The BMC Brief

May 24, 2012 Volume 1, Issue 25

• Nurses Recognized for Excellence
• Staff, Cancer Survivors Model Fashions to Benefit BMC
• What Do You Do, Emmy Graber?
• In Their Words
• News of Note
• Awards and Accolades

Nurses Recognized for Excellence

“Warm.” “Kind.” “Respectful.” “Team player.”

These were just a few of the words used to describe nurses at the 14th annual Nursing Excellence awards program held May 11 in Bakst Auditorium. The awards capped BMC’s National Nurses Week celebration.

More than 35 nurses were nominated by their peers for their outstanding contributions to nursing and patient care.

In her welcome address, Vice President of Nursing Kim Perryman, RN, MMHC, NE-BC, recalled Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing.

“She taught the importance of skin, touch and the art of caring,” said Perryman. “That is what we are here to celebrate today.”

Ten nurses received Nursing Excellence awards:

• Cathy Angeley, RN, SICU, Newton Pavilion
  “Cathy is a nurse who goes above and beyond,” wrote her nominator. “When a patient was in the hospital longer than expected and was unable to care for his dog, Cathy went to the patient’s home to rescue and care for the dog."

• Barbara Guilfoyle-Ryan, RN, SICU, Newton Pavilion
  “Barbara is a true patient advocate,” read her nomination.

• Cathy Korn, RN, Epidemiology
  “Cathy has contributed to the decrease in our hospital-acquired infections,” wrote her nominator.

• Rosanna Lynch Farrell, RN, Labor and Delivery, Menino Pavilion
  “Rosanna has a respectful, professional attitude and is always happy to share her knowledge and expertise with her peers,” wrote her nominator.

• Nirva Mervier, RN, Endoscopy, Menino Pavilion
  “Nirva is a team player and a strong patient advocate,” wrote her nominator. “She also volunteers her time to go to Haiti.”

• Jeanine Midy, RN, 4 East Pediatrics, Menino Pavilion
  “Jeanine is known for her professionalism and skills,” wrote her nominator. “She is a steadfast advocate for patients and is upbeat, positive and motivated.”

• Tammy Minard, RN, 5W ICU, Menino Pavilion
  “Tammy is a true patient and family advocate,” read her nomination.

• Karen Picarski, RN, 8W, Newton Pavilion
  “Karen has been here more than 20 years, but she still has the same passion and nurturing nature as when she started,” wrote her nominator.

• Amanda Washkevitch, RN, 6W, Menino Pavilion
  “Amanda is known for her compassionate and kind nature and for being a great teacher,” wrote her nominator.

• Lynne Weinstein, RN, CCU, Newton Pavilion
  “Lynne is able to balance the dynamics of patients and their families and she is well respected for it,” wrote her nominator.

In addition, these named awards were given to BMC nurses:

• The Peggy Cenci Memorial Award, recognizing an unsung hero, was presented to Ann-Marie Morin, RN, 7W, Newton Pavilion. “Ann-Marie always makes her patients and co-workers feel at ease and respected,” read her nomination. “With Ann-Marie caring for you, you always know patients will receive the best care.”

• The Lynn Ronan “Celebration of Life” award, given annually to honor the dedication, focus and quirky sense of humor that Ronan embodied, was given to Ann Noonan, RN, PACU, Newton Pavilion. “Ann is always warm, welcoming and smiling,” wrote her nominator. “Her patients trust her and she has superb intellectual and nursing skills.”

• The annual Anne Hargreaves Award for Nursing Excellence was given to Patricia Kimball, RN, Geriatric Home Care Program. “Pat consistently demonstrates critical thinking skills and expects patients and their families to be active partners in their care,” read her nomination. “She is a true advocate for her patients.”

The program also featured the announcement of a new honor, the Friends of Nursing Award, which is given to a staff member who collaborates exceptionally with nurses, promotes teamwork, patience, compassion and outstanding support in achieving quality outcomes. The inaugural recipients are Lisa O’Connor, RN, BSN, MS, NEAA-BC, Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations/Chief Nursing Officer, and Keith Lewis, MD, Chief and Chair, Anesthesiology, for their work overseeing the development and opening of the Solomont Clinical Simulation and Nursing Education Center.

"It is an honor to be recognized by Nursing leadership," said O'Connor. "I am so proud of all we have accomplished and so hopeful for what the future will bring. The simulation center is what exceptional looks like!"

Go to Top ^

Staff, Cancer Survivors Model Fashions to Benefit BMC

On June 28, when BMC hosts its first ever fashion show, Catwalk for BMC Cancer Care, to raise funds for hospital cancer programs, it won’t be just local celebrities strutting their stuff on the catwalk; BMC staffers and patients who have survived cancer will join them.

BMC staffer and cancer survivor Patti Berthiaume will walk the runway

The fashion show will feature six local designers creating looks for local celebrities such as Farrah Lester, Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester’s wife; Katie Boyd of the Style Networks’ reality series “Wicked Fit;” Lacey Wilson Bates, Miss Massachusetts 2010; and Monica Pietrzak, Miss Connecticut 2009. The event will benefit BMC’s Cancer Care Center and is being produced in partnership with Open HeARTS, Inc., a non-profit arts and event planning organization that supports community organizations through fundraising and charitable donations.

Among the BMC staffers featured in the model lineup is breast cancer survivor Patricia (Patti) Berthiaume, administrative assistant in BMC’s pharmacy department, “I am honored to participate in the Catwalk for BMC Cancer Care,” says Berthiaume. “My experience at BMC as both a patient and staff member has been amazing and I want to help raise money for cancer care here.”

