BerkshireHealth

O C T O B E R 2 0 0 8

N e w s a n d i n f o r m a t i o n f o r o u r c o m m u n i t y

NewsNew career opportunities ensure healthcare for the future

c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 1 1

c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 4

Jim St. Lawrence wanted to com-memorate his late brother’s life bydoing something to change hisown, and on the day of his broth-

er’s birthday, he took stock of his weightproblem and the health risks that camewith it. “That was two years ago, whenmy weight was out of control and I did-n’t have the energy to do much at all,”St. Lawrence said. “I was pre-diabetic,had sleep apnea and I was concernedabout my overall health.”

The big step that St. Lawrencetook that day was to get in touch withthe Berkshire Center for Weight LossSurgery. It’s been two years since thatfateful decision and his life has neverbeen the same. After undergoing a gas-

Afirst-of-its kind program is tak-ing place at Berkshire HealthSystems that is designed to

ensure our community avoids thenational crisis. Throughout the UnitedStates, healthcare analysts warn that ashortage of highly-trained nurses, tech-nologists and other vital positions willpeak just as 80 million baby boomersbegin requiring increased medical care.How community hospitals will care for

Berkshire Health Systems is breaking new ground in reversingcritical shortages in nursing and technologist positions

a massive and aging population is nowamong the top challenges in healthcare.

Complicating the issue inBerkshire County is its remote geogra-phy and fairly stable population. Peopleliving in the region who are licensedand credentialed to fill these positionsalready work at either BerkshireMedical Center, Fairview Hospital, theBerkshire Visiting Nurse Association orBerkshire Healthcare Systems - the long

term care associate of BHS. While other hospitals struggle to

recruit from afar to fill patient-carepositions, BHS has spent the last sevenyears developing innovative programsaimed at improving the careers of itsown employees, while also ensuring atrained and ready staff for futurepatients. Called Critical ShortagePrograms, BHS has so far tapped over200 employees who have proven them-selves at entry level jobs and is financ-ing the education and clinical trainingthey need to step into high-level nurs-ing and technologist positions.

“This was the first healthcare sys-tem in the country to start a CriticalShortages Program,” said ElizabethKirby, BHS director of Education.“What stops a lot of other hospitalsfrom duplicating this is the cost and alack of administrative support. Butfrom the very beginning, our adminis-tration gave this program its full sup-port for two reasons: First, it addressesthe healthcare needs of our communityby providing a well-credentialed staff tocare for them. And secondly, it helpsour employees be the best they can be.”

Weight loss surgery: Transforming livestric bypass procedure, performed byDr. Andrew Lederman at BerkshireMedical Center, St. Lawrence is trim,healthy and happy, and he said he owesit to the team at the Berkshire Centerfor Weight Loss Surgery.

“They told me I would have thegreatest opportunity to lose weight dur-ing the first six months, so I workedhard,” said St. Lawrence. “I lost 185pounds and joined a gym. I had thesurgery in September and the followingspring, I went back to my golf club,walked in and said hello to somefriends. They didn’t recognize me. Iwent from a size 4X to medium, so youcan see why they were fooled.”

St. Lawrence’s story is echoed by

many other patients who have gonethrough the comprehensive bariatricsurgery program provided by theBerkshire Center for Weight LossSurgery. Heather Holloway works forthe US Postal Service, and her six and ahalf mile walk every work day deliver-ing the mail was getting harder andharder due to her weight issues. “I hadthe lap band surgery and it went fine,completely changing my eating, for onething,” said Holloway. “Now I mainlyeat chicken and fish and a lot of greens,which I love. I haven’t gone back tobread and pasta. I’ve lost 115 poundsand went from a size 20 to size six oreight.”

Jim St. Lawrence lost 185 poundsafter his gastric bypass surgery atthe Berkshire Center for Weight LossSurgery.

