Fourth Chance at Life - Winthrop University Hospital

Vol.21, No. 1, Winter/Spring 2011Life-Saving Surgery & MultidisciplinaryCare Provide Russian Patient with a RareFourth Chance at LifeINSIDENew Breast CancerClinical TrialPage 3____________________Winthrop Raisesthe Bar onHealthcareQuality & SafetyPage 4____________________New EpilepsyTreatment ProgramPage 9…and more!For any parent, there is no distance too great totravel if it meant their child could have a rarefourth chance at life. Such was the case for OlegMassaev, who recently traveled with his 20-yearoldson, Sergei, from their native Russian city ofPetrozavodsk to Winthrop-University Hospital, where anoutstanding team of specialistscarried out a life-savingoperation that could adddecades to Sergei’s life.Born with aortic valvestenosis, a life threateningcongenital heart defect inwhich the aortic valve narrowscausing the heart towork harder to pump blood,Sergei underwent his firstopen-heart surgery in Russiaat the age of two. But duringchildhood, Sergei’s conditionworsened and in 2000,at the age of 10, he came tothe United States for a lifesavingoperation thanks tothe generous efforts of SeaCliff-based nonprofit organization,Russian Gift of Life.“In its 21 year existence,Russian Gift of Life has helped save the lives ofover 1,000 Russian children born with treatableheart defects,” said Michael Yurieff, ExecutiveDirector of the organization. The vision of theRussian Gift of Life is to help save the lives of asmany Russian children born with treatable heartdefects as possible by funding pediatric heart surgeries,supporting medical missions to Russia todevelop children’s heart centers, and continuingto sponsor a unique matching grant program thatis helping to revive a tradition of giving in Russia.Oleg Massaev with son Sergei, who recentlyunderwent a life-saving operation at Winthrop.Sergei underwent his first surgery in the U.S.at New York University (NYU) Medical Center torepair a ventricular septal defect. But after only ayear, Sergei’s condition declined again and hereturned to New York for a second surgery. Lastyear, his condition deterioratedagain and his father, Oleg,once again reached out toRussian Gift of Life for help.Sergei’s complicatedcase came to the attentionof Russian Gift of LifeBoard Member AlexanderHindenburg, MD, Attend -ing Medical Oncologist atWinthrop, who brought it tothe attention of his colleagueScott Schubach, MD,Chair man of Winthrop’sDepartment of Thoracicand Cardiovascular Surgery.“I was more than confidentin our ability to takeon such a challenging case,”said Dr. Schubach. “Withour highly sophisticated,state-of-the-art facilities andmultidisciplinary team ofspecialists who are leaders intheir fields, Winthrop was a natural choice fortreating Sergei’s complex aortic condition.”Through a multispecialty team approach,drawing upon the expertise of various Winthropsurgeons, hematologists and other specialists,Sergei’s case was carefully evaluated and assessed.Sergei underwent comprehensive testing underthe direction of Kevin Marzo, MD, Chief ofCardiology, and Carlos Montoya, MD, Chief ofPediatric Cardiology.(continued on page 19)

Winter/Spring • 2011CONTENTSLife Saving Surgery ProvidesRussian Patient withRare Fourth Chance at Life .......CoverNew Member Electedto Board of Directors ........................2New Breast CancerClinical Trial: CyberKnife .................3Winthrop Raises the Bar onHealthcare Quality & Safety.............4Winthrop’s Osteoporosis ProgramReceives Multimillion Dollar Grant ....5World Class Spinal Care Transformsthe Lives of One Family....................6Winthrop Surgeons PerformFirst Robotic-Assisted Lobectomyon Long Island..................................8Opening of Advanced EpilepsyMonitoring Unit at Winthrop...........92010 Gala, Bella Luna, RaisesClose to $840,000 forResearch Institute at Winthrop .......10Grateful Patient Gives Back ............13Pediatric Diabetes Program HelpsYoung Patients Take Control...........14Yuletide Ball Raises over $160,000for Child Life Program....................16Long Time Physician Honored withDedication of the Dr. Martin SpatzConference Center..........................17Winthrop AnnouncesCardiac Affiliation withBrookhaven Memorial Hospital ......17Michael Magro FoundationOpens a New Window onAdvanced Cardiac Care...................18Jay’s World ChildhoodCancer FoundationShows Continued Support..............18Winthrop HonorsTireless Commitment of itsVolunteers and Auxilians.................20Calendar of Events..........................21Senator Fuschillo “Extends theHolidays” for Pediatric Patients.......22New Member Elected toWinthrop’s Board of DirectorsWinthrop-University Hospital ispleased to announce the election ofNicholas J. Rosato, Jr.,Managing Director,Equity Research ProductManagement at J.P.Morgan Securities, to itsBoard of Directors. Mr.Rosato joins the devotedcorps of communityleaders and business professionalswho have longbeen a driving forcebehind the continuousgrowth and expansion ofthe Hospital’s high-quality, innovativehealthcare services.For almost three years, Mr. Rosatohas been a member of J.P. Morgan’sResearch Management Team and isresponsible for helping to oversee whatwas named the number one researchdepartment on Wall Street by InstitutionalInvestor Magazine. In addition to servingas Managing Director, Mr. Rosato isChair of the firm’s Investment Review26th AnnualGolf TournamentSponsorships are still availableto support the developmentof a robust biomedicalResearch Institute at Winthrop!Monday, May 9, 2011The Creek & Meadow Brook ClubTitle SponsorMichael AnthonyContracting CorporationCommittee and is a member of theInvestment Banks’ Analyst and AssociateDevelopment Council.Prior to joining J.P.Morgan, Mr. Rosatoserved as Senior ManagingDirector, Research ProductManager at Bear Stearns& Company, Inc. He alsoheld prestigious positionsat Prudential EquityGroup in New York andLos Angeles.Mr. Rosato is agraduate of Universityof Rhode Island and holds Series 7,63, 24 and 87 licenses. In addition,Mr. Rosato began his career by participatingin a management trainingprogram at Oppenheimer and Company– a leading investment bank and fullserviceinvestment firm.A resident of Garden City, NY,Mr. Rosato and his wife Johanna havethree children, Juliana, Nicholas IIIand Elizabeth. ■Available SponsorshipsHospitality Brunch Sponsors ..........$5,000Company name on signage at brunch.Breakfast Sponsors.........................$2,500Company name on signage at breakfast.Pavilion Tent Sponsors ...................$2,000Company name prominentlydisplayed on tent.Scroll Underwriters..........................$2,000Company name prominentlydisplayed on scroll.Putting Green Sponsors.................$1,000Company name on putting/practice green.Hole Sponsors .................................$1,000Company name on hole.Tee Sponsors......................................$600Company name on tee.Scroll Sponsors...................................$500Company name on scroll.Refreshment Sponsors ......................$350Company name at refreshment stationduring tournament play.To participate call (516)663-3398, email WinthropGolfTournament@winthrop.org or visit www.winthrop.org/events2 Cornerstone

Winter/Spring • 2011Institute for Cancer CareNew Breast Cancer Clinical Trial: CyberKnifeIn its continuing mission to expand andimprove treatment options for patientswith breast cancer, Winthrop-UniversityHospital recently launched an IRBapprovedclinical trial that utilizes thepowerful and highly precise CyberKnife ®Radiosurgery system as a follow-up tolumpectomy, in select women withbreast cancer who desire breast conservationafter resection of their breast tumor.Winthrop was the very first hospitalin the New York Metropolitan Area toacquire the state-of-the-art Cyber Knifesystem that has already given new hopeto many thousands of people withtumors and lesions once consideredinoperable, and is a global leader in itsuse and in the trainingof physicians touse CyberKnife.Since its developmentin the 1990’s,CyberKnife hasbecome the treatmentof choice formany prostate cancerpatients due to Jonathan Haas, MDits high success rateand lower incidence of side effects thanother treatment options.With high-tech, cruise-missileguidancetechnology and ultra-flexible,computer-controlled robotics, CyberKnifedelivers precisely targeted radiation toMatthew Witten, PhD, DABR,Director of CyberKnifeRadiosurgery, Appointed toPrestigious Johns HopkinsUniversity CouncilMatthew Witten, PhD, DABR, Director of CyberKnifeRadiosurgery and Chief Physicist in the Division ofRadiation Oncology at Winthrop, has played an essential role in the development andoperation of the CyberKnife Radiosurgery Program at Winthrop. Recently, Dr. Wittenaccepted a personal invitation from the Chairman of The Henry A. Rowland Depart -ment of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University to join their Physics andAstronomy Advisory Council. The Council, comprised of several other nationallyrenowned physicists – including Noble Laureate John C. Mather – is charged withplanning the future of graduate and undergraduate physics education at the institution.“We are pleased that Dr. Witten has an opportunity to contribute his vastknowledge and experience in the field of physics to the continued excellence of JohnsHopkins University’s academic programs while representing Winthrop-UniversityHospital,” said John F. Collins, President & CEO of Winthrop.Dr. Witten is a Diplomate of the American Board of Radiology, Board certifiedin the subspecialty of therapeutic radiologic physics. He holds a PhD from ColumbiaUniversity in applied physics, with a concentration in medical physics, and twoMaster’s degrees from Columbia University in applied physics. Dr. Witten completedhis clinical training at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.Active in many professional organizations, Dr. Witten is a member of theAmerican Association of Physicists in Medicine, the American College of Radiology,the American College of Medical Physics, the Radiological Society of NorthAmerica and the American Brachytherapy Society.tumors. Extraordi -narily accurate, theradiation beams canbe sculpted to reachsmall, deeply imbedded,complex massesminimizing damageto healthy tissuewhen compared toJanna Andrews, MD other types of radiationtherapy.CyberKnife takes only five days of consecutivetreatments of one hour or less, ascompared to the four to seven weeks ofdaily treatments with conventional radiationtherapy, and is favored for appropriatecases due to the greatly reduced impact onsurrounding tissue thanks to its highly preciseradiation beams.Eligibility for this innovative breastcancer clinical trial must be determined inconsultation with the study’s PrincipalInvestigator, Jonathan Haas, MD, Chiefof the Division of Radiation Oncology atWinthrop, or Janna Andrews, MD,Attending Physician in the Division ofRadiation Oncology. Among other things,criteria for inclusion of this study include:• Patient age of 45 years old or more• Breast tumor of three cm or less inone breast only• No lymph node involvement• Clear margins following lumpectomy• No prosthetic breast augmentationin place (no breast implants;however patients who have hadimplants removed may be eligible)• CyberKnife treatment must beapproved and initiated within sevenweeks of lumpectomy or the lastchemotherapy treatmentIf you or someone you know isinterested in the CyberKnife BreastCancer Clinical Trial, please call 1-866-WINTHROP. Financial assistance maybe available. ■Cornerstone3

