award” - pg. 8
Two ECMC Administrators complete
prestigious Leadership Buffalo
program - pg. 8
Andrew Kwiatkowski – Recipient of the
“Extraordinary Care Award” - pg. 9
ECMC Executive Administrator Ken
Richmond Appointed to Board of New
Charter School - pg. 9
ECMC Corporate Training Director Rita
Hubbard-Robinson, JD, Honored as
Black Achiever in Industry - pg 10
World Transplant Games Medal
Winners Celebrate the Gift Of Life
with Medal Presentation to ECMC’s
Dr. Venuto - pg. 11
National Kidney Foundation Hosted
Holiday Tree Decorating Ceremony for
Transplant Recipients and Organ Donors
at ECMC - pg. 12
Great Lakes Health premiers at
Community Expo - pg. 13
Dr. Roger Seibel Memory Lives On - pg. 13
FBI 2009 Director’s Community
Leadership Award presented to Pastoral
Care Chaplain Cobb - pgs. 14-15
Trocaire College Partners with ECMC
to Establish Dedicated Nursing
Education Unit - pg. 16
Nurse, Employee, Volunteer
Recognition - pgs. 17-19
Holiday Festivities - pgs. 20-21
A Publication of ECMC Corporation
THE CULTURE OF CARE
ECMC Selected by
the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation to Kick Off
Participation in National
Health Care Quality Initiative
Mark C. Barabas, DHA, FACHE,
President and Chief Operating
Officer, ECMC Corp.
Bonnie Ann Glica, MS, RN,
Senior Vice President of
Nursing, ECMC Corp.
Charlene Ludlow, RN, MHA,
Patient Safety Officer,
ECMC Corp.
Cover story continued on pg. 3

A Message from ECMC CEO
Jody L. Lomeo
During this holiday season, I’d like to let you
know how thankful and blessed I feel to be part
of ECMC. Some of you may know how special
ECMC is, but many people never really know
until you have friends and family who are
treated here. I hear from many patients and
family members about the care and service
provided at ECMC, and I can tell you that
of all the organizations I have worked for, or
volunteered with, I have never been more
proud of an organization that I am associated
with than I am of ECMC.
I am also proud of the new clinical growth
coming to our campus as a result of our
partnership with Kaleida and Great Lakes
Health. ECMC will be the home of the new
world-class transplant center and we will see
a new orthopedic center on our campus. Plans
are already underway and the teams from both
Kaleida and ECMC have been working hard to
make the vision of the physicians on the Great
Lakes Health Professional Steering Committee
a reality. In addition, ECMC will have both a
financial and clinical role in the new Global
Vascular Institute being built on High Street in
the Medical Corridor. These are exciting and
historic times that will move our health care
system faster than any point in the last 30 years.
Jody L. Lomeo
ECMC Corp. CEO
Jody L. Lomeo, ECMC Corporation CEO (center, right) testifies to oppose further state health care budget cuts together with: Joseph D.
McDonald, Catholic Health President and CEO (left); Donald L. Trump, MD, Roswell Park Cancer Institute President and CEO (center,
left); and James R. Kaskie, Great Lakes Health and Kaleida Health President and CEO (right).
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In addition to my appreciation for our
employees and physicians, I have to publicly
thank the ECMC Corporation Board of
Directors, the ECMC Lifeline Foundation Board,
and the hospital volunteers for the hundreds of
volunteer hours they dedicate to ECMC and
the patients we serve. They take time away
from their families and jobs to ensure the
success of ECMC and lead us to better
health care.
Furthermore, I am thankful for the trust built
with our new partners at Kaleida Health and
Great Lakes Health. This trust was built on a
common focus to create better health care for
our community and patients. I am confident
that all campuses of the new Great Lakes Health
system will see growth and become nationally
and internationally recognized hospitals for
Western New York and the nation.
Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season and a
prosperous new year.
Sincerely,
Jody L. Lomeo
Chief Executive Officer
ECMC Corporation