2 B e r k s h i r e H e a l t h N e w s

BMC is a national leader in comprehensive electronic medical record

System enhances patient safety

Dr. Michael Blackman is not abig fan of the hand-off. Itincreases risk. He’s not talking

about football. The hand-off he’s refer-ring to is related to the care of patientsat Berkshire Medical Center. The morehand-offs, the greater the chance of amiscommunication. His answer isBMC’s comprehensive electronic med-ical record system (eCare) part of whichis Computerized Physician Order Entrysystem (CPOE); a tool for physiciansand nurses to enter medical orders elec-tronically. The result is streamlinedpatient care, improved safety and sig-nificant reduction in the risk of medicalerrors. It’s the wave of the future, andBMC is leading the charge on a nation-al scale. In fact, BMC is one of only tenhospitals in Massachusetts and amongthe 4.4% of hospitals nationwide thathave CPOE.

“Our comprehensive electronicmedical record (EMR) with computer-ized provider order entry represents amajor investment by Berkshire HealthSystems in its ongoing efforts to ensurethe best care possible for our patients,”said Joseph Diver, Chief InformationOfficer for BHS. Through the CPOEsystem, when a physician or nurseenters an order, the order is automati-cally checked against the patient’srecord for allergies, drug-to-drug inter-actions, formulary support and relatedclinical data.

Not only does eCare reduce thepotential for errors, but it also mini-mizes duplicate testing because therecord shows what orders already existfor the patient. With historical patientinformation at the provider’s fingertipsand improved order clarity, the need forextra confirmatory phone calls isreduced since information needed bythe provider to complete an order is

known at the time of ordering.CPOE also improves the medica-

tion ordering process. Instead of writ-ten or faxed orders, the physician elec-tronically sends an order to the phar-macy, minimizing the potential for errordue to hard-to-read handwriting ormisunderstood dictation.

“CPOE reduces the risk of a badinformation exchange,” said Dr.Blackman, BHS's Chief MedicalInformation Officer. “Anytime there is ahand-off, there is a risk for lack of com-munication, miscommunication orerror. So anytime we have the systemdecrease the number of hand-offs, weare better off.”

CPOE is one step in the processthat Berkshire Health Systems is takingto implement a complete EMR inadvance of state and federal regulationsthat may require hospitals to adoptsuch technology within the next 4-5years.

Over the past five years, BHS hasinvested approximately $15 million oncreating and implementing eCare. Thisincluded the introduction ofMEDITECH (the core electronicrecord), PACS (the Picture ArchivalCommunications System used forRadiology), online nursing documenta-tion, and automated medication dis-pensing and closed-loop medicationadministration. About $1.5 million wasinvested in CPOE, which is expected tobe in full use in the first half of 2009 atBMC and Fairview Hospital, withimplementation underway at commu-nity physician practices.

BHS expects to have a fully elec-tronic medical record by the end of2009. In the process, the eCare systemwill increase availability and accessibili-ty of information; reduce medicationerrors; enable gains to operational effi-

ciency; and capture and provide neededinformation for pay-for-performanceand other external reporting require-ments.

“BHS is committed to moving for-ward in the electronic medical recordarena,” said Diver. “Improved patientsafety and enhanced patient care are toppriorities for us as an organization, andinvesting in technology like CPOE andthe EMR will ensure that we reach thosegoals and provide the best possible careto our patients and our community.”

Dr. Michael Blackman, the Chief Medical Information Officer for BerkshireHealth Systems

Need health questionsanswered?

CallBMC’s Community

Health Information Center413-395-7877

www.berkshirehealthsystems.org

B e r k s h i r e H e a l t h N e w s 3

Technology in the field: BVNA nurses use laptops for better care

When the Berkshire Visiting NurseAssociation began serving patients in theirhomes, a simple seven word, hand-writ-

ten note on a pad was a sufficient record. NurseElizabeth McCarthy wrote, “Went to care for Mrs.Wm. H. Smith.” She penned those words on March26, 1901, and the visit to Mrs. Smith’s home becamethe very first patient record for the then fledglingBerkshire VNA. (Smith was not her real name, whichwe have shielded, even all these years later, to protectpatient confidentiality.)