Winter/Spring • 2011Winthrop Raises the Bar on HealthcareQuality and Safety with Major AccoladesOnce again, Winthrop-UniversityHospital and Winthrop’s Home HealthAgency have received a full three-yearaccreditation – and the highest praise –from The Joint Commission. Winthroprecently earned The Joint Commission’sGold Seal of Approval for accreditationby demonstrating compliance withThe Joint Commission’s national standardsfor healthcare quality and safetyin hospitals. The accreditation awardrecognizes Winthrop’s dedication tocontinuous compliance with The JointCommission’s rigorous and comprehensivequality and safety standards.The successful unannounced surveyincluded an extensive five-day on-sitereview conducted by a select team of JointCommission professionals including aphysician, administrator, engineer andnurses, who evaluated the Hospital’s performancein areas that affect patient safetyand quality of care. The surveyors assesseda broad range of Hospital activities andprocedures and interacted with Hospitalleadership, medical staff, employ ees aswell as patients. Winthrop received nodirect impact findings – as compared tothe national average of 4.7 direct impactfindings – indicating the survey teamfound nothing that posed an immediaterisk to patient safety and quality of care.There were minor recommendations forimprovement, almost all of which wereaddressed immediately.“In achieving Joint Commissionaccreditation, Winthrop has demonstratedits commitment to the highest level ofcare for its patients,” said Mark Pelletier,RN, MS, Executive Director, HospitalPrograms, Accreditation and CertificationServices at The Joint Commission.“Accreditation is a voluntary process andI commend Winthrop for successfullyundertaking this challenge to elevate itsstandard of care and instill confidence inthe community it serves.”In speaking to a gathering of staffimmediately following the conclusion of4 Cornerstonethe survey, Barbara Kohart Kleine, VicePresident of Administration responsiblefor the coordination and oversight of theHospital’s regulatory and survey activities,said that a large part of Winthrop’ssuccess with the Joint Commission surveywas the outstanding communicationshared by the members of the Winthropstaff. Employees and medical staff wereavailable to the surveyors and sharedtheir Hospital experiences with knowledgeand pride, further demonstratingtheir commitment to a culture of patientsafety and outstanding care. ■John F. Collins, President & CEO of Winthrop-University Hospital (pictured right at podium),congratulates Winthrop leaders on the successful Joint Commission survey.Hospital Quality Study Names WinthropA Distinguished Hospital for Clinical ExcellenceHealthGrades, the nation’s most trusted source of healthcare provider information,has named Winthrop-University Hospital a Distinguished Hospital for ClinicalExcellence for the third year in a row. This prestigious distinction placesWinthrop among the top five percent of hospitals nationwide for superior clinicalperformance. What’s more, Winthrop is one of only seven recipients in New YorkState and the only recipient in Nassau County to be named a DistinguishedHospital for Clinical Excellence.“Winthrop-University Hospital can be proud of the contributions of its physicians,nurses and staff in achieving outstanding patient care,” said Rick May, MD,HealthGrades Vice President of Clinical Quality Services and co-author of the study.“Nassau County is fortunate to have access to some of the highest quality hospitalcare in the nation.”In achieving this level of distinction, Winthrop was also named a recipient of 10Specialty Excellence Awards in 2011 by HealthGrades including Vascular Surgery,Maternity Care and Women’s Health (2010/2011) and Pulmonary Care. Winthropwas also ranked number one in NY State for General Surgery and GI Surgery (2010and 2011) and ranked in the top five percent in the nation for Overall CardiacServices, Cardiology Services and Angioplasty/Stent Procedures (2010 and 2011).Winthrop also achieved 23 five-star ratings across multiple major service areas.“Winthrop is committed to a culture of quality and safety and is proud to berecognized with several notable honors by HealthGrades,” said John F. Collins,Winthrop’s President & CEO. “These impressive achievements are a testament toour commitment to clinical excellence and reflect the quality care that is deliveredeach day to Winthrop patients and their families by our outstanding team ofphysicians, nurses and clinical staff.”

Winter/Spring • 2011Winthrop’s Osteoporosis ProgramsReceive Multimillion Dollar Federal Grant andPrestigious Designation by New York StateJohn F. Aloia, MD, Chief AcademicOfficer of Winthrop-University Hospitaland Director of Winthrop’s Bone MineralResearch Center, has been awarded aresearch grant of nearly $4 million fromthe National Institutes ofHealth (NIH) to supporthis research project titled,“Vitamin D andOsteoporosis Prevention inElderly African Americans.”The specific aims ofDr. Aloia’s research are todetermine if vitamin Dsupplements will safelyreduce bone loss andimprove physical performancein elderly AfricanAmericans, with the longtermgoal of developingstrategies for the prevention of osteoporoticfractures in African Americans.“African Americans have generallyFor the fourth consecutive year,Winthrop-University Hospital’s HomeHealth Agency has been named to theHomeCare Elite – a compilation ofthe top-performing home health agenciesin the United States. This annual reviewidentifies the top 25 percent of agencies,ranked by an analysis of performancemeasures in quality outcomes, qualityimprovement and financial performance,and is the only performance recognitionof its kind in the home health industry.John F. Aloia, MD, ChiefAcademic Officer of Winthropand Director of Winthrop’sBone Mineral Research Centernot been included in osteoporosis studies,mainly because their risk for fracturesis 40 percent less than white individuals.However, because African Americanshave low levels of vitamin D, their bonemass decreases as they age,and fracture rates are rapidlyincreasing amongelderly African Americans.This has become a significanthealth problem andit is our hope that vitaminD supplements in elderlyAfrican American womenwill decrease their loss ofbone mass and improvetheir physical well-being,”said Dr. Aloia, a highlyrespectedresearcher inthe areas of osteoporosis,calcium and vitamin D, and PrincipalInvestigator in this study.What’s more, Winthrop’s OsteoporosisDiagnostic, Research and TreatmentCenter has been awarded a New YorkState grant to become one of six regionalcenters for the New York StateOsteoporosis Prevention and EducationProgram (NYSOPEP). NYSOPEP is aneducational initiative within the NewYork State Department of Health whichis committed to helping people buildstronger bones by providing bone healtheducation to the general public andmedical professionals, with the goal ofreducing the incidence of fracturesamong New York residents.As the only NYSOPEP Center onLong Island, Winthrop is committed toincreasing understanding of osteoporosisin the region. Winthrop provides counseling,support groups and a speaker’sbureau of doctors and nurses – specialistsin osteoporosis – to educate audiences ofall ages about all aspects of osteoporosis.Osteoporosis is a progressive diseasethat causes bones to become brittle, causingpeople to become more prone tofactures, loss of height and chronic pain.Winthrop’s Osteoporosis Diagnostic,Research and Treatment Center offers afull range of services provided by highlytrained and experienced professionals. Inaddition to using the latest diagnostictechnology, the Center provides advancedtreatment and information about prevention.They also conduct advancedresearch, bringing the latest treatmentapproaches to patient care long beforeresults are published.For more information aboutWinthrop’s Osteoporosis Diagnostic,Research and Treatment Center, call1-866-WINTHROP. ■Winthrop CAO Participates in IOM StudyJohn F. Aloia, MD, Winthrop’s Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and Director ofWinthrop’s Bone Mineral Research Center, recently served on the Committee toReview Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium for the Institute ofMedicine (IOM) – one of the most influential and prestigious health policy organizationsin the country. The committee assessed and updated the Dietary ReferenceIntakes (DRIs) for vitamin D and calcium, with special consideration given tochronic and non-chronic disease indicators and to the impact of insufficient orexcessive intake of vitamin D and calcium. The group recently published its findings,“Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D,” in the NationalAcademies Press. The report includes a detailed chart that lists Estimated AverageRequirements, Recommended Dietary Allowances, and Upper Level Intakes forboth vitamin D and calcium across the lifespan.Cornerstone5