David Anderson,
Director of Patient
Access Services,
ECMC Corp.
Karen Ziemianski,
RN, MS, Assistant
Director of Nursing,
ECMC Corp.
Cover story continued
ECMC Kicks Off Participation in National
Initiative to Improve Health Care Quality
In 2002, the Institute of
Medicine issued a groundbreaking
report entitled
Unequal Treatment. The
report provided evidence
that racial and ethnic
minorities were more likely
to receive lower-quality
care than whites, particularly
when treating heart
disease and cancer.
To address the need for real-world solutions to
improve the quality of health care for racial and
ethnic minority patients in communities across
the country, ECMC is pleased to announce
participation in the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation’s Aligning Forces for Quality: Equity
Quality Improvement Collaborative (Equity QI
Collaborative). A multidisciplinary team at
ECMC is working together to identify and
address racial and ethnic disparities in cardiac
care, and to test solutions.
“Serving a racially and ethnically diverse
community, ECMC is committed to ensuring
that all of our patients receive the highest-quality
of care all of the time,”said Jody L. Lomeo,
Chief Executive Officer, ECMC Corporation.
“Participating in the Equity QI collaborative will
demonstrate that we are committed to taking a
leadership role to improve patient care and help
eliminate disparities in our nation’s health care
system,”stated Mark C. Barabas, D.H.A.,
F.A.C.H.E., President and Chief Operating
Officer, ECMC Corporation.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation explains
that “The Equity QI Collaborative is part of
Aligning Forces for Quality (AF4Q) signature
effort to lift the overall quality of health care in
targeted communities, reduce racial and ethnic
disparities, and provide models for national
reform. Hospitals in the 15 communities (across
the nation) currently participating in AF4Q were
given the opportunity to apply to participate in
this component of the initiative. It is one of
three AF4Q National Collaboratives that will be
offered to hospitals to improve the quality of
care for people in their communities.”
“Models and resources to identify and address
racial and ethnic disparities that exist in our
country are required by all health care providers.
We need quality-improvement strategies that are
effective and replicable,”said Bonnie Ann Glica,
Senior Vice President of Nursing for ECMC
Corporation. “Our participation in the Equity
QI Collaborative enables us to develop the
tools necessary to deliver lasting change that
improves the quality of care for all patients.”
Along with other collaborative hospitals, ECMC
will participate in a “learning network”to test
new ideas, quantify results and share lessons
learned. Program successes will be shared
nationwide, giving other hospitals concrete and
effective initiatives to adopt in their own busy
hospital environments.
An introductory Equity QI Collaborative program
was held in Washington, D.C. in October.
Representatives from ECMC and other selected
hospitals received two days of intensive training.
After learning about program successes, the
ECMC team returned to Buffalo with a multitude
of ideas of innovations to implement.
To launch the program at ECMC, communications
materials have been produced and placed
in numerous areas throughout the hospital to
inform patients and visitors about ECMC’s
participation in the Equity QI Collaborative.
The communications explain that the reason
staff members are asking questions about race,
ethnicity and language is to enable ECMC to
more equitably deliver health care to all
patients…“We Ask Because We Care.”
Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation, the Equity QI Collaborative is
overseen by The Center for Health Care
Quality at The George Washington University
Medical Center School of Public Health and
Health Services.
For additional information about the Equity
QI Collaborative at ECMC, please e-mail:
BGlica@ecmc.edu or call 716-898-3129.
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ECMC Participates in operation
Vigilant Guard 2009 by Daniel P. McCartan, RN, CMS, Emergency
Preparedness Coordinator, ECMC
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The largest military/civilian
disaster response exercise
ever held in New York
State brought more than
1,500 troops from six states and
the US Virgin Islands to the
Niagara Frontier Region the first
week of November.

The drill was part of Vigilant Shield, a series of
exercises run by United States Northern
Command which has the responsibility for the
defense of the mainland United States, and for
response to domestic disasters. The exercise
gives the military, especially the Army and Air
National Guard Forces, the chance to practice
emergency response operations with local, state,
regional and federal partners in preparation for
both natural disasters and terrorist attacks. In
the case of Erie County, it allowed our local first
responders to work side by side with the military
and better prepare for future emergencies. In
the words of Brig. Gen. Michael Swezey, commander
of the Guard's Joint Task Force 6, "This
exercise was developed from lessons learned
from the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and from
Hurricane Katrina…Vigilant Guard is an opportunity
for military and civilian professionals to
train together and prepare for a potential catastrophe
we all naturally hope will never happen."
In the exercise scenario, an earthquake measuring
5.9 on the Richter Scale hit near the Buffalo
State College campus on October 30, at 2:00 P.M.
The earthquake caused tremendous damage to
the urban core of Buffalo, Erie County and southern
Niagara County. Included in the damage
was significant destruction to most of the healthcare
facilities in the area, including the estimated
loss of 55%-75% of the ECMC Campus. These
figures were based on scientific research
conducted by the University at Buffalo and
their earthquake simulation center. As the
“emergency”played out, the National Guard
was called out by the Governor to support the
local emergency responders.
Here at ECMC, several things were occurring in
relation to the drill. ECMC was selected as one
of the receiving hospitals for actual injuries
coming from the various drill sites in Erie and
Niagara Counties. In preparation for this, ECMC
continued
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ECMC Participates in operation Vigilant Guard 2009
continued
MED-CENTER 6 Pulse
staff members had been meeting with the
medical planners from the NYS Division of
Military and Naval Affairs for the past 6 months,
preparing for all possible scenarios. This
included a visit to the Emergency Department
(ED) on Sunday, November 1st by members of
the 446th Area Medical Company (Glens Falls)
which had the responsibility of transporting
actual casualties from the drill sites. All
communications between the military
ambulances and the ED were done via cell
phones as the ambulances are not equipped
with our local MERS radios. Additionally,
ECMC participated in several communications
drills starting on the 30th of October and
culminating with a test of our amateur radio
system on the evening of November 4th.
Perhaps the most visible participation in the drill
was the landing of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter
in ECMC’s K-lot heliport on Thursday,
November 5th. The flight medic and two flight
surgeons were brought to the Burn Treatment
Center where they picked up a simulated burn
patient to evacuate to another Burn Treatment
Unit. This followed the exercise scenario exactly,

