Amanda F. Van Straten, MD - Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital

JULY/AUGUST 2014
Amanda F. Van Straten, MD
is New Full Time Neurologist at NVRH
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital is pleased to announce the
arrival of Dr. Amanda F. Van Straten, new full time neurologist at Northeastern
Vermont Regional Hospital.
Dr. Van Straten grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She received
her BS in Chemical Engineering from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL
in 2005, and her MD from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in
Oklahoma City in 2009. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at the
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and her Residency in Neurology
at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She most recently
(2013-2014) completed a Fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology at DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH.
Van Straten received the Outstanding Neurology Resident of 2013,
chosen by the faculty. She’s given multiple presentations on neurologic conditions.
She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American
Epilepsy Society, has published several papers, and is Board Certified with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Laural Ruggles, VP Marketing and Community Health Improvement says of Van Straten’s arrival, “We are very
fortunate to have Dr. Van Straten join us. She’s extremely capable with a wide array of knowledge. Her genuine care for
patients is exceptional.”
Van Straten’s specialties include seizures, headaches, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons, dementia, spinal cord
injuries, neuropathy and other neurologic conditions.
She lives in St. Johnsbury with her husband Peter and son Jacob. They enjoy the great outdoors and their dogs.
In this issue of The BrightLook
 Dr. John Elliott Community Service Award - Paula
Gaskin
 FLEK, Inc. and NVRH Earn Bronze Award
 Raising Funds in Memory of Sue Hoffman, CNM
 Human Resources Corner
 Annual Recognition Dinner
 Investing Wisely
 NVRH Gray Gallery - Matthew Gauvin
 Real Time Feedback
 5K Run for the Melissa Jenkins Scholarship Fund
 “The Hungry Heart” Film in the Medical Library
 The Sounds of Summer... MedQuest
 UVM Medical Students in Charge of MedQuest
Students - Meghan Breen
 Safety Bulletin... NVRH Emergency Codes
 Employee Safety Committee Seeking New
Members
 Devin Harbin - Clinical Rotation at Corner
Medical
 ATOD Recent Changes
 Dr. Ken Danielson Re-certified
 Online Patient Portal
 NVRH Birth Center Welcomes Little Rivers
Obstetric Patients
 Auxiliary/Volunteer News
 Ann Creaser Donates Hair for Wigs for Cancer
Patients
 Mandy Degre, RN Completes Rotation in
Women’s Wellness
 Dr. Joyce Dobbertin Spoke at June
Corporator Meeting
 Karyn Patno, MD Speaks about Newborn
Care
 Monique Paquette, RN Retires
 Construction Update
 A+ Standard of Caring - May 2014
The BrightLook is a monthly publication
for NVRH employees, volunteers, physicians,
corporators and board members.
Our next deadline is September 19 for
the September 2014 issue. Please contact
Hilary De Carlo at ext. 7303 if you have an
article or picture(s) to submit.
NVRH Awards
Dr. John Elliott Community Service Award
Paula Gaskin was presented with the Dr. John Elliott
Community Service Award for employees of Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital at the NVRH Recognition
Dinner on June 26. Gaskin is the Practice Manager for
Corner Medical in Lyndon.
Dr. John Elliott joined what is now Corner Medical in Lyndon in the
1970’s. Dr. Elliott passed away unexpectedly in 2008. This award was
created by employees at NVRH in his memory to recognize a current employee who exemplifies Dr. Elliott’s quiet dedication to community. “This
award is especially meaningful to all of us who knew and worked with Dr.
Elliott,” said Paul Bengtson, CEO at NVRH.
Angela Williamson, a past recipient of the award, spoke of Gaskin’s
special relationship with Dr. Elliott. “Dr. Elliott would be humbled by this
award in his honor and this year would be very special because Paula
holds a special place in his heart.”
The Dr. John Elliott award rewards employees of the hospital for their
volunteer and community work outside of their normal job responsibilities.
Like Dr. Elliott, Gaskin has a long history of quiet service to the community. When presenting the award, Dr. Joyce
Dobbertin listed Gaskin’s long list of service including serving as a trustee for the Cobleigh Public Library, on the
Lyndon Institute Alumni Board, leading a Relay for Life team, and fundraising for numerous organizations like the
March of Dimes.
The Dr. John Elliott Community Service Award is rewarded annually. Past winners were Linda Garey, Donna
Racine, Ramona Letourneau, Angela Williamson, and Barbara Byrne.
FLEK, INC and NVRH
Earn Bronze Award
in National Advertising Competition
Florence Chamberlin and Amy Hale, from
FLEK, Inc., were recently recognized with a Bronze
Award by the Aster Awards, which honors excellence
in medical marketing nationwide. The Bronze Award,
which equates to the top 16% in the nation, was for
Northeastern Vermont’s Regional Hospital 2013 Annual
Report titled Team Economy. NVRH competed in the
category “Hospitals Under 75 beds” with other hospitals nationwide.
The Aster Awards, one of the largest national competitions of its kind, is hosted by Marketing Healthcare
Today Magazine and Creative Images, Inc. This well-known program recognized outstanding healthcare professionals for excellence in their advertising/marketing efforts for the calendar year 2013.
The 2014 Aster Awards received nearly 3,000 entries from across the United States as well as Canada and
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South America. All entries are judged by industry experts and are scored on multiple criteria which included creativity, layout and design, functionality, message effectiveness, production quality and overall appeal with a possibility of
100 total points.
“We work very well with Florence and Amy from FLEK. Since we’ve collaborated with them for years,
their knowledge of the hospital and our role in the community is like second nature to them, and I believe that our
publications and advertisements reflect that,” said Laural Ruggles, Vice President of Marketing and Community
Health Improvement at NVRH.
“The creativity of this year’s healthcare marketing professionals continues to be at an all time high. The
2014 Aster Awards program contained some of the best advertising arguably in the world,” said Melinda Lucas,
Aster Awards Program Coordinator.
For further information about the Aster Awards Program, please visit www.asterawards.com.
Raising Funds
to Support Maternity Hospital in West Ghana
in Memory of Sue Hoffman, CNM
Since the death last year of Sue Hoffman, Certified
Nurse Midwife at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital
for 27 years, friends and employees have been looking for a
lasting way to honor Sue’s work and memory.
In 2008, Sue volunteered in Ghana, West Africa
with Project Hope, where she trained midwives. She loved
her month-long experience there, calling it a “wonderful
cultural exchange experience.” Project HOPE (Health
Opportunities for People Everywhere) is dedicated to
providing lasting solutions to health problems, with the
mission of helping people to help themselves.
The Mampong Hospital located in The Republic
of Ghana in West Africa, is currently conducting a capital
campaign to renovate the Maternity Wing and Women’s
Hostel, and purchase new equipment and supplies. NVRH
plans to raise $6500, enough to renovate the Women’s
Hostel in Sue’s name. The Hostel is where new mothers
stay.
A school of midwifery is associated with the
Mampong Hospital. There are about 5,000 deliveries a year
at the hospital, with the majority of children delivered by
midwives; there are currently 3,000 women in the midwifery
school.
NVRH is partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of
Western Massachusetts to raise funds for the Mampong
Hospital Maternity Wing and to make this donation in Sue’s
name and memory. The Diocese has a long history of
work in Ghana. Maggie Addai, who runs the orphanage at
Mampong recently visited NVRH with her friend and longtime supporter of the orphanage, Reverend Annie Ryder of
Christ Church Episcopal & Trinity Lutheran in Sheffield, MA.