Winter/Spring • 2011Institute for NeurosciencesWorld Class Spinal Care Transforms theLives of One Grateful FamilyTaking a walk on the beach, catching abaseball game – perhaps routine considerationsfor many families as theymake weekend plans – yet, for Jane andRobert Costello of Dix Hills, the abilityto get out and enjoy such activities issomething they don’t take for granted.Today, the couple – both of whomsuffered bouts with back pain so severethat it left Jane, a long-time athlete,paralyzed, and Robert, a once minorleague baseball player, severely impaired– are deeply appreciative of their qualityof life, thanks to the extraordinary carethey received at the hands of NancyEpstein, MD, Chief of NeurosurgicalSpine and Education at Winthrop-University Hospital.“I shutter to think what thingswould be like if Jane and I never metDr. Epstein,” said Mr. Costello recently.“My wife and I exercise every day and areraising our daughter to appreciate howimportant it is to live a healthy lifestyle –and that would not have been possiblewithout Dr. Epstein and the remarkablecare that we received at Winthrop.”For years, Mrs. Costello, an avidathlete, whose favorite pastimes includedskiing, tennis and horseback riding,pushed through persistent back pain todo the things she enjoyed most. Knowingsurgery would likely be an inevitabletreatment, Mrs. Costello did everythingin her power to postpone it. She turnedto steroid injections to deal with the pain;when the injections were no longer effective,visits to the chiropractor becameanother form of therapy.But when a routine chiropracticmanipulation went terribly wrong,Mrs. Costello’s world was suddenlyturned upside down. Within just twodays, she was completely numb fromher mid-section down to her legs.Terrified and desperate for answers,Mrs. Costello turned to the experts atWinthrop-University Hospital for help.Upon visiting the Hospital’sEmergency Room, comprehensive MRIand CT studies revealed severe spinalstenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal),and calcification of the yellow ligament– a series of bands of elastic tissue thatconnect the lamina in the back of thespine. In addition, a synovial cyst – abenign, fluid-filled sac which extrudedfrom its normal position in the facetjoint – filled her lower thoracic spinalcanal producing marked spinal cordcompression and partial paralysis. Thismarkedly limited Mrs. Costello’s abilityto walk as well as feel her legs.Mrs. Costello was immediatelyevaluated by Dr. Epstein and it quicklybecame clear that she would need toundergo emergency spinal surgery. Toaddress Mrs. Costello’s condition, Dr.Epstein preformed a laminectomy – anoperation that involves the removal ofmultiple vertebral laminae – the portionof the spine which forms the“back” of the spinal canal. The multilevellaminectomy included not onlythe removal of the laminae and anenlarged, hardened yellow ligament,but also the removal of the synovialcyst extrusion.With this decompression of thespinal cord and the sac containingimportant neural tissue in the area, newspace was created for the neural structures,allowing room for their expansionand return of function. In addition,Mrs. Costello underwent a non-instrumented(no rods or screws) fusionutilizing her own bone chips and anartificial bone graft expander, whichadded stability to another area of thespine which showed mild slippages onthe preoperative studies.Following her extensive surgery,Jane and Robert Costello, pictured withtheir daughter Haley, are grateful for theworld class spinal care they received atWinthrop-University Hospital, which hasenabled them to get back to their activelifestyles and enjoy a newfound appreciationfor spending time together as a family.Mrs. Costello spent a full week atWinthrop. While there, she was caredfor by a dynamic team of nurses, physicianassistants and specialists in theHospital’s Step Down Unit. Remarkably,Mrs. Costello’s first post-operative evaluationjust one week after her dischargewas completely normal.“Mrs. Costello had normal strength,normal sensation, and all normal bodilyfunctions were in tact,” said Dr. Epstein.“What’s more, the pain and weaknessthat had rendered her paraplegic andwheelchair-bound were gone.”Nevertheless, Mrs. Costello stillfaced a long road to recovery. For thenext several months, she had to refrainfrom any bending or stretching andfrom performing many routine dailyactivities like cooking and cleaning thehouse. What’s more, she wore a spinalbrace whenever she was out of bed tofacilitate the healing process.6Cornerstone

Winter/Spring • 2011Institute for Neurosciences“Spinal bracing helps healing bykeeping the spine aligned. This allowsthe bone chips to grow together withoutdisruption and to progress towardsfusion,” said Dr. Epstein.In addition to wearing a brace, Mrs.Costello took recommended supplementsof vitamins and minerals and aspinal stimulator was used to furtherenhance the fusion. As part of her rehabilitation,Mrs. Costello participated inphysical therapy and took up swimmingas a form of therapy. Gradually, she wasable to wean off the spinal brace andsoon thereafter, felt good enough to getback on her horse and take a ride aroundher backyard – something she recalls asone of the highlights of her recovery.Today, as she enjoys a newfoundlove for swimming and spending timewith her family, Mrs. Costello looksback in marvel at just how far she’scome. Recognizing the vital role thateveryone who cared for her during hertime at Winthrop played, there is oneperson who stands out as having thegreatest influence – Dr. Epstein.“Every day that my feet hit the floorand I take a step, I thank that woman,”said Mrs. Costello.Mr. Costello is equally grateful –not only for the world class care thathas enabled his wife to reclaim her life,but for the same superior medical attentionthat he received which has allowedhim to continue to care for the needs ofhis family, something he holds dear tohis heart.Like his wife, Mr. Costello struggledwith bouts of severe back pain over theyears. But a passion for playing sportssuch as baseball and basketball kept himactive. He too had undergone a laminectomyat another healthcare institutionseveral years earlier, but a recent routineworkout in the gym sent him into a medicaltailspin. As numbness and pain in hisright leg grew progressively worse, Mr.Costello turned to Dr. Epstein for help.“Though I was scared, I felt confidentin the way Dr. Epstein handledJane’s situation and knew that I was inthe right hands,” said Mr. Costello.Upon arriving at Winthrop’sEmergency Department, imaging studiesquickly revealed Mr. Costello’s severelumbar stenosis accompanied by a massiverecurrent disc herniation. Together,both contributed to severe compressionof the nerve tissue that resulted in caudaequina syndrome (partial paralysis of thelegs) and a bilateral foot drop, whichaffected his right leg more than his left.These acute conditions required anemergency decompressive lumbarlaminectomy with disc excision.“Mr. Costello’s surgery also includeda non-instrumented posterolateralfusion that utilized his own bone andan artificial bone substitute. He did notrequire instrumentation such as rods orscrews which markedly reduced his hospitalstay and risk of infection, amongother factors,” said Dr. Epstein.Mr. Costello’s first postoperativeevaluation was also a success and withthe help of a back brace, he, like his wife,went on to make a full recovery. Today,as the back brace he once wore hangs inhis garage to serve as a reminder of justhow far he’s come, Mr. Costello isamazed at just how good he feels.“I can literally jump out of bed!”he exclaimed. “Because of Dr. Epstein’sskill and compassion, I am living awonderful life. I can earn a living andsupport my family, and our daughterdoesn’t have to grow up watching bothof her parents live in pain.”“This lovely couple did well followingtheir emergency spinal surgeries,dealing with very different problems,because they came to Winthrop immediatelyand did not delay their treatment.Had they waited any longer, the paralysisthey both developed would most likelyhave become permanent and irreversible,”said Dr. Epstein. “These two patientsunderscore just how effective the rightoperation can be in the right patient atthe right institution.”For more information aboutadvanced spinal surgery techniques atWinthrop, call 1-866-WINTHROP. ■Phyllis and NathanJ. Mistretta ShowContinued Supportfor WinthropGarden City residents Phyllis and Nathan J.Mistretta continue to demonstrate their extra -ordinary commitment to Winthrop-UniversityHospital and its patients. Recently, the couple made a generous contribution tounderwrite the purchase of new furnishings for the Hospital’s state-of-the-art,fully-digital Breast Imaging and Diagnostic Center, located at 120 MineolaBoulevard, Suite 550, in Mineola. The new facility is complete with the latestmammography and ultrasound equipment, which provide unprecedented imagequality along with rapid results, often while patients wait. The Center is alsoequipped with comfortable, private changing areas and offers extended eveningand weekend hours as well as free on-site parking to best serve patients’ needs.For more information about Winthrop’s Breast Imaging & Diagnostic Center,call 1-866-WINTHROP.Cornerstone7