since in a real disaster, those patients that are
the easiest to move would be evacuated first and
the most difficult would be moved last. The Klot
heliport was used because the weight of the
Blackhawk is almost twice that of a MercyFlight
craft and the rotor downwash produces winds
nearing 80 mph upon takeoff and landing, rendering
our present landing pad unusable for
large frame helicopters.
The Blackhawk landing could not have been
accomplished without the work of several different
parties. Special thanks goes out to the
ECMC Plant Operations Department for making
emergency repairs to the K-lot landing pad on
the day prior to the landing; to our Police
Department for assuring the safety of the
Landing Zone; to Rural Metro Medical Service
for assigning two Advanced Life Support (ALS)
units to use during the drill to allow for the
transfer of the flight crews and the burn patient;
and finally to the Buffalo Fire Department’s
Engine 31 which stood-by during the transfer as
though it was a real event, meaning that the
crews did not shut down the aircraft while waiting
for the patient to be moved from inside the
Medical Center. This disaster drill was conducted
with as much realism as possible and reflected
ECMC’s role as the Adult Regional Trauma
Center and the Regional Resource Center
for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster
Response.
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Dr. Jehle – Recipient of the
“Extraordinary HERO Award”
ECMC Board of Directors Member and
Associate Medical Director Dietrich Jehle, MD,
accepts Extraordinary Hero Award from Board
Chair Sharon L. Hanson (right) and CEO Jody
L. Lomeo (left).
Two ECMC
Administrators
complete
prestigious
Leadership
Buffalo program
ECMC Corporate Training Director
Rita Hubbard-Robinson, JD, and Senior
Vice President of Operations Kenneth A.
Richmond, MHA, FACHE, graduated this
November from the well-respected
Leadership Buffalo program. Leadership Buffalo
“…develops and unites leaders from diverse
backgrounds and perspectives to increase their
knowledge and understanding of community
issues, broaden their vision, and enhance
individual and collective ability to lead.”
8 MED-CENTER Pulse
On October 29, 2009, The ECMC Corporation
Board of Directors honored one of their own,
Dr. Dietrich Jehle, ECMC Associate Medical
Director, Emergency Room Physician, and Board
of Directors Member, by presenting Dr. Jehle
with the “Extraordinary HERO Award.”
On September 3rd, 2009, Dietrich Jehle was
traveling to a Buffalo Bills football game where
he provides medical care to fans and support
medical care to players. While in route on
the southbound Niagara Thruway, Dr. Jehle
observed a multi-vehicle crash that occurred
immediately ahead of him. At the scene of
the accident, Dr. Jehle directed, triaged and
administered emergency care to treat crash
victims. As part of his response, he also put
his life at risk directing/assisting in the rescue
of a driver and two young passengers from
a burning and severely damaged car. He
represents the very best at ECMC and he
exemplifies the expert care delivered at the
Medical Center every day.
ECMC Corp. Sr. VP of Operations Ken
Richmond (left) and ECMC Corporate Training
Director Rita Hubbard-Robinson pose with
certificate of completion and award after
completion of the prestigious Leadership
Buffalo program.

Andrew
Kwiatkowski –
Recipient of the
“Extraordinary
Care Award”
The ECMC Corp. Board of Directors presents
the Extraordinary Care Award to Andrew
Kwiatkowski, Information System
Specialist/Junior Clinical Analyst,
Healthcare Information Services, ECMC.
During the October 2009 ECMC Board of
Directors meeting, the Board recognized Andrew
Kwiatkowski with the Board’s“Extraordinary
Care Award.” Andrew has been employed at
Erie County Medical Center within the
Healthcare Information Services (HIS/IT)
Department for approximately six years as an
Assistant Information System Specialist and
Junior Clinical Analyst. During this time,
Andrew demonstrated his dedication to solving
business and clinical problems through technological
applications. Recently, Andrew was
assigned to support the Emergency Room
implementation of the electronic tracker boards
(eliminating the need for the grease board) and
creating a more comprehensive, real-time view
of patient information. Andrew and the team’s
success and energy allow ECMC to continue
using technology to solve business problems,
and to improve patient care. His willingness
and dedication to engage the user community
and listen to their needs, think of solutions that
were ‘out of the box,’ and produce a collaborative
team approach with clinicians, administrative
and IT staff, proved Andrew Kwiatkowski
to be a leader and invaluable in the success of
this project.
ECMC Executive
Administrator Ken
Richmond Appointed
to Board of New
Charter School
ECMC Corporation Executive Administrator
Ken Richmond, Senior Vice President of
Operations, was recently appointed to the board
of the “Health Sciences Charter School,”which is
scheduled to open in August of 2010 in the town
of Tonawanda. As stated in its mission statement,“The
primary purpose of the Health
Sciences Charter School is to provide highschool
age youth in Erie County, and especially
those students within the City of Buffalo, with
academically challenging learning environments
that prepare them to communicate effectively,
think and reason critically, value diversity,
engage in service learning, pursue academic
excellence, and obtain sustainable and quality
careers in the health sciences industry.”
Partners in this Charter School include:
Catholic Health System, Community Health
Center of Buffalo, Communication Workers of
America, Erie Community College, Erie County
Medical Center Corporation, HealthNow
New York, Kaleida Health, and Roswell Park
Cancer Institute.
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ECMC Corporate Training Director
Rita Hubbard-Robinson, JD, Honored
as Black Achiever in Industry
ECMC Corporate Training Director Rita
Hubbard-Robinson, JD, was recently honored
as a Black Achiever in Industry award recipient.
Sponsored by 1490 Enterprises, The Black
Achievers in Industry Awards recognize individuals
who have achieved excellence in their professional
fields. As ECMC's Corporate Training
Director, Rita Hubbard-Robinson, JD, is responsible
for both hospital employee education and
training, and programs designed to create pathways
into the medical professions. She also
serves as the ECMC lead with Great Lakes
Health in conducting community outreach initiatives.
In addition to corporate training programs
at ECMC, highlights of Rita Hubbard-
Robinson’s “pathways programs”include the
ECMC Healthcare Professions Conference for
7th graders. This interactive hands-on conference
held at the Buffalo Museum of Science in
spring 2009, offered 200 Buffalo Public School
students an opportunity to learn about healthcare
professions and explore the world of science.
Also to her credit, Ms. Hubbard-Robinson
coordinated the second annual summer youth
internship program at ECMC. Youths in the program
were taught the fundamentals of being
10 MED-CENTER Pulse
Rita Hubbard-Robinson, JD
(right), recently recognized as
Black Achiever in Industry,
poses for portrait with ECMC
Corporation CEO Jody L. Lomeo.
successful in the workplace. Each year,
this program serves over 100 high school
students in the Western New York community,
representing a variety of public, private, charter,
and parochial schools.
Ms. Hubbard-Robinson has developed
various partnerships and programs that have
enhanced community services in the Buffalo
area. Committed to both cultural groups
and community development, Rita Hubbard-
Robinson serves as: Chairperson of the
Langston Hughes Institute, Inc., President of
the WNY HR, EEO Diversity Professionals
Network; and Chairperson of the Hamlin Park
Taxpayer Association’s Marketing Committee.
Ms. Hubbard-Robinson has received various
awards that include: the 2008 Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. Social Justice Award, from NYS Senator
Antoine Thompson; the Professional Award in
June 2004, from the Buffalo Chapter of the
National Association of Negro Business and
Professional Women’s Clubs; and the 2000
Executive of the Year Award from the YWCA
of Western New York. Most recently,
Ms. Hubbard-Robinson was inducted as a
2009 Leadership Buffalo member.