Sue’s life-long work as a midwife made a huge
impact on many peoples’ lives. If you would like to make
a donation in her memory on behalf of The Mampong
hospital, please visit www.nvrh.org. At the top of the home
page, find “donate” and proceed to the donation page.
Please put Sue’s name “In Memory Of.” Or send a check
made out to NVRH and add a memo with Sue’s name and
send it to the attention of Jennifer Layn, NVRH, PO Box 905,
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.
3
NVRH Holds
Annual Recognition Dinner
July Orientation:
We are pleased
to welcome 13 new employees to the
NVRH team! Pictured left to right:
(kneeling) Brock Leavitt, Multi-Modality
Technologist (Diagnostic Imaging),
Samantha Davis, Access Specialist
(Access Department), Brandy Hein,
Medical Assistant (Externship, Everest
College), Jennifer Hooker, Imaging
Assistant (Diagnostic Imaging); (standing) Lee Loyer, Tobacco Grant
Coordinator (Tobacco Grant), Barandee Peterson, RN Medical Office
(Kingdom Internal Medicine), Lewis Apgar, Community Health
Worker (Community Connections), Anna Driscoll, Registered Nurse
Clinician (Hospitalist), Hannah Lawrie, Registered Nurse (Birth
Center), Jamie Pell, Ultrasound Technologist (Diagnostic Imaging),
Samuel Rice, Access Specialist (Access Department). Not pictured
are Aaron Persons, Master Mechanic (Plant Operations) and Dr.
Amanda Van Straten who joins NVRH as a Neurologist in Specialty
Clinics. Welcome! We’re glad to have you all on board!
Human
Resources
Corner
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital held
its annual recognition dinner for employees on
Thursday evening, June 26, at The Sherburne
Base Lodge on Burke Mountain. One hundred
and fifty people attended; employees were
recognized for their years of service as well
as certifications they earned during the past
year. Paul Bengtson, CEO was the Master of
Ceremonies, and his sense of humor, genuine
gratitude to employees and stories made the
evening enjoyable and entertaining.
Five Years of Service:
Chaplaincy: Abby Pollender; Corner Medical: Lise Lussier,
Laurie Pearsons; Day Surgery: Paula Geil, RN, Diabetes
Education: Erika Owen, RN; Diagnostic Imaging:
Glenda Fay Bernier; Emergency Medicine: Rachel Somers,
Jennifer Starling, RN, Cynthia Taylor, RN, Janet Wilson,
APRN; Finance: Kimberly Hill, Linda Sherman; Intensive
Care Unit: Alden Littlefield, RN, Katherine Walters, RN;
Laundry: Frederick Wells; Medical Staff: Krista Haight,
MD, Karen Kenny, MD, Richard Merrick, MD, Medical/
Surgical: Stephanie Porter, RN; Nursing Administration:
Melanie Young; Nutrition & Food Service: Karen
Barss; Orthopaedics Clinic: Martha Erwin, Jane Vinton;
Physician Practices: Marie Dimick; St. J Pediatrics:
Danielle Ball, RN; Tobacco Cessation: Cheryl Glick;
Volunteer Services: Charles Bucknam, Jeannette Farmer,
Donna May, Barbara Stamm, Arlene Stuart, Dyanna Thresher,
Women’s Wellness: Annie Montminy, Cynthia Turner, LPN.
August Orientation: Welcome Everyone!:
Mitchell Sullivan, MD
(Corner Medical); Nichole Bachelder (Access Specialist); Kari Harris
(Access Specialist); Nicholas Selig (Medical Technologist); Aaron
Persons (Master Mechanic); Joanna Aldrich (Phlebotomist); Front
Kneeling: Annick-Marie Kaufman, MD (Surgical Department); Front
sitting: Melissa Gagnon (Access Specialist).
Ten Years of Service:
Community Connections: Pam Smart; Corner Medical:
Holly McKeon, RN; Development: James Flynn;
Diagnostic Imaging: Deborah Haselton, Richard Page,
Yvette Parker, Konnie Perkins; Information Services:
Keith Willey; Medical Staff: Michael Rousse, MD; Medical
Surgical: Norah Lewis, RN; Patient Accounts: Deanne
Robinson, Volunteer Services: Diana Reynolds.
Fifteen Years of Service:
Access: Jeannine LaCoss; Anesthesia: Carroll Ruhlman,
CRNA; Birth Center: Constance Rath Kruszyna, RN;
Emergency Medicine: Marlene Quilliam, RN; Finance:
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Robert Hersey, Ella Kelsey, Madeline Robertson; Human Resources: Betty Ann Gwatkin; Information Services: Thomas
Quackenbush; Medical Staff: Marc Bouchard, MD, Candice Ortiz, MD, Elaine Stasny, MD; Medical Surgical: Denise
Stevens, RN; Nutrition & Food Service: Virginia Jenks Flanders; Plant Operations: Gary Hatcher; St. J Pediatrics: Linda
Ward; SPD: Diana Baugh-Lopez; Volunteer Services: Rachel Charron; Women’s Wellness: Lorraine Black, Deborah Morse,
LPN.
Twenty Years of Service:
Emergency Medicine: Debra Bach, RN, Karen Jenkins; Health Information Management: Holly Barrett, Marilyn Berube;
Kingdom Internal Medicine: Elaine Robinson, APRN; Medical Staff: Stanley Baker, MD, David Brody, MD, Katherine
Silloway, DDS; Medical Surgical: Christine Thompson, RN; Nursing Administration: Constance Charron, RN; Nursing
Education: Carol Hodges, RN; Pathology: Lynn Collins; Pediatric/Med Surg: James Becker, RN; Volunteer Services:
Gail Roberts; Women’s Wellness: Anea Lelong, CNM.
Twenty-Five Years of Service:
Corner Medical: Miriam Simon, PA; Emergency Medicine: Lori Ely; Environmental Services: Teala Hooker; Intensive
Care Unit: Colleen Herrity, RN, Laura Sophrin, RN; Kingdom Internal Medicine: Linda Hunkins, RN; Orthopaedics
Clinic: Kimberly Gammell; Plant Operations: Scott Willman; SPD: Linda Lockwood.
Thirty Years of Service:
Medical Staff: John Ajamie, MD, Richard Bennum, MD, Craig Dreisbach, MD, Gregory MacDonald, MD; Nursing
Administration: Eugenie Kroeger, Janice Santaw, RN; Operating Room: Keith Ruede, PA; Quality Management: James
Coulson.
Thirty-Five Years of Service:
Medical Staff: William Sargent, MD; Nursing Education: Barbara Byrne, RN.
Forty Years of Service:
Health Information Management: Marcia Little; Medical Staff: Ted Houle, MD; Nutrition & Food Service: Ann
Creaser.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification: Birth Center: Valerie Lemieux, RN; Day Surgery Unit: Judith
Wheeler, RN; Intensive Care Unit: Eric Kierstead, RN, Lyndi Medico, RN; Medical Surgical: Kathryn Butterfield, RN,
Erika Downing, RN, Megan Fenoff, RN, Marilee Norcross, RN, Brenda Smith, RN; Operating Room: Susannah Keller, RN;
Pediatric/Med Surg: Lynn Kostur, RN, Norah Lewis, RN.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Instructor Certification: Intensive Care Unit: Eric Kierstead, RN, Barbara
Byrne, RN.
Advanced Certification in Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Bone Densitometry: Diagnostic Imaging: Deborah
Haselton.