Over one hundred years and hundreds of thou-sands of home visits later, the Berkshire VNA, in ahealthcare climate whose complexity wasn’t evendreamed of in 1901, has replaced the old papertablets with laptop computers, carried by each of thenearly 80 clinical staff to all visits and used to providethe most efficient and safe care. “This has improvedthe coordination of care from hospital to home andfrom the home to the hospital,” said Shari Gladey, RN.“With the laptop, we have a full, multidisciplinaryelectronic record right there in the patient’s home. So,the nurse has every physical therapy note, nursingnote, easily accessible when needed, which benefitsthe patient and the care provider.”

Keeping a patient safe and healthy in their homeenvironment is one of the core missions of theBerkshire VNA, and the use of a portable electronicpatient record helps to improve patient safety. “One ofthe big advantages of this system is our ability to trackmedications, medication interactions and educationtools for patients,” said Patricia Eddy, RN. “It’s a huge

benefit for us to have that access, in real time, in thepatient’s home, so that we can share that with thepatient right away.”

Eddy says the technology also improves com-munication between the nurse or therapist in the fieldand the individual patient’s physician. “As theBerkshire VNA provider making the home visitmakes changes in the patient’s care plan, through theuse of the electronic record, that automatically gener-ates a physician order,” she said.

“Another key aspect of how this improves ourability to provide better patient care is our connectionto a comprehensive health network,” said EileenMyers, RN, Vice President of Home Care Services.“Berkshire Health Systems has made significantinvestments in its electronic medical record system,which gives the Berkshire VNA provider access to thepatient’s hospital care record and helps us to improvethe care we provide in the home.”

Arlene Campoli, whose family was a BerkshireVNA client, said, “Having access to the laptop in ourhome provided a positive impact for both the BVNAnurse and me as a caregiver. It allowed us to immedi-ately compare all of the past information, so that wecould quickly see how things were done on previousvisits. It also allowed more hands-on time for theVNA nurse to care for my loved one.”

“The Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association’s useof the online documentation system streamlines thecommunication among the care giving team,” saidJoseph Diver, Chief Information Officer for BerkshireHealth Systems. “The system is designed to prompt

the care team with requirements of the particular visitto ensure the highest quality of care for all served.This is an exciting time for the VNA professionals andthe patients in our community.”

A home care patient may very well see more thanone Berkshire VNA care provider, and the use of lap-tops allows for easier and faster communicationbetween the caregiver team. Each of the units hasaccess to an e-mail system that connects all of theVNA clinicians. “This provides us with enhancedcommunication among the disciplines and among theteam members,” said Myers.

The patients are noticing the benefits of the useof an electronic, mobile system. Many have indicatedit has helped to make their care more efficient, and inone case, a patient now regularly clears a section ofher kitchen table for the VNA nurse to use when shebrings the laptop into the patient’s home.

One of the most obvious benefits of an electron-ic record in the home relates back to those first sevenwords written on a tablet by Elizabeth McCarthy.While her handwriting was, overall, fairly legible, notall handwritten patient notes are, and through the lap-top system all notes are typed in. This improvespatient safety, preventing misreading or miscommuni-cation, and makes the visit to the home much moreefficient for the caregiver.

“This is a real win-win for us and our patients,”said Myers. “This is also an evolutionary move for us,with additional components coming in the not toodistant future, all of which will further improve thecare we provide.”

Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association nurses and therapists use laptopcomputers in the patient’s home for better, more efficient care (left).

The very first record from the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association,handwritten in 1901 (below).

4 B e r k s h i r e H e a l t h N e w s

“An Incred ib le G i f t ”Among them is Raymond Webb,

RN, a charge nurse in BMC'sEmergency Department, who is among15 nurses selected to participate in apioneering collaboration with the ElmsCollege in Chicopee in which eachnurse will graduate with a bachelor’sdegree in nursing. BHS is financing allcosts associated with the program,including tuition, fees and books. Inaddition, the nurses are released fromwork to attend classes without any lossin pay. The Elms College nursing facul-ty holds classes at the BMC HillcrestCampus, eliminating even travel as anobstacle.