Winter/Spring • 2011Institute for Specialty CareWinthrop Surgeons Perform FirstRobotic-Assisted Lobectomy on Long IslandRecently, Winthrop-University Hospital,a leader in minimally invasive surgicaltechniques, became the first hospital onLong Island to perform a Robotic VideoAssisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) lobectomyutilizing the ultra high-tech daVinciSi HD Surgical System.The first robotic-assisted lung surgeryon Long Island was performed by Boardcertified cardiothoracic surgeon JohnGoncalves, MD, with the support of adedicated robotics team. This leadingedgeprocedure utilized the daVinci’sstate-of-the-art capabilities – including3-D High Definition visualization of thechest cavity and precise, flexible surgicaltools – to perform minimally invasive surgeryto remove a tumor from the lung of79-year-old patient, Enrique Figueroa.Traditional surgery in the chestcavity to remove masses in the lobe ofthe lung can be debilitating and verypainful. Surgeons must cut between theribs in order to access the lung, leavingpatients with a large incision on theside of the chest and a long and painfulpost-operative recovery. Lobectomywith the daVinci enabled Dr.Goncalves to remove a centralizedtumor from Mr. Figueroa’s right lowerlobe without the need for large incisionsor spreading of the ribs.“DaVinci surgery is improvingupon the gold standard of traditionalopen surgery,” said Dr. Goncalves.“Unlike thoracotomy (traditional lungsurgery) which requires a long incisionand often a long recovery, surgery withthe daVinci is minimally invasive. It isperformed with three small incisions,and spreading the patient’s ribs to accessthe lung is avoided. The end result isa more delicate and precise surgicalprocedure with smaller incisions, lesspost-operative pain and shorter hospitalstays for most patients.”Seated at a high-tech console locatedjust a few feet away from Mr. Figueroa,Dr. Goncalves attached his fingers torobotic controls, and set his eyes on thehigh-definition screen where a real-time3-D, magnified image of Mr. Figueroa’slung cavity provided a better-than-realWinthrop cardiothoracic surgeon JohnGoncalves, MD, used the daVinci Si HDdual console system to perform the firstRobotic Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery(VATS) lobectomy on Long Island.view of the operative site. Three smallincisions made in Mr. Figueroa’s chestprovided an entry point for robotic arms,equipped with flexible tools and a camera.Proprietary EndoWrist ® instruments,situated at the end of the robotic arms,enabled Dr. Goncalves to perform highlyprecise movements within Mr. Figueroa’schest cavity to remove the section of hislung containing the tumor while minimizingdamage to the chest wall andsurrounding tissues.Winthrop was the first hospital onLong Island to acquire the daVinci SiHD dual console system, and Dr.Goncalves is extremely excited about theoptical quality of the advanced system.As he said, “When I’m operating, I’mright there. It’s as if someone miniaturizedme and put me inside of thepatient’s chest.”The procedure was completed inapproximately two hours and Mr.Figueroa, whose tumor was benign, wasdischarged from the Hospital just threedays later with no post-operative pain.Following the success of Mr. Figueroa’slung cancer surgery, Dr. Goncalves andhis colleagues have since performed severalmore robotic-assisted lung surgery cases.“I use the daVinci in selective cases.Patients must have a limited disease intheir chest or an isolated nodule in thelung with minimal evidence of hilarnodal involvement,” said Dr. Goncalves.The number of Winthrop surgeonstrained to utilize this highly effectiverobotic tool to perform surgeries thatpreviously required traditional opensurgeries is growing rapidly. Winthropphysicians from various specialties haveundergone extensive training on thedaVinci to offer an emerging standardof-caretreatment with the potential foroutcomes that are equal to or better thanconventional surgery. Among the fastestgrowing specialty procedures being performedat Winthrop with the daVincisurgical robot are hysterectomies, gynecologicaloncology surgeries, colonresections, gastric bypass, partialnephrectomies, and prostatectomies.“Winthrop will continue to transformthe high-tech, minimally invasivesurgical experience for patients andsurgeons alike,” said John F. Collins,Winthrop’s President & CEO. “With agrowing number of our physicians undergoingtraining in specialized techniques,Winthrop is expanding its advanced surgicalservices to become the fastest growingrobotics program in the Northeast.”For additional information aboutminimally invasive surgical services atWinthrop, call 1-866-WINTHROP. ■8Cornerstone

Winter/Spring • 2011Institute for NeurosciencesWinthrop Celebrates Openingof Advanced Epilepsy Monitoring UnitWinthrop-University Hospital, a leader inthe delivery of top quality neurosciencescare, recently celebrated the opening of adedicated, state-of-the-science EpilepsyMonitoring Unit designed to evaluate,diagnose and treat patients who experiencehard-to-treat epileptic seizures.“Winthrop is pleased to offer thismajor expansion of its program forpatients with seizure disorders and epilepsy,”said Malcolm Gottesman, MD, Chiefof Neurology and Director of Winthrop’sMultiple Sclerosis Treatment Program.“This highly specialized Unit is designedto offer prolonged 24/7 monitoring inorder to identify the specific region of thebrain in which each patient’s seizures originateand provide appropriate treatmentto reduce or eliminate the episodes.”Working together with Shicong Ye,MD, EEG Lab Director at Winthrop,Alan Ettinger, MD, Director of theEpilepsy Monitoring Program and anationally-renowned epilepsy specialist,has spearheaded the development ofthe new Epilepsy Monitoring Programat Winthrop.Winthrop’s Epilepsy MonitoringUnit is the latest addition to a comprehensiverange of diagnostic services forseizure disorder patients. Services alsoinclude positron emission tomography(PET), magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and neuroimaging studiesadministered by a multidisciplinaryteam of specialists at Winthrop.Among the features of the newEpilepsy Monitoring Unit is extendedvideo electro-encephalography (EEG)monitoring, a highly effective diagnostictool used to pinpoint the region of thebrain where the patient’s seizures originatein order to establish an accuratediagnosis of epilepsy or other form ofseizure disorder, which may requiredifferent treatments.Present at the ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of the openingof Winthrop’s dedicated Epilepsy Monitoring Unit were (l.-r.)Donna Caccavale, RN, Director of Nursing, Critical Care; John F.Collins, President & CEO of Winthrop; Steven Fishbane, MD,Chief Medical Officer (back); Malcolm Gottesman, MD, Chief ofNeurology and Director of Winthrop’s Multiple Sclerosis TreatmentProgram; neurosurgeon Brian J. Snyder, MD; Alan Ettinger, MD,Director of Winthrop’s Epilepsy Monitoring Program; Garry J.Schwall, MBA, RPA, Chief Operating Officer; Shicong Ye, MD,EEG Lab Director; Maureen Gaffney, Senior Vice President, PatientCare Services and Chief Medical Information Officer; RafaelinaMartinez, Administrative Director for Winthrop’s Department ofSurgery; Solomon A. Torres, LNHA, FACHE, Vice President,Administration; and Janice McGuinness, RN, Nurse Manager,Winthrop’s Neurological Stepdown Unit.During video EEGmonitoring, EEG electrodesare placed on thepatient’s scalp which arethen connected to asmall box that is wornon the patient’s hip.The EEG activity iscontinuously recordedin conjunction witharound-the-clock videosurveillance. If a seizuredoes not naturallyoccur during themonitoring process,antiepileptic medicationmay be reducedor stopped in order tosafely induce a seizureunder the close supervisionof Winthrop’strained medical staff.“Following a comprehensiveassessment,which considers theseverity of the patient’sseizure disorder and the affected area ofthe brain, we present recommendationsfor treatment which may represent medicationalteration or surgical therapy,”said Dr. Ettinger.With a variety of treatment optionsavailable – from conservative medicalmanagement to advanced surgicalapproaches – Winthrop’s multidisciplinaryneurosciences team is well equippedto provide patients with the appropriatecourse of treatment, tailored exclusivelyto meet each patient’s unique needs. Forthose patients whose seizures do notrespond to medication management,Winthrop neurosurgeons are adept at theimplantation of the vagal nerve stimulator– a pacemaker-like device that oftenprevents and controls seizure activity –and deep brain stimulation, which deliverselectrical stimulation to targetedregions deep within the brain that controlmovement-related communication.Winthrop’s Institute for Neuro -sciences treats all neurological conditionsincluding stroke, Parkinson’s disease,Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis,movement disorders and various otherconditions. Patients receive comprehensivecare from an interdisciplinary teamwhich includes neurologists, neurosurgeons,neuroradiologists, vascularsurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons and otherspecialists from related fields as needed.Specialized nursing care, physical andoccupational therapy, social work andother supportive services are also keycomponents of the Institute.For more information about neurosciencescare, call 1-866-WINTHROP. ■Cornerstone9

Winter/Spring • 2011A Most Memorable Evening atAmidst the backdrop of a full moon and starlit sky, over750 friends and supporters of Winthrop-UniversityHospital gathered on October 23 at the 2010 Gala,Bella Luna. The evening paid honor to tworemark able individuals – Michael E. Khalife, MD,Attending Surgeon at Winthrop and partner inNassau Surgical Associates, PC, and Charles L.Ruoff, CPCU, President of CR Market Strategies,Inc. and member of Winthrop’s Board of Directors– both of whom received Streaming Star Awardsin recognition of their years of devoted service toWinthrop and its patients.The event was a milestone Gala for the Hospital, raisingclose to $840,000 in support of the development of a visionaryand robust biomedical Research Institute at Winthrop. ■10Cornerstone