Advanced Certification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Diagnostic Imaging: Tyler Fournier
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Diagnostic Imaging: Jacquelyn Zaun
Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration: SPD: Michael Janesik
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Day Surgery Unit: Kelly Lemieux, RN; Emergency Medicine: Monique Paquette, RN;
Intensive Care Unit: Jonathan Dupuis, RN, Deborah Keon, RN, Katherine Walters, RN.
Certified Healthcare Assister: Community Connections: Shauna Barrett, Stephen Kline.
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Certified Healthcare Leader: SPD: Diana Baugh-Lopez
Certified Healthcare Navigator: Community Connections: Regina O’Meara, Laura Rooker.
Certified in Healthcare Compliance: Quality Management: James Coulson
Certified Patient Account Technician: Patient Accounts: Kimber Gladding.
Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist – Institutional: Access: Michele Knight, Amber Lyon.
Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist – Professional: Access: Tammy Upton.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor: Finance: Ella Kelsey
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor: Finance: Ella Kelsey
Licensed Nursing Assistant: Otolaryngology: Sarah Winans, LNA
Master Electrician: Plant Operations: Greg Lepine
Master of Public Health: Community Health: Laural Ruggles
Master of Science in Health Informatics: Health Information Management: Ashley Bruno
Neonatal Resuscitation Program: Emergency Medicine: Susan Steele, RN
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification: Medical Surgical: Erika Downing, RN, Megan Fenoff, RN, Terry Gray,
RN, Kristyn Walker, RN; Operating Room: Susannah Keller, RN; Pediatric/Med Surg: Norah Lewis, RN.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor Certification: Intensive Care Unit: Eric Kierstead, RN; Medical Surgical:
Jodi Campbell, RN, Kara Lawrence, RN, Rachel Malachuk, RN.
Senior Professional in Human Resources: Human Resources: Betty Ann Gwatkin.
Trauma Nursing Core Course: Emergency Medicine: Ashley Malshuk, RN, Debra Smith, RN.
Special Recognition Vermont State Nurses Association: Clinical Educator of the Year: Carol Hodges, RN; Staff
Nurse of the Year: Deborah Keon, RN.
5 years
10 years
Laboratorians
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15 years
Grace Bengtson and Trustee Steve Nichols
Lynn and Hilde
25 years
30 years
Rachel and Greg
Annual
Recognition
Dinner
Carol Hodges
Marcia Littel, 40 years
Investing Wisely
Small cap, mid cap, dividends, shares, equities….understanding how to invest your money can be confusing! All
NVRH employees are eligible to participate in the 401K Retirement Plan which NVRH contributes to, but knowing how to make
it work most effectively can be a challenge. In September, Ron York, NVRH’s independent registered investment advisor will
be on-site for 20 minute one-on-one meetings with employees to answer questions and help you understand your investment
options for your 401K account. To schedule an appointment, please contact Laura in Human Resources at 748-7312 or
l.malieswski@nvrh.org. If you are unable to meet with Ron in person, you can also contact him by phone at 508-281-8212 or
email him at ryork@e-pfg.com.
Before you meet with Ron or any Investment Advisor, you should consider your investment goals including when you
plan to retire, how much risk you are willing to take, what your current savings are, what your income needs will be when
you retire, future major expenses such as college tuition, etc. The better prepared you are with questions, the more your
investment advisor can help you make the right decisions for your unique retirement savings needs.
Information about your NVRH 401K Retirement Plan can be accessed at www.gwrs.com (Great West Financial
Retirement Services). The site also has a wealth of information about your investment options, financial planning calculators,
savings tips and more. We encourage you to check out the site and make the most of this benefit. Your future self will thank
you!
7
East Burke Artist and Illustrator
Hangs Exhibit at NVRH Gray Gallery
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital is pleased
to announce a new exhibit by East Burke artist Matthew
Gauvin in the Charles M. and Hanna H. Gray Gallery. Born
in Vermont, Gauvin graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy
and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
Matthew Gauvin has always known he wanted to
make art. Prior to attending college, he was the recipient of
seven awards and prestigious honors, including the “Congressional Art Competition,” presented by U.S. Senator James
Jeffords. He also placed first in the third annual “Art at the
National Examiner Contest.” Close to home, he has exhibited at the Burke Wine and
Art Showcase in Lyndonville, Dream Scape Studios, St. Johnsbury and Lincoln Bond Gallery in Woodstock, and in the Vermont Capital Building, Montpelier. He also presented
work at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild National Exhibition.
An accomplished illustrator, Gauvin’s clients include Cobblestone Magazine, Leahy One of Matthew Gauvin’s recently illustrated children’s books
Press, Redmond Channel Partner Magazine, and Half Price Books, along with greeting
is Pigs! Under the Post Office,
card companies, magazines, CD covers, murals, logos, and 18 books. One of Gauvin’s
in collaboration with Vermont
favorite forms of painting is landscapes, whether from a photo in his studio, or watercolauthor, Kristen Van Aken.
ors produced en plein air (in the open), often with a quality of light that be described as
special or magical. No matter where he finds himself, he is constantly looking for possible
landscapes, and finds inspiration in the out-of-doors.
During the past year, Matthew and his wife have created a new line of illustrated products called “Vermoosin’ “,
featuring a moose named Kirby, who enjoys Vermont living. Some of the designs can be seen and purchased at http://www.
zazzle.com/sneezingleopard.
Matthew lives and works in East Burke, Vermont with his wife Barbara. For more information about the illustrator
and his work, visit http://www.matthewgauvin.com/bio.htm.
REAL TIME FEEDBACK
--Jan Oliver, Nurse Manager Med/Surg
We all read the Press Ganey survey comments
and often see things we could have fixed while the
patient was here. On Med/Surg we began a process
to help us ensure the patient has the best experience
while they are here. In March we began seeking Real
Time Feedback from patients. The purpose was to identify and address patient concerns in a timely fashion.
When we receive feedback from patients while they are
here, we can make sure we meet their needs. We can
address their concerns and/or give recognition to staff
who get positive comments. Hopefully our patient satisfaction scores will improve.
We developed a form that asks patients what
we can do to make improvements, whether there is an
employee they would like to recognize. Nurses hand
them out to the patient. There is a box at the nurse’s
station where they are deposited. Jan Oliver checks
the box daily and addresses the issues.
Since we began the process, the response has
been very positive. Almost every day, there are cards
returned. By June, we had 33 cards returned and 3
letters written. Seven departments (i.e. food service,
environmental services, physical therapy, care management, etc.) received recognition and 24 employees were
mentioned by name. This feedback was provided to the
departments and the individuals identified.
In addition to the positive recognition, there
were opportunities to improve our care to patients. I
will share 2 examples. One patient commented that
our soap had a scent and that was a problem for them.
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We are a scent-free environment and I thought we had
transitioned to a scent free soap some time ago. Apparently a vendor change resulted in scented soap. We
quickly corrected the problem. Another example was a
patient who commented that our tub didn’t have grab
bars located where they could use them. We have since
added grab bars in our tub and shower.
The Real Time Feedback project has expanded to
the ICU. We will also be placing a collection box in the
day room on Second floor.
Recently, a suggestion was made by a Med/
Surg nurse to include the comments from Real Time
Feedback in our patient comment section in the Brightlook. I will be working with Hilary to do this. The first
quarter of Press Ganey and HCAPs scores showed
improvements in our satisfaction scores. We hope to
continue the trend.
Did you know
that we have this film in
the Medical Library for
you to sign out? Take
advantage of all that the
library offers! This film
is amazing.
A few of the Dan Wyand PT staff who organized and volunteered
for the 5K Run on August 9th to raise money for the Melissa
Jenkins Scholarship Fund.