“BHS is providing 100 percentfunding and 100 percent convenience,”Webb noted. “This is an incredible gift.”

A former Navy Chief who earnedan RN degree seven years ago after retir-ing from the military, Webb has spentmost of his adult life mentoring andsupervising people. A Registered Nurseat BMC, Webb said he realized hewould need an advanced degree beforehe could rise any further at the hospital.But with two teenage sons who willattend college soon, Webb also knew hewould not have the resources to fundhis own education anytime soon.

“Without a baccalaureate degree,there was no real next step for me,” hesaid. “I have now been given an oppor-tunity to take my abilities as a nurseand as a leader to the next level. BHShas demonstrated time and time againthat they are willing to invest in theirpeople.”

Before retiring from the military,Webb was one of five finalists for theNaval Reservist of the Year award forthe entire Navy. Today, his record ofsuccess continues with this new BHSopportunity. Following his first semes-ter at the Elms College, Webb postedhis straight-A report card on the familyrefrigerator to signify to his sons his

belief in the importance of education.

“Th is has opened the doorfor me”

Like Webb, Marie Mathews, RN,came to nursing following years in aprevious career. But once she arrived atBMC, Mathews found her calling. “Iabsolutely love nursing,” she said, “andI am thrilled to have this chance at anadvanced degree. Every time I sit inclass, I feel as if it is a weekly celebra-tion of nursing with 14 other people. Itis so appreciated.”

At this point, Mathews is not surewhether she will remain as a nurse atthe bedside, or if she will pursue a newpath as a nursing instructor. A desper-ate need exists in both areas. The U.S.Department ofHealth andHuman Servicesestimates thecurrent nursingshortage nation-wide at a quarterof a millionnurses. But thatnumber willdouble by 2025, the department said.At the same time, thousands of quali-fied candidates applying to nursingschools are turned away every yearbecause of a severe shortage of nursinginstructors.

But whatever road Mathews takes,the way was paved by an innovativeBHS program.

“This has opened the door for me,”she said. “I can see all kinds of oppor-tunities around that door, and it's veryexciting.”

Anne Marie O'Brien, RN, said shehas always wanted an advanced degree.“For me, this has been a 24-year goal.The timing had never been right in thepast,” she said, echoing similar senti-ments among nurses that young chil-dren, family finances and other obliga-

tions had prevented them from obtain-ing a bachelor's degree in nursing. “Butall of a sudden, this opportunity pre-sented itself and everything fell intoplace. I’m still in shock by the generos-ity of BHS.”

“The broader wor ld o f hea l th -care”

The Clinical Director of theBerkshire Visiting Nurse Association,O'Brien said that increased education isproviding a new perspective to nursing.“As a nurse, it's very easy to focus onyour one assignment. But more educa-tion opens your mind to the broaderworld of healthcare.”

The collaboration between BHSand the Elms College to create an RN to

BSN program isthe latest in as e v e n - y e a rcommitment byBHS to head offcritical short-ages in key hos-pital areas. Ledby BHSPresident David

E. Phelps, the organization launched itsfirst Critical Shortage Program forNursing in 2001 after winning a grantfrom the state Department of EmployeeTraining. Since then, BHS has assumedfull financial responsibility for a grow-ing list of innovative education pro-grams for employees that eliminate thefinancial barriers to higher educationand a better job. Along the way, BHShas partnered with BerkshireCommunity College to enable LicensedPractical Nurses working at BMC andFairview to obtain their RN certifica-tion. BHS even provided nursinginstructors to expedite the program.Next step was a partnership with theUniversity of Massachusetts to helpRNs obtain a baccalaureate degree. TheCritical Shortages Program expanded

beyond nursing to include Radiologicaland Laboratory Technologists.According to Elizabeth Kirby, the pro-grams are taking many employees fromentry level jobs to “the career of theirdreams.”