World Transplant Games Medal Winners
Celebrate the Gift Of Life with Medal
Presentation to ECMC’s Dr. Venuto
The World Transplant Games were held from
August 22 to August 29, 2009, in Queensland,
Australia (The Gold Coast). Over 51 countries
and 900 athletes competed in the “Transplant
Olympics.” The purpose of the games is to
celebrate the gift of life, to promote organ
donation, and to demonstrate to the world
that transplantation works.
Cattaraugus resident Bob Watson competed in
the shot put and brought home a silver medal.
Buffalo resident Barbara Breckenridge, who just
celebrated the 10th anniversary of her kidney
transplant, competed in track and field and won
five medals: a bronze in the 3K Road Race, a
gold in the 400-meter Sprint, a silver in the 200-
Meter Sprint, a bronze in the Cricket Ball Throw,
and a bronze for time for Team USA in the 3K
Road Race. These two Western New Yorkers
wanted to celebrate the gift of life by honoring
the team at ECMC who guided them through
their kidney transplant procedures/experiences.
On December 17, 2009, at ECMC, through the
support of the National Kidney Foundation
(NFK), Watson and Breckenridge presented one
of their medals to Rocco C.Venuto, MD, FASN,
Medical/Transplantation Director, Nephrology
(Renal/Kidney Services), Erie County Medical
Center.
On December 17, 2009, ECMC kidney transplant
patient Barbara Breckenridge (center) presented
to Dr. Rocco C. Venuto, Medical/Transplantation
Director, Nephrology, ECMC, the second of two
of several medals she won at the World Transplant
Games. ECMC kidney transplant patient and
another World Transplant Games medal-winner
Bob Watson was also present to recognize
Dr. Venuto and his transplant team.
Shown in recognition of Dr. Rocco C. Venuto (center
left), Medical/Transplantation Director, Nephrology,
ECMC, and his ECMC transplant team, after he
accepted two World Transplant Games medals won
and presented by ECMC kidney transplant patient
Barbara Breckenridge (center right) are ECMC CEO
Corp. Jody L. Lomeo (left) and ECMC kidney
transplant patient Bob Watson (right).
Breckenridge said,“It is because of all of the staff
in the Renal Department at ECMC that we were
able to meet the challenge of the transplant
games. The treatment and care we receive for
our kidney disease through Dr.Venuto and the
ECMC team allows us to live the life we are able
to lead today. We wanted to share this accomplishment
with these dedicated professionals.”
The NKF is a major health organization seeking
to prevent kidney and urologic diseases, improve
the health and well-being of individuals and
families affected by these diseases, and increase
the availability of organs for transplantation.
For more information visit www.kidney.org
and www.nkfofwny.org or call (716) 835-1323.
MED-CENTERPulse
11

National Kidney
Foundation
Hosted Holiday
Tree Decorating
Ceremony for
Transplant
Recipients and
Organ Donors
at ECMC
The National Kidney Foundation Serving
Western NewYork hosted its annual Give Life,
Give Thanks Holiday Tree Decorating Ceremony for
organ donors and transplant recipients at ECMC
on Wednesday, November 18, 2009. The symbolic
ceremony brought together those who
have given the gift of life through organ and
tissue donation, organ transplant recipients,
and those waiting for a life-saving organ. The
event was free of charge and included speakers,
refreshments, music, and tree decorating.
Rocco C.Venuto, MD, FASN, Medical/
Transplantation Director, Nephrology
(Renal/Kidney Services) ECMC, said, “The Erie
County Medical Center is delighted to once
again be the site of this recognition ceremony.
The program is another important component
of the hospital’s mission as a Transplant Center
and the premiere organ recovery center in
Western New York.”
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(l. to r.) ECMC Corp. CEO
Jody Lomeo, Dr, Rocco
Venuto, ECMC Lifeline
Foundation Executive
Director Gia Coone.
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is a
major health organization seeking to prevent
kidney and urologic diseases, improve the
health and well-being of individuals and families
affected by these diseases, and to increase the
availability of organs for transplantation.
The ECMC-hosted National Kidney Foundation
Holiday Tree Decorating Ceremony honoring
families of organ/tissue donors, living donors,
transplant recipients, dialysis patients and those
waiting for a transplant in our community—was
sponsored by the ECMC Lifeline Foundation.
Additionally, the ECMC Lifeline Foundation
sponsored the ECMC Transplant Department
Holiday Party for Hemodialysis Patients.