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The Sounds of Summer… MedQuest, Learning Through Exploration
-Betsy Merrill
Ahhh, I love the sounds of summer, which includes the voices of young people, as they explore their world. Such
were the sounds heard at NVRH during our annual MedQuest experience, on July 16 and 17, 2014. A buzz, a hum, how can
I describe it? The sound of excitement, barely contained. The second week in July is always exciting with MedQuest students
here; each year is different from the previous years!
For the sixteenth year, NVRH, North Country Hospital, UVM and Northeastern Vermont Health Education Center
(AHEC) joined with local practices, individuals and providers creating a unique week-long summer program for students
who want to explore health careers, during July. Students are always rising sophomores or juniors in high school. This year,
students came from Caledonia, Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans and Washington counties, fifteen young women and five
young men.
MedQuest is an AHEC project in collaboration with local hospitals, health clinics and facilities, and local colleges.
MedQuest is a structured, diversified program. The program is funded through a variety of community partners, which
include: Vermont Women’s Fund, NVRH, NCH, Gifford Medical Center, UVM College of Medicine and VSAC . Their
mission is to improve the health of our communities through the development of the health care work force. The program
allows students to experience a variety of health care careers, gain exposure to professional work environments, and build skills
and resources for health career pathways. Students stayed at Lyndon State College, providing possibly their first experience of
residential life.
Why do students want to do this? The majority of them told me that they want to make a difference, to possibly
improve the world. With over 50 applicants, 20 were selected to take part in this exploratory experience. Supervision and
leadership were provided by four first-year medical students from University of Vermont’s College of Medicine, working
as Assistant Directors. Assistant Directors were available 24 hours a day to the students. As a group, students learn about
things like basic first aid, CPR, medical ethics, infection
control, pathology, preparing for college, nursing dynamics,
and cultural competency. At NVRH, they learned about
diabetes self-testing, CPR, virtual heart and lung sounds in the
Simulation Lab, and experienced virtual IV techniques. In
addition, students learned on a one-on-one basis during job
shadows with health professionals.
Students had 40 job shadow opportunities in the St.
Johnsbury area, and a like number at North Country Hospital
and Health Center (Newport). Their local experiences took
them not only to NVRH and NVRH practices, but also to
CALEX, Eye Associates of New England, and St. Johnsbury
Health and Rehabilitation Center. Altogether, a combined
82.75 hours of observation was shared while students were at
NVRH, utilizing 15 work sites, and 47 professionals.
Comments shared from students in the program
included:
“I worked with a nurse, and got to understand some of what happens with patient care; just a wonderful experience”
“I was in the lab… they showed me the equipment and ‘stuff ’; it was fascinating.”
“I was impressed by the personal care…. given in the medical practice…”
“It was cool….it’s too bad I can’t come back tomorrow and see the results of this 24 hour test.”
“I’m taking AP courses this year…it’s exciting. I want to be a part of caring for people.”
“As a medical student, I observed that needs for care change, especially at different times in our lives. I am grateful for this
experience; I want to know more about palliative care.” (UVM Medical Student, after observation at Norris Cotton Cancer
Center-North)
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Many thanks go out to the staff and others who provided 40 job shadow opportunities for this experience. Extra
special thanks go to those department managers who created new opportunities, by “thinking outside the box.” One of the
students who had such an experience left his quiet and reserved comfort zone. So excited, he talked about his experience all
during lunch. “It was really, WAY COOL! WOW! I never saw anything like that before! Focusing on math and science! Want
to be able to do that for people!”
There are a number of folks without whom this opportunity would not have been such a success:
Kim O’Conner, AHEC Health Careers Coordinator / MedQuest Director;
Carol Hodges, RN, Barb Byrne, RN, and Betsy Merrill (NVRH job shadow coordinator) make up the “in house planning
team”… working with all our NVRH staff;
VTC nursing students and graduates, who provided guidance and demonstration in the simulation lab activities;
All the NVRH staff and volunteers - in all their capacities;
Our bus driver…without whom we would have been “stuck”;
UVM, Lyndon State College and Springfield College staff & personnel;
All the staff members in all the settings
This year, there were six MedQuest programs offered in Vermont: in
Champlain Valley at Fletcher Allen, in both Bennington and Brattleboro, in Southern
Vermont and Northeastern Vermont locations. For more information about
MedQuest experiences available in 2015, contact Kim O’Connor at Northeastern
Vermont AHEC, 802-748-25010 or email, koconnor@nevahec.org.
Meghan Breen was one of the four UVM Medical students in charge of the twenty Medquest students who visited and
observed at NVRH in July. Meghan is starting her second year at the University of Vermont College of Medicine.
I have known Meghan for years, since she grew up a couple of miles down the road from me. We were at The Riverside
School at the same time – she as a student and I as an employee. She graduated from Riverside in ’04, graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in ’08 and from Williams College in ’12. She plans to graduate from Medical School in ’17.
Meghan took a gap year in 2012-13 to work at Project Horseshoe Farm in Greensboro (population 2300), Alabama. “
Working closely with our community, Project Horseshoe Farm was founded on the idea that we must come together as communities
around our strengths to meet the needs of our children, seniors, and adults with mental illness”. (website) Project Horseshoe Farm is
managed by John Dorsey, MD, MBA. Meghan worked with six women, who lived at the residence. They
all struggled with mental illness and/or addiction, ranging from schizophrenia, bi-polar, personality disorders and substance and drug abuse; Meghan loved her year at Project Horseshoe Farm. She learned
an “amazing amount about EVERYTHING,” she told me. She also did math tutoring and reading skills
for grades 4-8 at the local school.
One of the reasons Meghan chose to go to medical school is from her own experience of having
severe scoliosis, resulting in back surgery after graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy; she had the
summer to recover before starting her freshman year at Williams. Meghan had a female surgeon, who,
with her knowledge, skill and bedside manner, enticed her to think about attending medical school.
Not surprisingly, Meghan loves medical school. But truthfully, as long as I’ve known her, she
embraces life and its experiences with open arms and an open heart. She starts her clinical rotations in
March, 2015, completing the standards first and then going for her electives. She loves human interaction, living in small towns and is very excited about becoming a physician. By Hilary De Carlo
11
Safety Bulletin….
NVRH Emergency Codes
By Pete Gummere
The Emergency Operation Planning Team (EOP) has been working quite hard on improving the ability of
NVRH to respond to both internal and external disasters. For many years, NVRH has had emergency codes in order
to communicate the specifics of emergencies as they emerge. Going back about two years ago, we recognized a need
to revise the Codes and the actual responses to them. We even revised the colors associated with some of the codes –
particularly the codes related to security incidents. The changes in code colors were made in order to bring NVRH into
compliance with standard colors used in many of the surrounding institutions.
CODE PINK has replaced the old Code Purple. Some of the responses have changed while others remain the
same. The steps pertaining to most of the employee population remain similar to the steps in the old Code Purple. In
a nutshell, the majority of us are called upon to secure building perimeter- that is, all entry and exit doors need to be
controlled. Any person carrying a baby or a package which could be used to disguise a baby should be stopped. This
includes persons in typical hospital attire – i.e. scrub-suits. The sheriff should be notified through the switchboard if there
are any problems.
Previously, incidents involving threatening behavior, violence or potential violence were called as “Code Green”.
The response to such incidents is now fundamentally different from our previous response. Hence, Code Green was eliminated.
Instead, we have created two new codes, CODE GRAY and CODE SILVER. While the old Code Green called
for generalized assistance from other departments, CODE GRAY and CODE SILVER explicitly call for staff from other
departments to stay completely away from the area in which the incident has arisen. The on-site sheriff will respond.