“Th is i s where I want to l i ve”Among them is John Bryan, who

currently works as a Transporter inBMC's Radiology Department bringingpatients back and forth from their diag-nostic imaging procedures. Acceptedinto the Critical Shortage Program forRadiological Technologists, Bryan hasjust completed his first year of educa-tion, dividing his time betweenSpringfield Technical CommunityCollege for course work and BMC forclinical training. BHS pays for histuition, maintains his full-time healthbenefits for the duration of the pro-gram, and has guaranteed him a jobwhen he graduates.

“My roots are here in theBerkshires and this is where I want tolive,” Bryan said. “I feel very lucky. BHShas given me the opportunity to have acareer doing something that I trulyenjoy, but I could not have gone back toschool without their support.”

Bryan is gradually rotating throughall aspects of X-ray – imaging patientsfrom fluoroscopy and critical care units,to the emergency department and theoperating room. He is also gainingexposure to the other radiologic modal-ities such as CT scans, MRI and specialprocedures. As a student radiographer,he is now part of one of the mostdynamic fields in healthcare. Once heobtains his AS degree and technologistlicense, Bryan can continue gainingadvanced expertise in any one of theimaging areas, further expanding hisskills and career potential.

“The most gratifying part of this

New career opportunities

My roots are here in the Berkshiresand this is where I want to live ...BHS has given me the opportunityto have a career doing something

that I truly enjoy.— J O H N B RYA N , R A D I O L O G Y

c o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 1

c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 1 0

B e r k s h i r e H e a l t h N e w s 5

Introducing Urology Services of the Berkshires New BHS urology practice is formed

During 2007, as part of our col-lective commitment to bringthe best possible care to our

community, Berkshire Health Systemsand Northern Berkshire Healthcare,together with the four urologists cur-rently practicing in Berkshire County,embarked upon a plan to redesign themanner in which urological services areprovided locally.

This past March, the two long-standing urology practices in BerkshireCounty became a single practice within

Dr. David Noyes received his med-ical degree from the University ofVermont College of Medicine andcompleted residency training at theMedical Center Hospital of Vermont.Dr. Noyes has been practicing inBerkshire County since 1981.

Berkshire Faculty Services (BFS), pro-viding urological services to patientsthroughout Berkshire County andestablishing the foundation for a com-prehensive, state-of-the-art urologyprogram. Under this plan, David T.Noyes, MD, and Paul R. Silverstein,MD, join Stephen R. St. Clair, MD, andArthur F. Turton, MD, to form UrologyServices of the Berkshires, under theleadership of Dr. St. Clair.

The physicians provide care attheir already existing Pittsfield and

North Adams offices, as well as atBerkshire Medical Center and NorthAdams Regional Hospital. This newBFS group is currently recruiting morephysicians to expand access to urologi-cal services for residents throughoutBerkshire County and enhance theservices that are currently being provid-ed.

“We are excited about the oppor-tunity our new group will provide toenhance and coordinate urologic servic-es in Berkshire County,” said Dr. St.

Clair. “We anticipate this will also assistin drawing new urologists to the area,bringing additional urologic skills toour community.”

To contact Urology Services of theBerkshires at its Pittsfield office, pleasecall (413) 499-8575, and at its NorthAdams office, please call (413) 662-2486.

BHS is pleased to be able offer acomprehensive healthcare service suchas Urology Services of the Berkshires toour community.

Dr. Stephen St. Clair received hismedical degree from GeorgeWashington University School ofMedicine and Health Science andcompleted his residency training atWilford Hall U.S. Air Force MedicalCenter in Texas. He has served in theBerkshires since 1993.

Dr. Paul Silverstein received hismedical degree from New YorkMedical College, where he also com-pleted his residency training. He hasworked in the Berkshires since 1980.

Dr. Arthur Turton received his med-ical degree from the University ofCincinnati College of Medicine andcompleted residency training atDartmouth Hitchcock MedicalCenter. He began practicing in theBerkshires in 1979.