Great Lakes Health premiers
at Community Expo
Great Lakes Health (GLH) was the premier
sponsor for the WUFO 1080 AM Radio – 2009
Expo and Health/Job Fair held on Saturday,
November 7th at the Buffalo Convention
Center. Healthcare exhibits were on display
where together, ECMC and Kaleida Health
presented an excellent showing of services
to the community. GLH provided services/
presented information pertaining to: Blood
Pressure, Cholesterol and Glucose Screenings;
HIV/AIDS information and screenings; Stroke;
Skilled Nursing Facilities; dental hygiene from
UB Dental; Health Insurance; Poison Control; as
well as Kaleida careers and scholarships. The
showing was very impressive; the staff members
interacted and engaged with over 780 patrons,
answering many questions pertaining to their
personal health, and how Great Lakes Health
will impact the quality of their healthcare in the
future. This was the first of many community
initiatives where ECMC and Kaleida Health are
presented as GLH, and was a great opportunity
for Kaleida/ECMC colleagues to meet and show
area residents that together we are committed
to “advance the health of our community!”
Dr. Roger Seibel Memory Lives On
On November 13, 2009, the memory of Dr.
Roger Seibel was honored during a tree dedication
ceremony in the circle of the Employees
Entrance. Dr. Seibel’s wife, Kathleen, chose the
location for the tree so that daily, as staff passed
by, Roger and his commitment to the care of
burn victims would be remembered. ECMC
staff from throughout the hospital joined Father
Francis Mazur to bless and dedicate the blue
spruce that was purchased and planted by the
staff of the Burn Treatment Center. A plaque
with the following inscription was placed
beneath the tree:
In Honor of Roger W. Seibel, MD
“Real success is in finding your
Lifework in the work that you love.”
D. McCullough
With Love and Respect,
The Burn Team
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FBI 2009 Director’s Community
Leadership Award presented to
Pastoral Care Chaplain Cobb
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James H. Robertson, Special Agent in Charge
(SAC) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) Buffalo Field Office, selected Pastor
Kenyatta T. Cobb as the 2009 FBI Director's
Community Leadership Award (DCLA)
recipient. SAC Robertson presented Pastor
Cobb with the commemorative award on
Friday, December 11, 2009, at ECMC.
The FBI presents the DCLA annually on behalf
of its Director, Robert S. Mueller III. It was
created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals
and organizations for their efforts in combating
crime, terrorism, drugs, and for contributing
toward civil rights education/prevention. Each
year, the Special Agent in Charge of each FBI
Field Office has the opportunity, with input
from FBI employees, to select an individual
or organization that has made a significant
difference in the lives of others.
Pastor Kenyatta T. Cobb is the pastor of the
Hananiah Lutheran Church, Buffalo, New York.
He uses this position to develop and support
young individuals and others in the community
through his motivational speeches at youth
symposiums, national night out events, and
community walks. Pastor Cobb fights against
the ills of urban degeneration daily.
Pastor Cobb is also the Senior Chaplain for the
Erie County Sheriff’s Department and Chaplain
for the City of Buffalo, New York, Police
Department. He works closely with law
enforcement officers and serves as a liaison for
families who have been touched by violence.
He proudly offers personal support to police
officers as they protect and serve. His love for
life is apparent as Chief Trauma Chaplain at