Special thanks to friends and corporate partnersBella Luna UnderwriterNassau Anesthesia Associates, PCClair de Lune UnderwriterNathan & Phyllis MistrettaFull Moon UnderwriterNeurological Surgery, PCCrescent Moon UnderwritersThe B & G Organization, LLC Pall Corporation Winthrop-University HospitalMedical StaffBower Monte & Greene, PCCitibank, NAFarrell Fritz, PCFurey, Kerley, Walsh, Matera& Cinquemani, PCGarfunkel Wild, PCFormed Plastics, Inc.Gastroenterology Associates, PC& Long Island Center forDigestive Health, LLCCardiovascular MedicalAssociates, PCThe Hallen Construction Co., Inc.HVS InternationalLifeStar Response CorporationDeloitte, LLPEast End CardiologyLizardos EngineeringAssociates, PCMedtronic USA, Inc.Michael Anthony ContractingCorporationAmerican OxygenAmeriChoiceDubraski &AssociatesFarmingdale State CollegeArun K. Agrawal, MDCintas DocumentManagementNew Moon SponsorsHeidell, Pittoni, Murphy &Bach, LLPIsland Cardiac SpecialistsMartin Clearwater & Bell, LLPMontfort, Healy,McGuire & SalleyPaper Moon SponsorsTheodora Winthrop HootonMetropolitan Jewish HealthSystemHarvest Moon SponsorsBlue Moon SponsorsRising Moon SponsorsSilver Moon SponsorsPutney, Twombly, Hall &Hirson, LLPSteel Equities, LLCTD BankTurner Construction CompanyOptimum LightpathPhoenix Medical ConstructionWorkflow.comThe McGuire Group Architects Winthrop Orthopaedic AssociatesDean P. Pappas, MD, Winthrop-University Hospital,Jules E. Garbus, MD & Department of PathologyDavid E. Hong, DO Winthrop-University Hospital,Mr. & Mrs. Charles & Fran Ruoff Department of PediatricsNassau Surgical Associates, PCThe Risk ManagementPlanning GroupSt. John’s College of Pharmacy& Allied Health ProfessionsSentosaCareFrank Dolisi, MD, PCJames H. Grendell, MDJzanus, Ltd.GNYHAJ&L Modern ConcreteKPMGPricewaterhouseCoopersMageda Mikhail, MDNewsday Media GroupSeth Plancher, MDSunharbor Manor SkilledNursing & Rehabilitation CenterWinthrop Radiology AssociatesWinthrop-University Hospital,Department ofEmergency MedicineWinthrop-University Hospital,Department of SurgeryProfessional Maintenanceof Long Island, Inc.United HealthcareUrocare Associates of NYGenevieve B. Sicuranza, MDMatthew R. Witten, PhD

Winter/Spring • 2011Grateful Patient Gives BackWinthrop-University Hospital receives countless letters from grateful patients eachyear. Some even come back to the Hospital after their recovery to thank thosewhose care made a lasting impression on them. After being treated at Winthropon three separate occasions over the course of 10 years, S. Michael Apollo felt itwas important to do just that.Mr. Apollo, who attributes his longevity to the outstanding care he receivedat Winthrop, wanted to say thank you in a special way. He chose to make twosignificant donations to the Hospital. What’s more, he wanted to come back tothe Hospital to personally thank his caregivers for their extraordinary care andconcern, which he truly believes has allowed him to enjoy a healthy, activeretirement with his wife, Anna, and to pursue his interests – going to the operaand playing golf. So he and his family recently visited the patient care unitswhere he was treated.“Every time I have been at Winthrop, all of the nurses were caring, compassionateand kind. I think it’s time to give back, and I wanted to give back toan institution that has served me well,” said Mr. Apollo, whose family was alsograteful for the nurses’ kindness and diligence in keeping them well-informedduring each of Mr. Apollo’s hospitalizations.“There truly is a special dimension of care here at Winthrop, and Mr. Apollo isa testament to that care. The staff made such an impact on him that he was promptedto give back in a way that will touch the lives of countless other patients whocome to Winthrop,”said John P. Broder,Vice President ofExternal Affairs andDevelopment atWinthrop. ■Grateful for the outstanding treatment he receivedat Winthrop-University Hospital over the years,S. Michael Apollo (above, center) and his wife,Anna, and daughter, Anne-Marie, (second andthird from left) recently visitedthe patient care units whereMr. Apollo was treated tothank his caregivers fortheir care and concern.Members of Winthrop’sAdministration werealso present for a specialplaque dedicationheld in Mr. Apollo’shonor.John P. Broder, Vice President ofExternal Affairs and Develop -ment at Winthrop (above, right)thanks S. Michael Apollo (left)for his generous donations toWinthrop during a plaque dedicationheld in Mr. Apollo’s honor.13Cornerstone

Winter/Spring • 2011Institute for Family CareYoung Patients Take Control WithWinthrop’s Pediatric Diabetes Program“She’s a kid first” is Carol Rosenking’smantra for her 13-year-old daughter,Taylor. A vibrant and active teenager,Taylor has asserted control over diabetes –an autoimmune disease that destroys thecells of the pancreas that produce insulin– with the help of Winthrop-UniversityHospital’s Pediatric Diabetes Program.Diabetes has become one of themost common and serious conditions inchildren, and it affects the entire family.At Winthrop, young people living withdiabetes and their families have a specializedprogram to call their own. TheWinthrop Pediatric Diabetes Program isan American DiabetesAssociation nationallyrecognized pediatric diabetesand endocrine careprogram. It serves over1,000 children with diabetesthroughout thetri-state area utilizingthe caring and expertiseof a team of specialiststo help young patientsachieve and maintainoptimal blood glucosecontrol and minimize orprevent complications.“The PediatricDiabetes Program atWinthrop is committedto providing individualized quality andcaring treatment to children, adolescentsand young adults with diabetes. Theclinical and educational staff address theneeds not only of the patient, but of theirfamily and the community,” said SihamAccacha, MD, Chief of Winthrop’sPediatric Diabetes Program.Children living with diabetes facemany challenges. Every time they eat,they have to count carbs to manage theirblood glucose levels, and they must continuouslymonitor their blood glucoseThirteen-year-old Taylor Rosenkingis a patient at Winthrop’s PediatricDiabetes Program.levels and adjust their insulin therapy. Asthese patients grow older, they are also atincreased risk for many serious healthconditions including blindness, neuro -pathy, skin complications and infections,heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.“Life isn’t carefree for these children.The simplest things, like going on a fieldtrip, aren’t simple for children with diabetes.They have to make sure that theyhave all of their equipment with them,that they will be able to eat if they needto, and, if they eat, that they will be ableto see nutrition information and countcarbs,” explained Jean Corrigan, RN,MA, Program Directorof Winthrop’s PediatricDiabetes Program.Care at Winthrop’sPediatric DiabetesProgram is individualizedto suit each child’sor teen’s lifestyle and toempower the individualand their family toparticipate fully andeffectively in treatmentand lifestyle decisions.“Our programteaches children how toovercome the challengesthey face on a dailybasis and incorporatediabetes into their life. We follow ourpatients through each developmentalstage in their life, providing education,individualized care and support to theentire family every step of the way,” saidMs. Corrigan.The Center provides comprehensivemedical examinations of the childevery two months – from a completephysical examination including visionassessments to diabetes education andindividual counseling. The team consistsof pediatric endocrinologists;certified diabetes educators who are allcertified insulin pump trainers and specializedin treating diabetes in children,teens and young adults; registerednutritionists with specialized educationand expertise in diabetes nutrition; achild life specialist, as well as an exercisephysiologist and a social worker.Taylor and her family are appreciativeof the comprehensive care theyhave received from Winthrop’s PediatricDiabetes Program. When Taylor startedshowing early signs of diabetes at theage of four, her pediatrician immediatelysent her to Winthrop’s EmergencyDepartment, where she was diagnosedwith type 1 diabetes and admitted tothe Hospital. While hospitalized, Taylorand her family met Ms. Corrigan, whogave them the skills and tools theyneeded to manage diabetes at home.“Discovering that my daughter haddiabetes was scary, but when I left theHospital with Taylor, I wasn’t scared anymore,”Mrs. Rosenking recalled. “Jeanwas right by our side the entire time, andfor the first few months after Taylor wasdischarged, we were in touch with herevery day.”In spite of the challenges she faced,Taylor quickly learned how to integratediabetes into her life. By the time sheturned six, Taylor was able to recognizewhen her blood sugar was dropping,learned to read food labels, and was ableto count carbs. When she was eight,Taylor began using an insulin pump – asmall device that continuously deliversinsulin to the body through a cannula(a small tube) placed under the skin. Byeliminating insulin injections and givingTaylor greater flexibility with her mealplan, the pump allows Taylor to adjusther insulin therapy to her life – in otherwords, be a kid.“Now I can sleep in on the week-14Cornerstone