6 B e r k s h i r e H e a l t h N e w s

Battling the primary care physician shortage in the Berkshires

With a recent national survey showing only 2 percent of students gradu-ating from medical school planning to practice primary care medicine,the bottleneck for patients waiting to see their primary care physicians

or to even find a new physician to go to is getting worse. Locally, Berkshire HealthSystems, in collaboration with physician practices across the county, has beenaggressively involved in the recruitment of new primary and specialty care physi-cians and Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. As a result of these recruit-ing efforts, several new primary care physicians have begun practicing in theregion.

Amy Campion, DODr. Amy Campion has joined Suburban

Internal Medicine in Lee, in practice with DanielCohen, MD, Thomas Consolati, MD, MarkSnowise, MD and Robert Wespiser, MD. Dr.Campion is a board certified family practice physi-cian with extensive experience in pediatrics andwomen’s health. She came to the Berkshires fromCapital Care Family Medicine in Slingerlands, NewYork, where she had served for six years. Previously,Dr. Campion served with St. Peter’s Hospital, pro-viding pediatric medical care. Dr. Campion receivedher medical degree from Midwestern University:Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and com-

pleted her residency training at Albany Medical College, where she was ChiefResident in Family Practice from 2000 to 2001. For more information or to makean appointment with Dr. Campion or one of her colleagues, call Suburban InternalMedicine, 413-243-0122.

Muhammad Gul, MDDr. Muhammad Gul is accepting new patients

in his practice at the Hillcrest Family Health Center,where he is teamed with Christopher Trancynger,MD and Rebecca Caine, MD in providing primarycare services to patients throughout the Berkshires.Dr. Gul received his Medical Degree from KhyberMedical College in Pakistan and completed his res-idency training at Berkshire Medical Center. Hepreviously served with Habib Medical Complex andLady Reading Hospital in Pakistan. For an appoint-ment with Dr. Gul or one of his colleagues atHillcrest Family Health, call 413-499-2051.

Yuri Imanishi, MDDr. Yuri Imanishi, a board certified Internist, is

accepting new patients for adult primary carethroughout Southern Berkshire. She joins ManiGeorge, MD, at Fairview Medical, 27 Lewis Avenue,Great Barrington. Dr. Imanishi comes to theBerkshires from New York City, where she had mostrecently practiced at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital.Previously, she had served for many years as aphysician with Hawaii Kaiser Permanente, Maui,HI, and with Fallon Clinic, Worcester, MA. Dr.Imanishi received her medical degree from HarvardMedical School in Boston and completed the BrownUniversity Internal Medicine Residency program.

She is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Imanishi hasclinical interests and experience in geriatric and palliative care medicine. For moreinformation or to make an appointment with Dr. Imanishi or Dr. George, contactFairview Medical at 413-854-9704.

Kimberly May, MDDr. Kimberly May is accepting new patients in

need of Primary Care and Rheumatology care andjoins Edward Weiner, MD, at Fairview InternalMedicine, 116 West Avenue, Great Barrington. Dr.May is the first of two new adult primary carephysicians joining Fairview Internal Medicine, withthe second new physician scheduled to arrive inAugust. In addition to adult primary care, her clin-ical interests include osteoporosis, rheumatoidarthritis and fibromyalgia. Dr May joins FairviewInternal Medicine after retirement from the US AirForce, where she held the rank of Colonel. Her lastassignment was Deputy Commander, 79th Medical

Group, Andrews Air Force Base. She has also served as the Chief of Staff at the USAir Force Academy Hospital and Chief Consultant for Internal Medicine Servicesfor the US Air Force Surgeon General, and as an internist and rheumatologist atmany other facilities. She received her undergraduate degree from Case WesternReserve University and her medical degree from Wright State University. She com-pleted Internal Medicine residency training at Wright-Patterson Medical Center,Ohio, and Rheumatology fellowship training at Fitzsimons Army Medical Centerin Denver, Colorado. She also holds a master’s degree from the National WarCollege, and is completing a Masters in Business Administration at the Universityof Massachusetts at Amherst. She is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at theUniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and has taught there formore than 10 years. For more information or to make an appointment with Dr.May or one of her colleagues, contact Fairview Internal Medicine at 413-528-8643.