Please note that Code Gray is to be called when disorderly, violent or threatening behavior arises. The Maintenance
department has been instructed to respond in assisting the sheriff.
However, if a weapon has been shown, or if the disruptive person can be seen to have a weapon on them, this is a
more serious incident. This is when a CODE SILVER should be called. Again, DO NOT GO TO A CODE SILVER OR
A CODE GRAY, except for Maintenance staff which responds only as a back-up to the sheriff in a Code Grey.
For information on how your own department should respond to any code you should locate the specific
instructions that were written for you and your department co-workers. These instructions are called Department Extracts
in that they extract from the overall plan (Emergency Operations Plan) what your area needs to know in response to a code
being called. Each department has a different set of instructions for their response to a particular code. Your department
should have a copy of these extracts for you to familiarize yourself with so you are prepared for the future.
In addition, we have created two new Codes. Some of you may have already heard a “CODE D” paged. This is a
signal to all employees that a potential disaster in underway and that they should return to their own departments. It is also
a message to members of the Emergency Operations Team to meet in Conference Room 224, the location of the Incident
Command Center during a major incident. If the Emergency Operations Team determines that the incident requires
activation of a Code Yellow (disaster) or another response, that information will be announced via overhead page. Incident
Command knows that there is a need to share information with all employees; hence, detailed information will be shared as
needed via e-mail.
The second addition to the Emergency Codes is rather self-explanatory – LOCKDOWN. In Lockdown, all
access to the building will be channeled through the Access Entrance. Lockdown is undertaken out of an abundance of
caution, should actual circumstances require protection of the perimeter of the building. It should also be understood that a
Lockdown does not mean that the hospital is closed; we are limiting access and control for certain circumstances. Examples
might include an actual or perceived security threat, an extremely large number of patients or visitors being expected or
other events where access to the hospital needs more control than usual.
In the coming weeks we ask that all employees review the Codes in the Emergency Operations Plan located on the
NVRH Pulse page. Remember that all employees should have the NVRH Code Colors card with their ID card at all times.
Your cooperation on this issue is absolutely essential to our collective success.
12
Employee Safety Committee Seeking New Members
Several years ago MEMIC, our Workman’s
Compensation Insurance carrier asked us to institute
an Employee Safety Committee so that we could have
a front line team that could provide the important
interface of safety and observation. From its inception,
it has been a highly successful group that saw the
need for change and was able to recommend and act
on what needed to be done. In recent years we have
formed a core group of committed employees that are
dedicated to observing their work environment and
making sure safety is in the forefront. At the same time
we have seen a few of our members retire or move to
other locations. We need to replace those important
contributors.
The membership of the committee comes from
across the spectrum of employees at NVRH. While it
is important to have a varied membership, it is equally
important to have representation from our Nursing staff.
They are important to have on the committee for many
reasons. They are relied upon for their clinical expertise
but also because they come in contact with so much in
the facility, both equipment and the physical plant, but
also with their contact with the many family members
and visitors. They are also the highest number
represented in the employee population of the hospital.
We are also looking for representation from the
many other departments that make up our hospital
family. It is difficult for all of us to try to commit to
one more meeting during a busy schedule. But I also
know how important it is to have employees who will
volunteer to work for a safe environment. I think it is
possible to maintain a busy schedule and allow for an
individual to take an hour or two every other month to
attend a meeting and take part in some committeeoriented activities.
In addition to hearing about recommendations
for improving safety, our committee is also responsible
for monitoring the safety in our environment by taking
part in surveillance rounds. For this, we are assigned
an area of the hospital to inspect similar to what might
be done by a CMS or OSHA inspector. We have a list of
items to look for and sample questions to ask our fellow
employees, both of which measure our preparedness
and response to safety issues.
If you would be interested in volunteering for
the NVRH Employee Safety Committee please contact
Jim Coulson at j.coulson@nvrh.org or call x7380. We are
planning on meeting on Sept. 3 at 10:00 AM in room
126.
Devin Harbin, currently at Dartmouth Medical
School stands with Dr. Joe Hebert, his preceptor
at NVRH Corner Medical. Working at Corner Medical was
Devin’s first clinical rotation and he enjoyed it immensely. Devin was
very grateful to all of the physicians and healthcare providers he worked
with; he found everyone’s kindness, willingness and patience exceptional.
He was impressed with the knowledge that all the Family Medicine
practitioners had, since they saw so many different issues daily. Dr.
Hebert called Devin “a pleasure to work with.”
Devin grew up in Houston, Texas. He received a BS in Biology
and a minor in chemistry from The University of Houston. After
shadowing his aunt, a physician in San Antonio, TX working with underserved and underprivileged patients, Devin decided to
apply to medical school.
He spent time as a research assistant at Texas Children’s Hospital Emergency Center and at Dartmouth, researching
cystic fibrosis and septic conditions in pediatric patients. His next rotation is an elective research rotation in neuropsychiatry at
Dartmouth.
The next two years are spent completing medical rotations in various fields, and although he has a real attraction to
research, he enjoyed spending time with patients so much at Corner Medical, he may rethink the research aspect!
13
The Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (A.T.O.D.) Prevention Task Force at Northeastern
Vermont Regional Hospital has gone through a lot of changes! We want the community to
know we are still here and a lot of work is happening to help people live a healthier life.
On Thursday, August 21st from 2:00 to 7:00PM the
ATOD Prevention Task Force and Tobacco Cessation staff
will host an Open House to welcome community members
to our new space and answer questions about what we do.
We are now located in the NVRH Dr. Bobs House at 297
Summer Street in St. Johnsbury.
The ATOD Prevention Task Force is made up
of one full and two part-time paid staff and two or more
volunteers. Staff, volunteers, and more than twenty community partners meet monthly to plan and evaluate program
activities to ensure that goals and objectives are being met.
Lee Loyer, was hired on July 1, 2014 as our new
Tobacco Grants Coordinator, taking over much of the work
previously done by Rose Sheehan, Program Director. Lee
works 30hrs per week carrying out the goals and objectives
of the Combined Community Prevention grant, which
include initiatives aimed at preventing youth tobacco use,
providing resources to people who want to quit, increasing
smoke-free spaces throughout the community, and educating community leaders about the role of advertising and
tobacco product types, such as the e-Cigarette on youth
initiation.
Cheryl Glick is our Outreach Educator and can
been seen throughout the community on any given day, educating community members about the programs we offer.
She does this by disseminating program materials, hosting
informational booths at community-wide events, and talking
with anyone that is interested. Because of her pleasant
personality and her passion for helping people Cheryl is
instrumental in drawing individuals to our services. Several
people have reported they quit smoking as a result of being
invited to a group by her.
All of our programs are directed by Rose Sheehan,
who has worked for NVRH for twelve years. Over the past
year Rose reduced her hours in order to take on new work
in the Caledonia Central Supervisory Union as a guidance
counselor in two schools. She continues to oversee A.T.O.D.
with the bulk of her hours spent helping adults quit tobacco
use, which is her greatest passion.
To learn more about all the great work and the
opportunities to get involved, please join us for the Open
House on Thursday, August 21, 2014 from 2:00-7:00PM at
297 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury. Refreshments will be
provided.
The Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention Task Force grew out of its
55 Sherman Drive home and is now located at 297 Summer Street. They
offer free Tobacco Cessation Services and many other prevention initiatives
to promote health and wellness in the community. To learn more please
contact Rose Sheehan, Director, or Lee Loyer, Tobacco Grant Coordinator at
748-7532 or 748-8400.