Winter/Spring • 2011Institute for Family Careends, because I don’t have to eat on aset schedule!” she said.Two years later, Taylor added continuousglucose monitoring, an adjuncttherapy to the pump that records interstitialglucose levels 24 hours a day. Thistherapy enables Taylor to monitor trendsin her blood sugar levels, giving her evenmore control over her diabetes.Among the many valuable servicesavailable to patients and their familiesthrough Winthrop’s Pediatric DiabetesProgram are insulin pump training; educationof siblings, relatives and caregiversso that they are prepared to care for thechild with diabetes; 24-hour on-callassistance for support and information;and involvement in research protocols topromote the healthy lifestyle of peopleThe Future of Diabeteswith diabetes. What’s more, the Programruns various teen, child and toddlersupport groups, as well as supportgroups for parents and family members.“Winthrop’s support groups are aninvaluable resource to all newly diagnosedpatients. Parents can relate withother parents who live with the samechallenges day in and out,” said Mrs.Rosenking.In addition, to help schools providea safe environment for children withdiabetes, the Program’s certified diabeteseducators visit their patients’ schools,when needed, to provide diabetes educationto teachers and staff members.“The care is priceless,” said Mrs.Rosenking, who credits Winthrop’s programwith ensuring that Taylor is “a kidIn addition to providing compassionate, state-of-the-art care to children with diabetes,Winthrop is at the forefront of research into the causes and treatment of diabetes.For example, Siham Accacha, MD, Chief of Winthrop’s Pediatric Diabetes Programand Principal Investigator in the DiaPrevent Clinical Trial, is working with hercolleagues at Winthrop to test the investigational Diamyd vaccine. This multi-centerclinical trial will determine if this new pharmaceutical development can help pediatricpatients who have recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes preserve theircapability to produce insulin.Dr. Accacha is also a Principal Investigator for the TrialNet Natural HistoryStudy, a multi-center study through which she and other members of the Winthropteam test relatives of individuals with type 1 diabetes for an antibody known to be apredictor of the development of diabetes. By tracking these family members, theresearchers hope to learn more about how type 1 diabetes occurs.To combat the epidemics of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes, WarrenRosenfeld, MD, Chairman of Winthrop’s Department of Pediatrics, is a PrincipalInvestigator for the Reduced Obesity and Diabetes (ROAD) Study – a multi-centerstudy that analyzes the effects of school health, nutrition and exercise programs onmiddle school students’ risk for type 2 diabetes. Dr. Rosenfeld and other researchers,including several at Winthrop, are working on the hypothesis that integrating programsthat encourage healthy living into students’ daily activities will reduce theirrisk of developing type 2 diabetes.“Ask any parent of a child with diabetes or any person who lives with diabeteswhat they hope for and you will hear the same emotional refrain: ‘find a cure,’”said Virginia Peragallo-Dittko, RN, Executive Director of Winthrop’s Diabetes andObesity Institute. “In addition to the present research efforts, the future of bothclinical and basic science research at Winthrop will fully explore the physiologicaland biomedical aspects of diabetes, confront the epidemic of diabetes and find newways to improve the lives of people with diabetes.”first” and has all of the experiences andopportunities that a teenager shouldhave. The family relishes the vacationsthey have taken together to places suchas California and Hawaii – not an easyfeat when managing diabetes. Taylor isalso involved in numerous after-schoolactivities including soccer, baseball, jazzand tap.Taylor has raised over $25,000 tosupport the Juvenile Diabetes ResearchFoundation’s mission of finding a cure fordiabetes and its complications by rallyingher family and friends to participate inthe Foundation’s annual walks. She alsospends her summers at the Clara BartonDay Camp, an outdoor camp gearedspecifically toward insulin-dependentchildren. This summer, as a counselor-intraining,Taylor will serve as a role modelfor young children with diabetes.“I remember how I felt when I firstwas diagnosed with diabetes and howmany challenges I faced. I want to showkids that they are not alone, that theycan’t let diabetes stop them from anything,”said Taylor.For more information aboutWinthrop’s Pediatric Diabetes Program,call 1-866-WINTHROP. ■Nazeeh N. Hanna, MD,Chief of Neonatology,Receives Major Marchof Dimes GrantWith a prestigious grant from theMarch of Dimes, Nazeeh N. Hanna,MD, Chief of Neonatology in theDepartment of Pediatrics at Winthrop,will examine whether low dose inhaledcarbon monoxide, known to be toxicin high dose but protective in low dose,can prevent preterm labor associatedwith infection. Dr. Hanna is one of justfive scientists whose work will be supportedby $2.4 million in new grantsfrom the March of Dimes PrematurityResearch Initiative (PRI).Cornerstone 15

Winter/Spring • 2011Yuletide Ball Raises Over$160,000 for Winthrop’sChild Life ProgramEach year during the December holiday season, friends and supportersof Winthrop-University Hospital gather for the Yuletide Ball, anelegant evening of dining, dancing and fundraising to benefit theHospital’s Child Life Program. The 2010 Yuletide Ball, graciously hostedby Garden City residents John and Liz Durand on December 11, 2010was a great success, raising over $160,000.The Yuletide Ball is a pivotal annual event that garners the community’s supportfor Winthrop’s unique Child Life Program, through which specially trained Child LifeSpecialists help children understand and cope with hospitalization. The caring and highlytrained staff use therapeutic play, arts and crafts, entertainment and other diversionsto ensure that the hospital experience is as stress-free as possible for children and theirfamilies. Child Life Specialists are available in the Pediatric Emergency Unit, the CancerCenter for Kids, the Pediatric Specialty Center and the Hospital’s Hagedorn PediatricInpatient Center.A vital program that servesthe full spectrum of inpatient,outpatient and emergency servicesat Winthrop, Child Life issupported in its entirety byphilan thropic contributions. ■16 Cornerstone2010 SponsorsMr. and Mrs. Charles M. StrainMr. and Mrs. J. Peter Coll, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. G. Robert Gage, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Ronald H. McGlynnRiley Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. Robert L. Cox, IIIMr. and Mrs. Timothy P. GallagherMr. and Mrs. J. Kevin GilganMr. and Mrs. Frank P. LiantonioLong Island Plastic Surgical Group, PCMr. and Mrs. John McMillinMr. and Mrs. O.J. Betz, Jr.William L. Edwards & Mary Ann Edwards FoundationGambardella Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. Matthew HeslinMr. & Mrs. Gary PetropoulosMr. and Mrs. Nicholas J. Rosato, Jr.Special Thanks to HostsMr. and Mrs. John Durand

Winthrop Honors Long-Time, BelovedPhysician with the Dedication of theDr. Martin Spatz Conference CenterIn recognition of a physician’s extraordinarybenevolence and to honor himfor his 47 years of service as part of theinstitution’s world-class medical staff,Winthrop-University Hospital hasrededicated and renamed its New LifeConference Center to the Dr. MartinSpatz Conference Center.The passion of Dr.Spatz’s professional life wasWinthrop (then known asNassau Hospital when Dr.Spatz first joined the MedicalStaff in 1947). In many ways,the late Dr. Spatz was a pioneerin the practice ofmedicine/surgery, especiallyurology, serving as Chief ofthe Division of Urology andActing Chairman of theDepartment of Urology for23 years. At his retirementdinner on August 31, 1994,Dr. Spatz remarked, “…Ihave seen the Hospital growfrom a 250-bed purely communityservice Hospital…toa 600-bed University CampusHospital – an academic institution –but still devoted to excellent communityservice. I continue to brag a little,especially today, that I am most happyto have been an active participant inthis development…it has resulted fromencouragement and guidance from aPresent at the dedication of the Dr. Martin Spatz Conference Centerwere Dr. Spatz’s nieces Carol Price (left) and Kathy Pierce (right), alongwith (second from left to right) Joseph Greensher, MD, Vice Chairmanof Winthrop’s Department of Pediatrics, and the Hospital’s SeniorPhysician Advisor, Leon Berg, long-time friend of Dr. Spatz, andJohn F. Collins, President & CEO of Winthrop.Winter/Spring • 2011most devoted Urological staff, thecooperation of our Administration andthe support of our Board of Directors.”Dr. Spatz’s dream was to have hisname associated with this extraordinaryinstitution in perpetuity, and as ofOctober 5, 2010, his dream was fulfilled.What’s more, ingratitude to Dr. Spatz for hispioneering efforts and exceptionaldedication to medicaleducation and excellence,the Board of Directors andsenior Administration atWinthrop established theMartin Spatz, MD, Awardfor Medical Excellence. Theinaugural award was presentedto Dr. Spatz at the firstannual Medical Staff ServiceAwards Dinner in 2002 andsince then, this prestigioushonor has been bestowedannually to a physicianwhose dedication and workhas raised the standard ofcare at Winthrop. ■Winthrop Announces Cardiac Affiliationwith Brookhaven Memorial HospitalWinthrop’s Institute for Heart Careand the Knapp Cardiac Care Center atBrookhaven Memorial Hospital haveentered into an affiliation agreementconcerning Brookhaven’s cardiaccatheterization laboratory. The newpartnership, under the expert leadershipof Anthony Gambino, MD,Winthrop’s Director of OutpatientCardiology Services, and RichardSchwartz, DO, Winthrop’s Directorof Cardiovascular Outreach, utilizesWinthrop’s expertise in cardiovascularcare and provides enhanced cardiac careand services to patients at the KnappCardiac Care Center at BrookhavenMemorial Hospital.“Winthrop-University Hospital ispleased to collaborate with BrookhavenMemorial Hospital to bring our comprehensivecardiac care services to those whowork and live in this community,” saidJohn F. Collins, Winthrop’s Presidentand Chief Executive Officer.Winthrop was recently cited byHealthGrades, the nation’s most trustedsource of healthcare provider information,for ranking in the top five percent in thenation for Overall Cardiac Services,Cardiology Services and Angioplasty/StentProcedures (2010 and 2011). ■Cornerstone 17