ECMC, where he aids victims of crimes. Pastor
Cobb is committed to supporting law enforcement
as Coordinator of the Faith-Based
Department of Justice – City of Buffalo Weed
and Seed Initiative and as a member of the
Western District of New York United States
Attorney’s Office’s Project Exile.
After graduating from the 2001 FBI Citizens’
Academy, Pastor Cobb sensed there was a need
to do more in his community so he began to
bridge needed resources. In late 2001, Pastor
Cobb founded the Western New York Law
Enforcement Chaplains Association as an
avenue to train dozens of local clergy members
(representing various faiths) to provide added
support for law enforcement officers; members
serve as catalysts in their communities and
assist with issues concerning gangs, violence
and drugs.
Currently, Pastor Cobb serves as one of Buffalo’s
youngest African American historians. Often
heard saying at the end of conversations “see
you on the battlefield,”he dedicates his energy
and passion to the residents of Western New
York. He continues to work tirelessly establishing
community outreach efforts to include an
after-school program focusing on computer
technology, developing a male mentoring
initiative, teaching basic skills and responsibilities,
and offering Karate and Judo classes that
focus on discipline.
FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, will present
Pastor Kenyatta Cobb with the 2009 FBI DCLA
during a formal ceremony at FBI Headquarters,
Washington, DC, in March of 2010.
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Trocaire
College
President Paul
B. Hurley Jr.,
Ph.D., discusses
the teaching/learning
environment
at ECMC for
Trocaire nursing
students.
Trocaire College Partners with ECMC
to Establish Dedicated Nursing
Education Unit
ECMC Corp. CEO Jody Lomeo announces
Trocaire-ECMC Dedicated Education Unit
partnership.
On December 2, 2009, the Trocaire College
McAuley School of Nursing and the Nursing
Department at Erie County Medical Center
announced their participation in a Clinical
Educational Service Partnership. The project
entails implementation of a Dedicated Education
Unit (DEU). This project represents the first
such effort, involving a two-year college, to pilot
the effectiveness of the Dedicated Education
Unit in the Western New York health care
community.
A Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) is an inpatient
clinical unit that is developed into an optimal
teaching/learning environment. Through
the collaborative efforts of nurses, management,
and faculty, the clinical setting is designed to
provide students with a positive clinical learning
environment that maximizes the achievement of
student learning outcomes. It utilizes proven
teaching/learning strategies, and capitalizes on
the expertise of both clinicians and faculty.
While the traditional approach of Trocaire’s clinical
experiences assigns one Trocaire nursing faculty
member to supervise and provide clinical
education to nine students, the DEU model
allows specially trained ECMC nurses to share
their clinical experience and knowledge with
two Trocaire student nurses providing personalized
attention and instruction.
“The DEU was a great learning experience,”
noted Trocaire nursing student Sena Ho. “With
the one nurse per two student ratio, I got a lot of
hands-on experience that I probably would not
have gotten otherwise.”
The objectives of the DEU are to: utilize staff
nurses to assist in the clinical competence of
MED-CENTER 16 Pulse
undergraduate students; provide clinical education
for an increased number of students; assist
and support the professional development of
staff nurses; and provide a prepared pool of
potential resources for workforce recruitment.
“The Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) provides
optimal teaching/learning through collaborative
efforts of the ECMC nurses and Trocaire College
nursing faculty, stated Mary Ann Deb, RN, MS,
MBA, Trocaire PN/RN Clinical Coordinator. “The
DEU instructor provides students with a positive
clinical learning environment and capitalizes on
the expertise of ECMC nurses. Each Trocaire
nursing faculty member works directly with
ECMC staff as a coach and facilitates the transfer
of classroom learning to practice. The DEU is
built on the belief that the ECMC staff nurse’s
role is vital to the development of the Trocaire
College nursing student’s knowledge and skills.”
The unit selected in which to implement this
training program during the fall of 2009 was
7 South, ECMC’s Trauma Step-down Unit.
“When I think of Trocaire graduates, I am
reminded of “the four Cs of Nursing”—caring,
compassion, competence, and consistency.
These mirror the ECMC Nursing Mission and
Vision,”explained Karen Ziemianski, RN, MS,
Assistant Director of Nursing, ECMC.
The Dedicated Education Unit concept draws
from the experiences of Flinders University in
South Australia where the DEU concept was
developed. The University of Portland School of
Nursing piloted the model on the West Coast.
The model provides a framework for clinical
instruction. Thinking in terms of “It takes a village
to raise new nurses,”the DEU model establishes
an environment which supports and fosters
the clinical education of nursing students.
Trocaire College Nursing Students
learn patient care first-hand in
ECMC Trauma Step-down Unit.
ECMC CEO Jody
Lomeo and Trocaire
College President Paul
Hurley solidify partnership
with handshake.

Stacey Forgensi, RN, Earns
CCDS and CCRN Credentials
Submitted by: Leah M. Mateczun, RHIA, Corporate Coding Manager, Corporate
Compliance Department
The Health Information
Management Department is proud
to announce that
Stacey Forgensi, RN, has passed
the Association of Clinical
Documentation Improvement
Specialists accreditation
examination, and has now earned
the credential of Certified Clinical
Documentation Specialist (CCDS).
She also recently earned the credential
of Critical Care Registered
Nurse (CCRN)
from the American Academy of Critical Care.
Currently, Stacey is enrolled at Robert Weslyan
College in the Bachelor of Science Nursing
program, and will graduate in May of 2010.
Talk about a go-getter!
Clinical documentation specialists possess
knowledge of a wide range of specialized
disciplines, including: education in anatomy and
physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology;
ECMC
Nurse of the Month
Laurie Carroll - December
Laurie Carroll, RN,
BSN, MSN, is Unit
Manager of the 4th
Floor, Zone 4
Adolescent Unit.
Laurie’s positive attitude
has inspired the
staff and led to a
decrease in the use of
seclusion/restraints on
patients, and an increase in utilization of alternative
methods in dealing with aggression.
Laurie has contributed significantly, serving a
key role in decision making for the renovation of
the Adolescent Unit, which is presently under
construction.
knowledge of official medical coding guidelines,
Center for Medicare Services (CMS) and
private payer regulations related to the
Inpatient Prospective Payment System; an
ability to analyze and interpret medical record
documentation; and an ability to benchmark
and analyze clinical documentation program
performance. The Certified Clinical
Documentation Specialist credential has been
created to provide a mark of distinction for this
unique profession.
The Clinical Documentation Improvement
program started at ECMC in May of 2007 has
been a huge success. Stacey, along with Lisa
Gantress and Maria Mychalczuk, can be seen
on the floors analyzing records, and working in
conjunction with providers and coders on a daily
basis to ensure complete and accurate documentation
and charges. We are very proud of Stacey
Forgensi for her accomplishments!
Lynnette Eleey - November
Lynnette Eleey, RN,
BSN, is a caring, dedicated
nurse. She is always
willing to go the extra
step for her patients and
their families. Lynnette
consistently demonstrates
her wealth of knowledge
as a key preceptor
(teacher) in the burn unit.
Her time and attendance is perfect. She willingly
comes in on her days off to assist with shortages
in the unit. She has a great relationship
with her co-workers, as well as residents and
physicians. Lynnette is the QI (Quality
Improvement) coordinator for the unit, and she
has recently volunteered to assist on the night
shift. She will always stand up for what she
believes to be right, making her a strong
patient advocate.
MED-CENTERPulse
17