Dr. Ken Danielson was recently re-certified
by the American Society of Breast Surgeons
in Breast Ultrasound. He submitted documentation,
as well as clinical case studies, and a panel of reviewers
critiqued his submissions. The American Society of Breast
Surgeons, the primary leadership organization for general
surgeons who treat patients with breast disease, is
committed to continually improving the practice of breast
surgery by serving as an advocate for surgeons who seek
excellence in the care of breast patients.
14
Online Patient Portal
NVRH Launches
for Easier Access to Health Information
With its launch of a new patient portal program called MyPortal.NVRH.org, Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital
now offers patients the option to access select portions of their health records online, through the main hospital website at
www.nvrh.org.
Signing up for the Patient Portal requires in-person
authentication, which can be done at your NVRH healthcare provider’s
office or at the Health Information Management office (Medical Records)
on the lower level of the hospital. Family members, caretakers or others
of the patients’ choosing can have access to your electronic health
record, provided they have the proper legal documentation for the Health
Information Management office.
MyPortal allows patients to more conveniently view certain lab
reports, allergies, medication and condition lists, view health records
and appointments, update personal profile, view bills, read reports from
healthcare providers and message your healthcare providers. Patients
are notified by email if they have new information in their record; a red
dot will be indicated on the pages that have new activity.
Portal passwords are encrypted and URLs are re-written so that
they cannot be copied and pasted. The patient and authorized family
Ashley Bruno, Director of Health Information
members are the only ones who can access the patient’s portal. A
Management, assists NVRH volunteer Wanda Hawkins
timeout feature protects your information if you leave the Portal page
sign up for the Patient Portal.
open.
Wanda Hawkins, NVRH Volunteer who recently signed up for the
portal was thrilled. “I love it,” said Wanda. “I’m very happy that I can help
manage my healthcare from home. It’s very convenient.”
Ashley Bruno, Director of Health Information Management calls the Portal “a wonderful addition to patient care at
NVRH. It can save patients time and energy and allow for greater communication between providers and patients.”
If you have questions about signing up for the Patient Portal, please call 802-748-7362.
NVRH Birth Center
Welcomes Little Rivers Obstetric Patients
“We want to provide the patients of Little Rivers
with a wonderful place to have their babies, and Drs.
Genereaux and Homan are welcome new members of our
caring team,” said Mindy Warren, Director of the Birth
Center at NVRH.
Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital’s Birth
Center welcomes obstetric patients from Little Rivers Health
Center.
Drs. Steve Genereaux and Fay Homan, from Little
Rivers Health Center have been providing prenatal and post
natal care to patients, and delivering their babies for twenty
years. Cottage Hospital closed its Birth Center on July 31.
“The NVRH Birth Center has welcomed us with enthusiasm.
It’s clear that NVRH is an institution that supports the
broader community and we are proud and pleased to be a
part of this great team,” said Dr. Genereaux. Post natal and
prenatal care will continue to be provided at Little Rivers.
The NVRH Birth Center emphasizes and encourages
the strong bond between the mother and infant. Babies
are born in a quiet, private room with a warm home-like
atmosphere. The Birth Center is currently the only Vermont
hospital designated Baby Friendly by the World Health
Organization.
15
Auxiliary/Volunteer
NEWS
By Pat Forest, Volunteer Coordinator
The NVRH Auxiliary will begin their meetings after taking our summer break. Our first meeting will be
on Friday, September 12th. The lunch will be in the Courtyard Café at Noon with the meeting to follow in rooms
126 & 127. Our speaker will be our new Vice-President of Professional Services, Seleem Choudhury. He is both
entertaining and has a great vision for NVRH. We will then award the items for the Auxiliary Wish List. That is
always a great time as we give away all the funds that we have earned through our fundraising efforts throughout the
year.
On Tuesday, September 9th Uniform Professionals will be at NVRH for their fall sale. Uni Pro sells a
full line of uniforms, shoes and accessories for the health care professionals. They feature the latest styles, prints
& colors for uniforms and work shoes from major manufacturers. The sale will take place from 7am – 4pm in
conference rooms 126 & 127. They accept cash, check, credit cards and payroll deduction (available to employee’s
of NVRH). Proceeds benefit NVRH Auxiliary.
I would like to thank our student volunteers. You did a great job for NVRH and we are very grateful.
Thanks to Meredith Amsden, Kamie Flum, Victoria Gates, Sonja Bangeman-Johnson, and Elizabeth
Winchell. Have a great school year, and come back and see us. If you know of someone who would be
interested in volunteering at NVRH, please have them call Pat at 748-7310 or stop by the main information desk for
a volunteer packet.
I would also like to thank our Upward Bound students who were at NVRH from June 23 – July 21. We are
happy that you were able to see aspects of the medical field here at NVRH. Those students are Maranda Ruggles,
Victoria Ballou, Brianna Gingue, Molly Leighton, Alyssa Cote, and Mael LeScouezec. The Birth Center,
Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory, Medical Library, Physical Therapy and the Emergency Room each sponsored an
LSC Upward Bound student.
Also in September, on Tuesday the 30th, we will sponsor a Red Cross Blood Drive. The drive will be held
from 11am-4pm in conference rooms 126 & 127. Each pint of blood we receive can potentially save up to 3 lives.
What a great gift you can give to someone else. Please call Pat at X 7310 to sign up to donate blood or volunteer
for the registration desk or the canteen. These drives would not be a success without your assistance as a donor or a
volunteer. We are looking for 40 blood donors and 10 volunteers. Come out and help us complete our mission for
the drive!
Ann Creaser, Food Service Production Coordinator and long-time
NVRH employee, recently donated 10 inches of hair to Pantene
for wigs for cancer patients. She had her hair cut at The Circle
of Care Boutique, the only boutique for cancer patients and their
families in the area.
16
Mandy Degre, RN,
Completes Five Week Family Nurse Practitioner Rotation in Women’s Wellness
Mandy Degre, RN recently completed a five week clinical rotation
in Women’s Wellness with Margaret Rowlett, ARNP. Already being a very
experienced RN, “Mandy was an exceptional Nurse Practitioner student,” said
Margaret.
Mandy is obtaining her degree (MSN) from Saint Joseph’s College, where
she received her BSN in 2010. She received her Associate’s degree from New
Hampshire Community Technical College in 2000 – she has been a nurse for 14
years. She’s currently an office nurse at North Country Primary Care and per-diem
at NVRH Corner Medical. She’s worked on Medical/Surgical units, as an office
nurse in a family practice setting and as a community health nurse and case
manager.
For her nurse practitioner’s degree, she’s (almost) completed three
clinical rotations: in Primary Care (ages 18-60) at The Barton Clinic from
November 2013 to March 2014, Women’s Health at Women’s Wellness and
Pediatrics in Newport (March, 2014 to July) and currently older adults (60+) at the
Orleans Clinic. Two hundred hours are required in each rotation.
The rotation in Women’s Wellness was an intense one; normally they
precept once a week, but this rotation was three days a week for five weeks. It
takes a great deal of organization and time from both parties. The advantage to
Mandy, according to Margaret was that her “women’s health/gynecological skills
improved consistently and brilliantly each day. She made patients feel comfortable and at ease, which takes practice and a
genuine commitment to patient care.”
Mandy found Margaret a fabulous teacher – “Margaret is very thorough with a huge range of knowledge. She
maintains her calm, has a great approach with patients, and listens and suggests with a wholistic approach (looking at the
entire picture). She discovers layers in every day patient care and truly exemplifies the profession.”
Mandy’s goal as a Family Practitioner is to empower women to take care of themselves. She wants to focus on
women’s health as well as Family Practice as a FNP.