Winter/Spring • 2011Michael Magro FoundationOpens a New Window onAdvanced Cardiac Carefor Kids at WinthropDedicated to easing the burdens of children with serious illnessesand their families, the Michael Magro Foundation recently awardedWinthrop-University Hospital with a $25,000 grant to fund anupgraded software package for the GE Vivid Q echo machine, astate-of-the-art portable echocardiogram machine.The advanced technology in the newly upgraded Vivid Qechocardiography equipment yields high quality information aboutthe heart in superior detail and exceptional clarity. In addition,utilizing Automated Function Imaging, the machine can monitorthe heart before, during and after chemotherapy, enabling physiciansto establish a baseline for pediatric cancer patients, determineboth the short- and long-term effects of treatment, and evaluatepotential cardiac damage.Jay’s World Childhood Cancer FoundationShows Continued Support for WinthropJay’s World Childhood CancerFoundation Inc., established in 1994by Ralph and Mary Ann Napolitano tocelebrate their son Jason’s (“Jay”) successfulleukemia treatment, is committed toRalph and Mary Ann Napolitano (left, second fromright), founders of Jay’s World Childhood CancerFoundation Inc., visited Winthrop’s Cancer Centerfor Kids (CCFK) to present their generous donationto Mark Weinblatt, MD, Chief of the Division ofPediatric Hematology/Oncology at Winthrop andDirector of the CCFK, and Linda Sweeney, PracticeManager of the CCFK.18 Cornerstonechildren and their fight against pediatriccancer. Their latest gift of $10,000, earmarkedfor Winthrop’s Cancer Centerfor Kids’ (CCFK) programs and services,underscores a partnership that hasenriched programs and servicesand helped provide advancedtechnology in the CCFK andconstruction of the Jay’s WorldCancer Unit in Winthrop’sHagedorn Pediatric InpatientCenter, thanks to their donationstotaling close to $600,000to date.In 2004, Jay’s WorldChildhood Cancer Foundationfunded the 15,000 sq. ft. Jay’sPresent at the dedication of the newly upgraded GE Vivid Q echomachine were (l.-r.) Gloria Petralia, Administrative Director of theDepartment of Pediatrics at Winthrop; Donna Better, MD, Directorof the Pediatric Echocardiography Laboratory and PerinatalCardiology at Winthrop; Terrie Magro, Co-Founder of The MichaelMagro Foundation; Carlos Montoya, MD, Chief of PediatricCardiology at Winthrop; Linda Sweeney, Practice Manager of theCancer Center for Kids at Winthrop; and Warren Rosenfeld, MD,Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Winthrop.World Children’s Cancer Unitat Winthrop’s HagedornPediatric Inpatient Center –a pediatric oncology unit speciallydedicated to caring forchildren with cancer. The Unitconsists of five uniquelyappointed rooms with sophisticatedair filtration systems, sleepingaccommodations for parents andother family-focused amenities. TheFoundation also underwrote the completeblood count (CBC) Laboratoryand the Practice Manager’s office at theCCFK’s expanded outpatient facility,along with a state-of-the-art Blood LabMachine, laptop computers, essentialmedical equipment and scholarshipsfor children who have or have had cancerand are planning to attend college.“We are truly appreciative of Jay’sWorld Childhood Cancer Foundation’songoing support which has deeplyenhanced the resources and offerings atthe Cancer Center for Kids for thebenefit of countless patients and theirfamilies,” said Linda Sweeney, PracticeManager of the CCFK.The Napolitanos were recentlyrecognized for their foresight, leadershipand dedication to volunteerism atthe 9th Annual Long Island VolunteerHall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Winter/Spring • 2011Fourth Chance at Life(continued from cover)Despite being a very high-risk surgicalcandidate, as this would be Sergei’sfourth time undergoing surgery, he wastaken to Winthrop’s operating room onOctober 22, 2010 under the direction ofDr. Schubach, along with his colleaguescardiothoracic surgeons John A. Goncalves,Jr., MD, and William Kokotos, MD,where both his aortic and mitral valveswere replaced with mechanical valves.Although the cardiac portion of theoperation went well, Sergei developedintra-abdominal bleeding,which required exploration withthe assistance of George Hines,MD, Winthrop’s Chief ofVascular Surgery. The days andweeks following the surgery werevery difficult – Sergei returned tothe operating room twice so thatdoctors could re-explore bleedingin the abdomen before ultimatelyclosing it.Despite the magnitude of theprocedure and the ensuing complications,Sergei made a dramaticrecovery thanks to the world-class care hereceived from an outstanding team ofdoctors, nurses and physician assistants inWinthrop’s cardiac and surgical intensivecare units.“Sergei’s remarkable recovery is atestament to Winthrop’s ability to successfullymanage such a complex casewhile delivering the best possible resultsto the patient,” said Dr. Schubach.The compassionate and state-of-theartcare delivered by Winthrop’s expertteam as well as Sergei’s perseverance inthe fight for his life certainly paid off. Apost-operative echocardiogram revealedexcellent function of both of the newlyplaced valves and no intra-abdominalproblems related to his intra-operativebleeding, and Sergei was dischargedfrom Winthrop on November 18, 2010.As he continued on his journeytowards a full recovery, Sergei and hisfather were fortunate to stay in TheRonald McDonald House of LongIsland, where they were visited daily byMr. Yurieff and Arkadiy Bogatyryov,Winthrop Cardiovascular Specialist andnative of Russia who not only played animportant role in Sergei’s care, but developeda special bond with the boy and hisfather during their time at Winthrop.“From translating from English toRussian and explaining medical issues,to bringing them home-cooked Russianmeals to comfort them during the longhospitalization, I was more than happyto help Sergei and Oleg in any way possible,”said Mr. Bogatyryov.Just days before the father and sonbegan their long journey back to Russia,Sergei and Oleg returned to Winthropto express their heartfelt thanks during aspecial Thanksgiving luncheon that theHospital hosted in their honor.“I was really struck by how caringthe doctors and all the staff at Winthropare. It was obvious to me that apart fromSergei Massaev (above, front row, fourthfrom left) and his father Oleg (back row,second from left) developed special bondswith Winthrop’s cardiac team and all of thecaregivers in the Surgical Intensive CareUnit on 4 North.being very professional, everyone trulycared about me,” said Sergei through atranslator. “We thank God that we foundThe Russian Gift of Life and were able tocome to the U.S. and that the doctorshere at Winthrop saved my life.”“As a member of the Board ofDirectors, I am proud of the way thatWinthrop-University Hospital stepped upto take on such an exceptionally difficultcase,” said Theodora Hooton, who wasinvolved in the early discussions regardingSergei’s case. “I am thankful to all of themembers of the Winthrop team, especiallyDr. Schubach and Dr. Marzo, for thetireless hours of care they provided toSergei, and it gives me great joy to knowthat it turned out to be such a success.”Today, Mr. Bogatyryov remains inclose contact with Sergei and Oleg viatelephone and a popular social networkingwebsite, and is happy to report justhow remarkable the young man is doing.“Sergei is walking three miles a dayand feels great! He is truly grateful forthe care he received at Winthrop that haschanged his life,” he said.For additional information aboutcutting-edge cardiac services at Winthrop,call 1-866-WINTHROP. ■Cornerstone 19