ECMC
Employee of the Month
Ericka Julyan - December
ECMC would like to recognize
Ericka Julyan,
OT, Occupational
Therapist for the Acute
Rehab Unit, as
December’s Employee of
the Month. Ericka provides
ongoing mentorship
to new and other seasoned
therapists. She
always comes in each day with a smile on her
face and always keeps a positive attitude. She
provides excellent therapy to each patient, and is
very creative in the rehab process so that
patients and families can overcome hurdles to
return home.
Ericka trains potential occupational students and
is highly regarded for her outstanding clinical
knowledge. She is extremely respected by all
the physicians and nurses she works with on the
Rehab Unit. Ericka Julyan truly exemplifies
leadership, compassion, sensitivity, and always
puts the patient first.
MED-CENTER 18 Pulse
Siobhan Nolan - November
ECMC would like to recognize
Siobhan Nolan, ACC
(Administrative Control
Clerk) as Employee of the
Month. Never afraid to take
on a challenge, Siobhan is the
ACC for the 12th Floor, Zone
3 on second shift. Her attention
to detail, and ability to
multi-task while cross-covering
the MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit) and
the 12th Floor, Zone 3 on the weekends
enhances her value to the Units. She never
stops thinking of ways to make ECMC better.
Siobhan is a “Core Team Member”of the TCAB
(Transforming Care at Bedside) initiative.
Started on 12 Zone 3, this initiative provides a
forum to suggest improvements for patients
and staff, to boost moral, and to save time and
money, among many other improvement suggestions.
Many improvements have been made
on 12 Zone 3, as well as throughout the hospital
as a result of this initiative. Siobhan made the
suggestion to “pilot”a single use, disposable
lancet for bedside glucose testing. After
researching the products and presenting the idea
to Administration, this change has proven to be
a huge step in the right direction. These disposable
lancets will be the standard for bedside glucose
testing here at ECMC in the near future.
Not only did this idea save money, but it also
proved to many that no idea is too small to be
considered.
Siobhan is always willing to come in early or
stay late; whatever it takes to help the ACC
Department and/or 12 Zone 3. She is dedicated
to her job. Siobhan is part of the “Core Group”
of trainers for new ACCs during the second
shift. She quizzes all “orientees”who are sent to
her for the shift. An excellent teacher and role
model for her department, Siobhan Nolan
deserves this recognition.

ECMC
Volunteer of the Month
Frank Martin - December Judy Dintino - November
Frank Martin volunteers in the Transport
Department from Monday to Wednesday every
week. He is friendly and always willing to help
out. He is also pleasant to patients’families, and
is always on time. Frank is a very conscientious
person who pays a lot of attention to detail.
He adds a senior adult's perspective and
knowledge, especially to the younger people
in the Department. Thank you, Frank, for a
job well done!
Dear ECMC,
Photo not available
Judy Dintino joined
ECMC’s Volunteer Board
(VB) in March of 2007.
Since then, she selflessly
worked weekends in the
ECMC Gift Shop while
still working a full-time
job during the week.
Last year, Judy offered to
help with the theme
basket auction at the VB
annual Fashion Show. This year, Judy retired
from her full-time job and bravely took on the
job of coordinating the Fashion Show. Judy put
in countless hours, did a wonderful job, and the
show was a success. Judy Dintino’s winning
smile and calm mannerisms add in making her a
very special person. Thanks, Judy, for being a
faithful volunteer!
Our son, Brett Ansel, was a patient in the TICU (Trauma Intensive
Care Unit) from 8/24/09 - 9/10/09. We would like to thank everyone
for the excellent care that he was given. The staff was so
knowledgeable, compassionate and caring. We felt so comfortable
leaving our son in such capable hands.
ECMC is truly a blessing to have in our community. The entire
staff was always courteous and we were never made to feel our
questions and concerns were a bother, but rather encouraged.
Thank you again to all who helped us.
Sincerely,
Chuck and Madalene Ansel
MED-CENTERPulse
19

A Gift of Music for the Holiday
Season sponsored by the ECMC
Lifeline Foundation…
Entertainers included:
Monday, December 14:
Kenmore East Chorus
Tuesday, December 15:
• Hutch Tech Jazz Band
• Buffalo and Erie County Girl Scouts deliver gifts
to Santa and his Elf to give to Skilled Nursing
Facility residents
Wednesday, December 16:
• Diane Perry-Brown with Carolers and Santa
sing songs and deliver gifts from Girl Scouts
to SNF residents and Rehab patients
• The Adams’Singers
Thursday, December 17:
• Sabu Adeyola and Oasis featuring
Sharon Bailey
Friday, December 18:
• Muhammad School of Music
Monday, December 21:
• Saint Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Swing Choir
Tuesday, December 22:
• Arts Academy Orchestra
• Central Park United Methodist Church Choir
Wednesday, December 23:
• Akron High School Santa Band
• Sing-a-long with Kathi and John (ECMC’s very
own Volunteer Coordinator and singer Kathi
Mitri and her brother keyboardist/singer John
O’Keefe)
MED-CENTER 20 Pulse