Chris Andry, PhD, Executive Director, Cancer Care Services, says the event will raise funds for vital cancer programs at BMC. “Many of our patients lack resources or access to participate in support groups, survivorship celebrations and other integrative care services. This event is a wonderful and exciting way to raise the necessary support needed to care for our patients.”

Catwalk for BMC Cancer Care will be held from 7-11 p.m. June 28 at Boston’s scenic State Room at 60 State Street. Tickets to the event include a signature cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, fashion show and a gift bag. To purchase tickets visit www.bmccatwalk.org.


Go to Top ^

What Do You Do, Emmy Graber?

Name: Emmy Graber, MD
Title: Dermatologist
Department: Dermatology
Years at BMC: 2

Emmy Graber, MD

What brought you to BMC?
Before coming to BMC I was in private practice at SkinCare Physicians in Chestnut Hill and liked Boston so much I decided to stay. I came to BMC because I wanted to teach residents and medical students and to see and treat interesting medical cases.

What do you do here?
I see patients daily, some with general dermatology problems, like acne, skin cancer, rashes or warts. I also see cosmetic dermatology patients who are undergoing laser procedures or seeking injections for problems such as wrinkles, rosacea, acne scars, broken blood vessels, and sun spots, as well as for laser hair removal.

May is Melanoma Month. What is melanoma?
Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. When untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal. People who are constantly exposed to the sun or tanning devices, live in warmer climates, or have fair skin are at the highest risk to develop melanoma and also should be aware of more common, although less dangerous types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?
Sunblock generally contains what are called physical blockers. When applied, they block the sun from penetrating the skin and the ingredients may be better for people with sensitive skin. Sunscreen contains chemicals that protect your skin by absorbing and altering ultraviolet (UV) rays. When looking for a sunscreen or sunblock, look for SPF 30 and labels marked “broad spectrum,” or that block both UVA and UVB rays.

Are there any other steps people can take to avoid sun damage besides using sunscreen and sunblock?
You can protect yourself by avoiding the sun from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest. Wear sun-protecting clothes like broad-rimmed hats. Some companies make clothing that contains SPF in the fabric.

How often should people see a dermatologist?
Everyone should have their moles checked at least once a year. This can be done by a dermatologist or a primary care physician. Those who have a family history of skin cancer should see a dermatologist specifically once a year, whereas someone who has had skin cancer should see a dermatologist more often.

How important is early detection?
Early detection is extremely important for skin cancer, especially for melanoma, which can spread the longer it goes undetected. When melanoma does go undetected there is an elevated risk that it can be fatal. If you notice a new mole or spot that is changing in size, color or becoming itchy, you should see your physician immediately.

Do you know a staff member who should be profiled? Send your suggestions to communications@bmc.org.

Go to Top ^

In Their Words

Patients share their BMC experience

I live in the Berkshires and was in need of a second opinion for surgery under my left eye. I looked for a plastic surgeon within my health plan at a large hospital. I chose Dr. Gregory Antoine and have been thrilled with my results. He was wonderful every step of the way. I also want to tell you that his office was terrific to deal with and I spoke with Dunia many times in trying to arrange surgery. Additionally, I must say how impressed I was by each employee that I met on the day of surgery, from the information person, check in, transportation, all the nurses (especially the charge nurse) and the recovery staff. I don’t want to overlook the anesthesiologists or all the people in the surgical suite. They were competent and professional. I’m sorry we don’t live closer to your wonderful medical facility. It is truly world class!

Thank you for a wonderful experience during a stressful time.

Great Barrington, Mass.

Go to Top ^

News of Note

Walsh named to board of YMCA of Greater Boston
BMC President and CEO Kate Walsh has joined the General Board of Directors at the YMCA of Greater Boston. The YMCA is dedicated to improving the health of mind, body and spirit of individuals and their families in the Greater Boston community by focusing on youth development, health living and social responsibility.

Hochberg named Senior Vice President
Stan Hochberg, MD, has been named Senior Vice President of Quality, Safety and Technology/Chief Quality Officer. Hochberg has made many important contributions since joining BMC in October; in January his role expanded to include oversight of Information Technology Services.

Go to Top ^

Awards and Accolades

Maureen Kavanah, MD, Surgical Oncologist, has received the prestigious 2012 National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) Distinguished Investigator Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary contributions and meritorious service to the NSABP in support of clinical research in breast and colorectal cancers. The NSABP has a 50-year history of designing and conducting clinical trials that have changed the standard of treatment in breast and colorectal cancer.

“This award reflects not only Dr. Kavanah’s commitment to excellence in research and patient care, but to advancing treatment for breast cancer nationally and internationally,” says Gerard Doherty, MD, Chief and Chair, Surgery.

Nicole Prudent, MD, MPH, Pediatrics, was honored recently at the 4-Who-Care Awards, presented by The Elizabeth Peabody House of Greater Boston. Prudent was one of five honorees recognized for their advocacy efforts on behalf of children. The 116-year-old Elizabeth Peabody House, located in Somerville, provides services to families and children with a particular focus on immigrant communities.

BMC’s Food Pantry has been awarded the 2012 James W. Varnum National Quality Award. The award recognizes an outstanding national leader or team in health care quality improvement initiatives, especially improvements in which patients, families and staff work together to achieve organizational culture change.