Mandy husband is Eric Degre, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Lake Region High School, as well as the
Varsity baseball coach. Last year, Eric had some sudden and rather complicated health problems that required the two of
them to search for specialized care in Nashville, Tennessee. As a nurse, Mandy’s knowledge and advocacy on behalf of Eric
was invaluable – she also learned a tremendous amount. She has two sons: Gage (12) and Sam (10).
Dr. Joyce Dobbertin, Family Practitioner at NVRH Corner Medical and Board Certified in Palliative
Medicine spoke at the June Corporator Meetings about Palliative Care at NVRH.
Dr. Dobbertin and Dr. Mary Ready, also Board Certified in Palliative Medicine, see
palliative care patients in the Bloch Building in the ENT Suite. Palliative Care is
centered around living better with a challenging illness; the goal is to make patients
comfortable and to honor their wishes. Drs. Dobbertin and Ready build a team
(i.e. physicians/healthcare providers, family, caregivers) that meets regularly to
evaluate, assist, implement and alter the plan of care to meet the patient’s needs
and desires. Dobbertin also spoke about the need for everyone to fill out Advance
Directives and/or COLST (Clinician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment) forms
to clarify what patients want in the event of failing health or an unexpected trauma.
17
Karyn Patno, MD,
to Speak at NVRH Childbirth Education Program about Newborn Care
Dr. Karyn Patno, long-time pediatrician at NVRH St. Johnsbury Pediatrics will be
speaking about newborn care on Wednesday, August 20th from 6-8 pm. All are welcome; this
program is free and open to the public and will be held in conference room 126 in the Business
and Conference Center at the hospital.
Dr. Patno is an excellent speaker, with tremendous knowledge about basic infant care
as well as Shaken Baby Syndrome. She has established a state-wide program in child abuse
pediatrics.
Please call 748-7337 if you are interested in attending the class or have further questions.
Monique Paquette, RN and Emergency Room nurse for 32 ½
years recently retired from NVRH. She is now a traveling nurse. Her
first assignment is in the Emergency Room at Union Hospital in Lynn,
MA. Each traveling assignment is 13 weeks. Her bucket list includes
working in Alaska during the summer and Savannah, Georgia and
Florida in the winter. Good luck Monique!
Construction Update!
The Moffett Building renovation and expansion is almost completed! Construction is 90% done in St. Johnsbury Pediatrics –
they will be working on the last two exam rooms once the Physical Therapy Offices are completed. Dan Wyand PT has moved
back into their St. J office, and they’ll be seeing patients in their new office on Monday, the 18 th.
The Community-Wide Grand Opening of the Moffett Building is Thursday, September 11 th from 3-6!
Food and Games
Tours: 3-4:15
Food and Prizes
Raffles
Music with Val Davis: 3-6
Buddy and Harmonie the clowns from 4:30-6
Ribbon cutting at 5
There’s been some activity in the corner of Parking Lot E. We are planning
to add 30 additional spaces with the debris from the sewer, water and storm
drain projects in St. Johnsbury.
Kingdom Internal Medicine construction will start in September; plant
operations will be working through the winter and we’ll have another grand
opening in 2015. Stay tuned!
The Medical Arts Building, Suite 3 is finished. Dr. Van Straten (Neurology)and
Dr. Long (Behavioral Health) will be moving there within the next couple of
months.
18
This is how you’ll find the new Medical Arts Building, suite
3 entryway! The” lived in” window is for Occupational
Medicine. The two windows to the right are for Behavioral
Health and Neurology.
A+ Standard of Caring
MAY 2014
Ambulatory Surgery
+ Communication with family members excellent - They
were kept informed.
+ Everyone knows their job and performs to a high level of
skill.
+ Everything moved along smoothly in a well-coordinated
manner.
+ No delays or complaints.
+ Thanks to Day Surgery staff Brenda and Paula - made me
feel safe & comfortable/thanks to Annika & Kate and to Dr.
Larsen.
+ Thanks to Deb Yonker - checking up on me a day or so
after.
+ Not the greatest of procedures but under the circumstances everything went well thanks to an excellent staff &
doctor.
+ Personnel make registration very easy.
+ All made the procedure as good as possible.
+ My experience was made as pleasurable as possible because of your staff’s friendliness & expertise.
+ I thank your excellent staff for all they did.
+ The nurse (Audrey Stone) who started the IV did a phenomenal job. I told her she should get a raise!
+ Very good staff that made me very comfortable both before, during & after surgery.
+ Very good experience and after surgery follow-up.
+ Very good overall experience.
+ Everyone was great.
+ Nice, very clean.
+ Very skilled and competent.
+ Very pleasant and competent.
+ All very helpful & encouraging.
+ For my first ever surgery, this was a fantastic experience.
+ Doctor excellent at explaining to me everything he was
doing during the surgery.
+ He asked if I wanted to see my hand during surgery which I did - and I appreciated that + Everyone was cheerful and informative.
+ Cynthia, Leah and Debbie were excellent in their care of
me.
Emergency Department
+ I had taken my medication just before coming to the
emergency room so the diuretic was working - the nurse got
me to the rest room in a hurry which calmed me down!
+ An EKG was done immediately and I was assured it wasn’t
my pacemaker acting up.
+ Both the doctor & nurse made sure I had a soon appointment with my primary-care doctor - he agreed with all their
findings (it was his day off or I’d have seen him instead of
going to Emergency).
+ Doctor was very nice - I had a great experience.
+ I had a very good experience. The nurses made me feel
very comfortable. I loved the attention I got.
+ Debbie Smith was professional & polite.
+ Dr. Mark Keller was professional & cautious to make a
diagnosis.
+ Jackie Zaun - professional - patient focused.
+ My nurse was wonderful. Gen I believe was her name.
+ Chris was our RN and he was excellent.
+ Thank you Dr. Baker.
+ Got right in because of chest pain + Nurses don’t get much better.
+ You are a very well managed medical center!!!
+ Loved the Weather Channel in the waiting room TV!
+ Radiology - excellent.
+ Doctor understood my condition and explained treatment
and helped as much as he could. Sinus congestion.
+ Excellent team work.
+ Excellent care, explained everything and asked if we had
any questions.
+ Great response to the problem.
+ Susie Duckett was excellent, caring efficient & informative.
+ Dr. Baker was very kind and patient.
+ Were very friendly and made sure I was comfortable while
waiting.
+ He was very nice and didn’t make me feel bad during the
visit.
+ Answered my questions and listened well when I double-checked to make sure I understood.
Inpatient Department
+ Kitchen staff was some of the best and the food was great
too.
+ All nurses were excellent.
+ Made sure I was as comfortable as possible.
+ All so pleasant and they would offer to help with my tray in
any way I needed.
+ They would come as soon as they could when done with
another patient.
+ They were all so kind and did their best not to hurt me.
+ All nice all the time.
+ I felt very comfortable with him.
+ Everyone was very professional, but very kind and caring
at same time.
+ Staff explained all. And if I had a question, they didn’t
make me feel stupid, even if it sounded it.
+ Just the nicest group of staff, I’ve seen in long time. Included kitchen staff, housekeeping.
+ All the nurses were very pleasant.
+ ... & feeling of confidence, neighboring friendliness, yet
professional in their patient associations. One has the feeling that he is in “good” hands.
+ Great nursing staff!
+ The person who brought me food was very nice to me.
+ Food service is superb!
+ Hospitalist was superb (Dr. Dobbertin).
19
continued 
+ Very, very nice hospital with very friendly staff, nurses,
housekeepers, cafeteria and doctors.