ECMC Corporate Training Director Rita
Hubbard-Robinson arranged for, and coordinated,
the “musical entertainers”and some “special
visitors”for this holiday extravaganza with
help/support from many ECMC staff members
(listed below).
Santas:
• Ketan Bedmutha, College Student
• Bob Boergers,Volunteer Services
• Lavarn Collins,Volunteer Services
• Mike Miller, Social Work and
Discharge Planning
• Rick Mitri, Surgery
• Jack Page, Plant Operations
• Joe Taibbi, Pastoral Care
Santa’s helper / Elves included:
• Mary Cartwright, Social Work and Discharge
Planning
• Deacon Ron Walker, Pastoral Care
Other helpers:
• Patty Chase, Administration
• Rev. Dr. James Lewis, Pastoral Care
• Kathi Mitri,Volunteer Services
• Dianne Perry-Brown,Volunteer Services
• Jeffra Wilson, Administration
MED-CENTERPulse
21

Boxing Champs Visit SNF Residents at
ECMC on Thanksgiving Day
Former Buffalo Heavyweight fighter “Baby Joe”
Mesi and current New York State Super
Featherweight Champion Guillermo Sanchez
visited with the residents in the ECMC Skilled
Nursing Facility (SNF) on Thanksgiving Day
(November 26, 2009). Guillermo Sanchez
recently won the New York State Super
Featherweight Championship in Buffalo on
Champion boxers Guillermo Sanchez (left) and “Baby Joe” Mesi (right) visited ECMC Skilled
Nursing Facility residents on Thanksgiving Day.
22 MED-CENTER Pulse
November 6, 2009. Since Guillermo Sanchez is
a promising new fighter from Buffalo, Joe Mesi is
proud to support Guillermo, and has decided to
demonstrate to Guillermo the importance of caring
for the community while on his quest for
even greater boxing success.

The Cookie Thief
by Valerie Cox
As read by Wayne Dyer
A woman was waiting at an airport one night
With several long hours before her flight
She hunted for a book in the airport shop
Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop
She was engrossed in her book but happened to see
That the man beside her as bold as could be
Grabbed a cookie or two from the bag between
Which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene
She munched cookies and watched the clock
As this gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock
She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by
Thinking "If I wasn't so nice I'd blacken his eye"
With each cookie she took he took one too
And when only one was left she wondered what he'd do
With a smile on his face and a nervous laugh
He took the last cookie and broke it in half
He offered her half as he ate the other
She snatched it from him and thought "Oh brother
This guy has some nerve and he's also rude
Why he didn't even show any gratitude"
She had never known when she had been so galled
And sighed with relief when her flight was called
She gathered her belongings and headed for the gate
Refusing to look back at the thieving ingrate
She boarded the plane and sank in her seat
Then sought her book which was almost complete
As she reached in her baggage she gasped with surprise
There was her bag of cookies in front of her eyes
"If mine are here" she moaned with despair
"Then the others were his and he tried to share"
"Too late to apologize she realized with grief"
That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief
MED-CENTERPulse
23

Pulse
MED-CENTER
Med-Center Pulse is a monthly publication of the Public
Relations/Communications Department of ECMC Corporation
Editor: Joseph B. Cirillo
Contributing Editor: Qawiyyah “Q” Blanford
Please direct all communications for this publication
in digital form to: Joseph B. Cirillo
E-Mail: jcirillo@ecmc.edu
Special Notice of Change in
ECMC Med-Center Pulse Publication Schedule
Published by the ECMC Corporation Public
Relations/Communications Department, Med-Center Pulse is
now published every other month (bimonthly as a two-month issue)
available at the end of the second month of each bimonthly issue.
Therefore, the article/photo submission schedule is revised
accordingly. All submissions must be received by the end of the
first month of the issue as follows:
ISSUES SUBMISSION DUE DATES
January-February End of January
March-April End of March
May-June End of May
July-August End of July
September-October End of September
November-December End of November
ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE REQUIRED IN ELECTRONIC FORM
(either as text in e-mail or as Microsoft Word files/attachments).
Photographs must be forwarded as digital files/scans and attached to
e-mail or submitted on CD, DVD, or USB devices.
ECMC.EDU
462 Grider Street • Buffalo, New York 14215
P-V4-I6-EXT
Fun Facts…
One hundred years ago, in the
year 1909…
THE CULTURE OF CARE
• The tallest structure in the world was the
Eiffel Tower.
• The average wage in 1909 was 22 cents
per hour.
• The average worker made between $200
and $400 per year.
• A competent accountant could expect to
earn $2,000 per year.
• A dentist made $2,500 per year, a
Veterinarian made between $1, 500 and
$4,000 per year, and a Mechanical
Engineer made about $5,000 per year.
PRESORTED
STANDARD
US POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT 1812
BUFFALO, N.Y.
In Search of The Sleigh? Recent Christmas
Season Visitors as seen on the ECMC Campus