Winter/Spring • 2011Winthrop Honors Tireless Commitmentof its Volunteers and AuxiliansDay after day, Winthrop receives accoladespraising the wonderful works of itsdedicated auxilians and senior volunteers.These remarkable individuals share theirprecious time and special talents for thebenefit of others, and their compassionateand giving spirits resonate with themission of Winthrop.Recently, the Hospital hosted a SeniorVolunteer Awards Luncheon along withthe 86th Annual Meeting of the WinthropAuxiliary to pay honor to this dynamicgroup of individuals. In addition toacknowledging over 150 volunteers fortheir impressive service milestones, specialrecognition was offered to Winthrop’sAuxilian and Volunteers of the Year.20 CornerstoneWinthrop Auxilianof the YearAngela WilliamsUsing her special talents as a florist in theWilliston Park area as just one of the waysin which she is able to give back, AngelaWilliams, one of the founding members ofWings of Winthrop – a branch of theHospital’s Auxiliary, which also includes theTwigs of Winthrop – graciously volunteersher time and resources each year to conducta Holiday Centerpiece Workshop. TheWorkshop enables participants to learn newways to make holiday floral arrangements,while raising funds for the Hospital.“It gives me great joy to be able to giveback to the community,” said Ms. Williams.“We are pleased to recognize AngelaWilliams as the Auxilian of the Year inrecog nition of her dedication to Winthrop,her countless hours of selfless volunteerservice, and her extraordinary dedication tothose in the community who need hospitalcare,” said Veronica Renken, President ofthe Auxiliary and member of the Hospital’sBoard of Directors.Winthrop Volunteersof the YearRobert & Patricia GordonFor Robert and Patricia Gordon, themotivation behind donating their timeand energies to the Hospital’s Child LifeProgram is two-fold. The couple, who firstbegan volunteering in 2005, not onlyenjoys being involved with a program thatis dedicated to helping children take theirminds off of being in the hospital, butholds dear the opportunity to honor thelegacy of their daughter, who they tragic -ally lost to cancer at the age of 23.“Our daughter had a passion for workingwith children, and we are carrying on forher,” said Mr. Gordon, who holds a PhD inElectrical Engineering and teaches mathematicsthrough the University of Phoenix.“It’s truly rewarding for us to be withthe children and to see the smiles on theirfaces,” added Mrs. Gordon, an accomplishedwriter and author of Transitionsand Memories.Each week, the couple, who recentlycelebrated 50 years of marriage, spendstime visiting with patients and distributingtoys in the Child Life Activity Center inthe Hospital’s Hagedorn Pediatric InpatientCenter. The couple also visits patients whoare unable to leave their rooms to ensuretheir requests for toys or games are met.“The Gordons are truly an asset toour department and we appreciate allthey’ve done to help make our patients’time in the hospital just a little bit easier,”said Nicole Almeida, MS, CCLS, Directorof the Child Life Program at Winthrop.For additional information about theWinthrop Auxiliary or Senior Volunteeropportunities (ages 18 and older) at theHospital, please call1-866-WINTHROP. ■Winthrop’s Top DoctorsWinthrop-University Hospital takes great pride in the vast talent of its dynamicmedical team and was pleased to recognize more than 80 physicians who were named“Top Doctors” in the last edition of Cornerstone. However, due to incomplete informationprovided by an outside source, the following six physicians were inadvertentlyleft out of the article:Kaveh Alizadeh, MDPlastic SurgeryVincent DiGregorio, MDAlex Keller, MDPlastic SurgeryJohn Pile-Spellman, MDWilliam Reed, MDSurgeryScott Wells, MDPlastic SurgeryNeuro RadiologyPlastic SurgeryCongratulations to these physicians, who were among the 88 Winthrop physiciansnamed to Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors: New York Metro Area’s 13th edition, and thankyou all for your commitment to excellence in academic medicine and research andsuperior patient care.

Winter/Spring • 2011AprilApril 3, 2011“Getting Your DaughterReady for College” S10:00 AMReservations & fees: 1-866-WINTHROPApril 5, 2011“Oh, My Aching Back!” W6:45 PM Registration7:00 PM ProgramReservations: (516) 663-8300Tobacco CessationA free four-week behavior modificationcourse to help you understand and conquerthe challenge of quitting tobacco.Wednesdays at 5:30 PMApril 6, 13, 20 & 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25Winthrop Wellness PavilionInformation: (516) 663-2579April 12, 2011“Understanding & ControllingInflammatory Bowel Disease” W6:45 PM Registration7:00 PM ProgramReservations: (516) 663-8300April 13, 2011“Exercise & Fall Prevention” M1:15 PM Lecture2:45 PM Blood Pressure ChecksReservations: (516) 663-3916April 27, 2011“Adolescence: A Guideto Health & Safety” W6:45 PM Registration7:00 PM ProgramReservations: 1-866-WINTHROPCommunity CoachesTraining ProgramIncludes: American Heart AssociationHeartSaver AED Adult/Child ProgramA 2 1 /2 hour class that includes informationabout concussions, asthma andorthopedic injuries in youth sports.Information: Call (516) 663-4455for schedule and fees.Fall PreventionAre you at risk – did you or someoneyou know fall?Free classes: “Risks & Tips;”“Exercise/Balance” &“Balance Assessment Tests”Winthrop Wellness PavilionInformation: Call 1-866-WINTHROPMayMay 9, 2011“Chronic Kidney Disease:Treatment Options”6:30 PM ProgramWReservations: (516) 663-9032May 11, 2011“Success with Failure: ManagingYour Congestive Heart Failure”1:15 PM Lecture2:45 PM Blood Pressure ChecksReservations: (516) 663-3916May 12, 2011“Stroke Alert: Free RiskScreening Included” W6:30 PM Assessments7:30 PM ProgramAssessments: (516) 663-8300Save a Life byLearning CPRWinthrop’s Community Training Centeroffers American Heart Associationclasses in: Basic Life SupportInfant & Child CPRFamily & Friends CPRInformation: (516) 663-4455Locations KeyMCalendar of EventsYoga ClassesMondays & Tuesdays5:30 to 7:00 PM7:15 to 8:45 PMWednesdays5:30 to 7:00 PM8 Classes, $96 (Free Parking)286 Old Country Road, MineolaRegistration required:1-866-WINTHROPMay 17, 2011“Prostate Cancer - FromDiagnosis Through Treatment”6:45 PM Registration7:00 PM ProgramReservations: (516) 663-8300Stroke Support GroupFREE for Survivors & Family MembersApril 20, May 18, June 1510:00-11:30 AM200 Old Country Road, MineolaInformation or reservations:(516) 663-9098BreastfeedingSupport GroupShare the breast feeding experience withother mothers, and receive guidance forcommon issues and concerns faced bythe breastfeeding mother.April 20 & 27May 4, 11, 18 & 251:00 – 3:00 PMWinthrop Wellness PavilionInformation or reservations:(516) 663-2858W Winthrop Community Outreach Center101 Mineola Blvd. (corner of Second St.), MineolaM Mineola Community Center155 Washington Avenue, MineolaS Dr. Martin Spatz Conference CenterWinthrop-University Hospital, 259 First St., MineolaP Winthrop Wellness Pavilion1300 Franklin Avenue, Suite ML-5, Garden CityPre-registration is required for all programs.Please call ahead to reserve space; see listings for telephone numbers.WCornerstone21

Winthrop-University Hospital259 First StreetMineola, NY 11501www.winthrop.orgCharles M. StrainChairman of the BoardJohn F. CollinsPresident and Chief Executive OfficerPublished by theDepartment of Public Affairs(516) 663-2234J. Edmund KeatingVice President, Marketing,Advertising & Public RelationsWendy L. Goldstein, MPADirector, Public Relations,Marketing & AdvertisingLeanna M. CherryPublications SpecialistCarolann MartinesAssociate WriterKaren TripmacherAssistant Director,Community Relations & Special ProjectsNon-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDMineola, N.Y.Permit No. 13The primary teaching affiliate of Stony Brook University School of MedicineSenator Fuschillo “Extends the Holidays”for Pediatric Patients at WinthropIt’s every child’s dream to walk into a toy store overflowing withgoodies and be told they can take home any toy they want. OnJanuary 4, pediatric patients in Winthrop’s Hagedorn PediatricInpatient Center had the opportunity to do just that, thanks toSenator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.’s annual “Extend the Holidays” toydrive, which provides a full year’s supply of toys for Winthrop’sChild Life Program.More than 1,500 toys were collected through generous donationsfrom local elementary schools, labor unions and communityorganizations. Senator Fuschillo hand-delivers the toys to patientsafter the holiday season so that hospitalized children can experiencethe joys of receiving a holiday gift throughout the year.“This is an event that I look forward to each and every year hereat Winthrop,” said John F. Collins, Winthrop’s President and ChiefExecutive Officer. “Our pediatric patients will benefit from theSenator’s generosity throughout the entire year.”“One of the best parts of the holiday season for children isthe thrill and anticipation of receiving the gift of a new toy,” saidSenator Fuschillo. “We want to make sure that children in the hospital,who are going through tough times, can experience those samefeelings throughout the year. The many toys that were donated byschools, unions, and local residents will help put smiles on the facesPresent at Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.’s “Extend the Holidays” toydonation were (l.-r.) John F. Collins, Winthrop’s President & ChiefExecutive Officer; Imogene Harrington, Certified Child Life Specialist(CCLS); Nicole Almeida, MS, CCLS, Director of the Child Life Programat Winthrop; Gayle Silverstein, CCLS; Melanie Bucholtz, MS, CCLS;New York State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.; and John P. Broder, VicePresident of External Affairs and Development at Winthrop.of many children. I thank everyone who participated in this programfor once again making it a great success.” ■