B e r k s h i r e H e a l t h N e w s 7

The New England Pain Center has expanded its pain management services toSouth Berkshire, with a new office at Fairview Hospital, and the addition ofRobin Burns Lambert, MD, providing patient care services in both Great

Barrington and Pittsfield. The New England Pain Center, based at the BMCHillcrest Campus, is a multidisciplinary pain management center serving all ofWestern Massachusetts. The center was founded by physicians committed tobringing the highest quality and most cost-effective outpatient pain managementservices to the community. The center's staff of physicians, physical therapists, psy-chologists, nurses and consultants work together as a team to develop an individ-ualized comprehensive plan, designed to minimize suffering, maximize function-ing and improve the patient's overall quality of life. Our physicians actively par-ticipate in clinical research studies and developments, ensuring that the latestknowledge and techniques are provided to our patients.

Dr. Burns Lambert, a board certified and fellowship-trained Anesthesiologist,joins Andrew DeMaggio, MD at the New England Pain Center. She will providepain management services to patients in South Berkshire through the Fairview

New England Pain Center expands to South Berkshire New physician joins Center’s team

Berkshire County now has access to expanded care in two critical specialtyfields – Endocrinology and Neurology. With the number of diabetes patientsgrowing each year both locally and nationally, the provision of

Endocrinology care has become critical. Berkshire Health Systems has expandedits Endocrinology services with the addition of a new specialist in diabetes andmetabolic disorders, Brian Phillips, MD. Across the United States, there is a criti-cal shortage of Neurologists, resulting in longer wait times for patients seekingappointments. BHS has announced the appointment of two new Neurologists –Herbert Gregg, MD, and Emma Weiskopf, MD.

Brian Phillips, MDDr. Brian Phillips is board certified in Internal

Medicine by the American Board of InternalMedicine and completed a clinical fellowship inDiabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at BrownUniversity, Rhode Island Hospital, in Providence, RI.He received his medical degree from the Universityof Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – RobertWood Johnson Medical School and completed hisresidency in Internal Medicine at Brown Universityand in Providence. Dr. Phillips’s clinical interestsinclude diabetes and thyroid disorders. Dr. Phillipsworks with Dr. Anna Kozupa and the BHS DiabetesEducation Program, an American Diabetes

Association-certified program, in providing diabetes care. For an appointment withDr. Phillips or Dr. Kozupa, ask your physician for a referral or call 413-496-6838.

Endocrinology and Neurology Services expanded in BerkshiresHerbert Gregg, MD

Dr. Herbert Gregg is fellowshiptrained in Clinical Neurophysiology fromIndiana University Medical Center,Indianapolis and fellowship trained inHeadache from the Jefferson HeadacheCenter, Philadelphia. He received his med-ical degree from Ohio State UniversityCollege of Medicine and Public Health andcompleted his residency training at MountSinai Medical Center, New York. His clini-cal interests include treating patients withseizure disorders and epilepsy.

Emma Weiskopf, MDDr. Emma Weiskopf was most recent-

ly in practice with JWM Neurology, Indianapolis. She completed a fellowship inClinical Neurophysiology from New York University Medical Center, New YorkCity. She received her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine,Bronx, NY and completed her residency training at Mount Sinai Medical Center,where she served as Chief Resident of Neurology from 2005 to 2006. Dr. Weiskopfspecializes in electromyography and nerve conduction studies and has clinicalinterests in neuromuscular disease, epilepsy and headache.

Dr. Gregg and Dr. Weiskopf join the BHS Neurosciences Physician Practice, part-nering with Ellen Deibert, MD, Laurence Ufford, MD, and Marina Zaretskaya-Fuchs,MD. For an appointment, ask your physician for a referral or call 413-395-7694.