+ Everyone was very nice and caring took good care of me.
Dr. David Brody is my doctor. He took me right to ER and I
was admitted through the ER.
+ Better than some other hospitals in the area.
+ Good job - love that hospital - only place I will go to from
now on.
+ My hospital stay was exceptional in every way. Staff
perfect + They took the time & made my wife comfortable as well.
+ Every nurse I had was outstanding.
+ I have already sent two people and got them in to see my
doctor - he is great.
+ Very good experience. Scale of things is human and considerate.
+ I am a long-time patient of this practice and like it very
much.
Corner Medical
+ I never have to wait an unreasonable length of time for
treatment.
+ Joyce Dobbertin is my doctor - I cannot stress enough how
much I think of Joyce and how much confidence I have in
her.
+ I have lived in big cities and seen doctors there. I have just
as much confidence in our clinic. I am very proud of you all.
+ Joyce Dobbertin and her nurse Amy are remarkable caring, and compassionate.
+ I am very happy with Dr. Hebert as my doctor.
+ Thorough, personable, very good efforts to insure my transition into this practice was well-developed.
+ Took care to get good over-view as well as current particulars.
+ Well impressed with entire staff.
+ Sandy is fantastic. She is the best.
+ Dr. Erisman is simply the best doctor I have ever had + Corner Medical has a lot to be proud of.
+ Dr. Broderick has always been very good in all respects.
Making sure I’m able to leave office and go to my car. Because of the O2 they will take me in a wheel chair.
+ We are very fortunate to have this clinic and the high quality staff they have to service this area.
+ On a normal visit, I usually have to wait, but the doctor
always gives me time to answer questions, check me, my
meds etc.
+ Overall experience was excellent.
+ I wish Dr. Gresser a long life & happiness in her retirement! Thank you.
+ Extremely friendly and professional.
+ Dr. Erisman is amazing. She’s wonderful, no complaints
whatsoever.
+ Excellent all the way from start to finish. The above ten
minute waits were NOT the norm and totally acceptable.
+ Mary and Dr. Tom Broderick take excellent care of me.
They work closely with my neurologist to coordinate my care
and make flexible choices to best meet my evolving medical
needs.
+ Mary continues her professional, caring manner.
+ Dr. Broderick is still at the top of his game.
+ Absolutely will recommend Corner Medical to others!
+ Dr. Erisman is a talented and skilled physician. She is
always wonderful!
+ I have a lot of confidence in Corner Medical.
+ Anyone I have come in contact with at Corner Medical has
always been helpful and pleasant.
+ Just love Sandy!
+ Katie was great!
+ Miriam is great! She always answers my questions fully
and makes sure I understand everything she is telling me.
Kingdom Internal Medicine
+ The service is very friendly.
+ I am very happy with all the care I receive.
+ Staff and doctor were helpful, courteous and cheerful.
+ No delays.
+ Best service.
+ Staff is exceptional!
+ Excellent nursing staff.
+ Dr. Tom Ziobrowski does a tremendous job, as well as his
staff. Thank you.
+ Already recommended to 2 people.
+ I tell everyone to go here.
+ I am continually delighted by the prompt and efficient
processes in this practice.
+ Jessica McLeod is an exceptional NP. She listens carefully
and clarifies information.
+ She is a real asset to KIM and NURA.
+ I continue to be enthusiastic about KIM.
+ It was a pleasure to move right through. I was feeling
rather sick that day and needed to be seen.
+ Everything went very well -- all is good. Thanks so much.
+ Did a very good job very satisfied.
+ I was there for an annual exam. The nurse was VERY thorough and personable.
+ Jessica McLeod made sure I understood what I needed to
do. She took my questions seriously and made some notes
so I would remember my treatment schedule.
+ I ALWAYS receive excellent, courteous treatment from
staff at KIM.
+ Even the student NP was courteous, professional & pleasant. I have a chronic illness (asthma) and have COMPLETE
confidence in the staff at this practice.
+ Jessica McLeod NP, is the best for me - she’s kind understanding, careful with meds. plus polite. She makes me feel
the best I can! Always.
+ An excellent group of people. A+.
+ She gave up her lunch hour to work w/me!
+ Excellent experience! MD himself conducted specialty
care - Outstanding effort!
+ Great experience, really! 10 on 10.
+ Everyone there puts you at ease.
+ Just love Jessica. Like my best friend - so easy to talk with,
concerned for my concerns.
+ Came in for a scheduled visit. No waiting. The nurse
came right in with me and the provider arrived as soon as I
had changed.
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continued 
+ I never have any trouble getting an appt. If my doctor
is not available they ask me if I am okay with a physician
assistant.
+ Love Dr. Gresser!
+ I’m glad my doctor does not talk down to me, expecting
me to be uninformed or incapable of comprehending medical situations or terms.
+ She followed up with a phone call to me. I was very impressed with her concern (Ashley Gerrish).
St. Johnsbury Pediatrics
+ I could not be happier! They all are wonderful, polite,
helpful and nice!
+ Dr. Stasney took as much care of me as she did my child!
She knew how worried I was and really took the time to
listen and then reassure me! She called to check on us 3
times over the weekend. Amazing care.
+ We could not have a better practice here! We are so
blessed!
+ I called in the morning about needing an appointment
and was given an appointment that day (only an hour or two
after my phone call).
+ Dr. Kantrowitz is extremely attentive and thorough. I
would highly recommend him.
+ Love, love, love Dr. Josh!!
Outpatient Departments
+ Staff is very helpful & courteous.
+ The person doing the MRI was very kind and patient. I had
no anxiety at all.
+ I used to go to Dartmouth for testing - This is much quicker
& easier.
+ As usual NVRH treats with all of the care & concern that I
could possibly wish for.
+ “Very” friendly & professional.
+ Could not, would not ask for more.
+ The best.
+ I cannot say enough good things about the staff & how
well I was treated. “Everyone” went way beyond expectations.
+ Very professional and on time!
+ Good and on time.
+ Outstanding.
+ I went from the doctor’s office to the lab. Very easy and
only one person ahead of me.
+ Very private area for waiting & tech explained things well.
+ No complaints - wait time is none.
+ A good job done by everyone.
+ Very pleasant technicians and receptionist in the x-ray
area.
+ Very easy process to go to the lab and have blood taken.
+ Pre-registration - Excellent.
Womens Wellness Center
+ Always greeted by cheerful knowledgeable people on all
levels.
+ Very pleasant, and courteous.
+ I am more than impressed with Dr. O’Connor - her professionalism is always there; but, she has such a great way of
putting me at ease! Great sense of humor.
+ Very conducive to relaxation and comfort.
+ I did not feel rushed. The provider was calm, knowledgeable and reassuring.
+ Staff is always friendly and kind. Everyone is patient and
their demeanor helps to put you at ease. I always feel comfortable in this office.
+ I had an excellent time with the doctor- went over all my
paper. A very good experience.
+ I was treated as an elderly lady and Dr. Paul made me
very comfortable.
+ Very thorough evaluation. Very genuine and kind.
+ Very pleased with care and service!
+ I was very much @ ease and comfortable.
+ Everything went smoothly.
+ Dr. Kenny is FANTASTIC.
+ The staff at Women’s Wellness is always pleasant.
+ Margaret is the main reason I come to Women’s Wellness.
She is always professional but open and makes you feel like
she’s known you for a long time.
+ It was really good. I called and they got me right in the
next day.
+ I love my doctor - she is awesome.
+ Dr. Kenney was very thorough and relaxed and generous
with her time & knowledge -
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