Hospital office, and will also work at the mainCenter in Pittsfield, following the departure of Dr.Gordan Kuhar.

Dr. Burns Lambert has served on theAnesthesiology staffs at Berkshire Medical Centerand Fairview Hospital. She is board certified by theAmerican Board of Anesthesiology and served a fel-lowship in Pain Management at Baystate MedicalCenter in Springfield. Dr. Burns Lambert receivedher medical degree from Saba University School ofMedicine, Saba, Netherlands-Antilles, and complet-ed her residency in Anesthesiology at the Universityof Connecticut, Farmington. For an appointmentwith Dr. Burns Lambert or Dr. DeMaggio, ask yourphysician for a referral. For more information onthe New England Pain Center’s Fairview Hospital

location, call 413-854-9731. To contact the New England Pain Center’s main officeat the BMC Hillcrest Campus, call 413-445-7246.

Dr. Burns Lambert

8 B e r k s h i r e H e a l t h N e w s

The staff of Berkshire MedicalCenter has recognized PaulaAucoin, MD, with its Most

Patient-Centered Doctor award for2008. Dr. Aucoin is the Director ofInfection Control at BMC and an inter-nal medicine physician practicing withthe Berkshire Medical Group with aspecialization in infectious diseases. Shewas honored during a special breakfastreception held for the entire medicalstaff at BMC on March 28th to celebrateNational Doctors’ Day.

The staff of Berkshire MedicalCenter submitted nominations for theaward. They chose to honor Dr. Aucoin,among the many fine physicians onstaff at BMC based on her actions as arole model and physician leader whodemonstrates caring through qualityinteractions with others. The awardfocuses on communicating withpatients and families, involving patientsin healthcare decisions, taking the timeto talk with patients and listen to theirconcerns, and working collaborativelyand respectfully with all other membersof the care team so that everyone can dotheir very best in addressing patientcare issues. These behaviors exemplify agrowing philosophical belief that allcare activities must be centered aroundthe patients’ needs, rather than hospitalor individual routines and schedules.

Dr. Aucoin began practicing in theBerkshires in 1982. As the MedicalDirector for Infection Control at BMC,Dr. Aucoin has overseen a programwith exceptional results, and has pro-vided her expertise to the hospital andcommunity on the management ofinfluenza issues and infection preven-tion. This includes guidance on vaccinedistribution, management of potentialflu outbreaks and potential futureinfluenza threats. In addition, Dr.

Dr. Paula Aucoin honored by BMC for patient-centered care

Aucoin has played an important role inBMC’s emergency operations planning.

Dr. Aucoin served for many yearsas Chairman of the BMC EthicsCommittee and continues to serve as acommittee member, has served on theMedical Executive Committee, theDepartment of Medicine’s ExecutiveCommittee, and on the Patient Careand Quality Committee of the BerkshireHealth Systems Board of Trustees. In2006, the BHS Board honored Dr.Aucoin with the Gladys Allen BrighamAward for her longtime service to thehospital and its patients.

Board certified in internal medi-cine and infectious diseases, shereceived her medical degree fromGeorgetown University School ofMedicine, and was fellowship trained ininfectious diseases at the University ofMassachusetts Medical Center. Shecompleted her internship and residencytraining at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

Parvis Sadighi, MD, longtime for-mer Chairman of the Departmentof Surgery at Berkshire Medical

Center, has been placed on the BMCHonor Roll, joining a list of 24 previoushonorees recognized for their excep-tional commitment to the provision ofhealthcare to the Berkshire community.

“Dr. Sadighi’s service to BerkshireMedical Center spans four decades,from the days he spent as a medical res-ident here, to his career as one of thisarea’s premiere surgeons, to his lengthyservice as chairman of the BMC SurgeryDepartment and coming full circle withhis widely respected leadership of thehospital’s Surgical Residency program,”said Susan Kormanik, Chair of theBerkshire Health Systems Board ofTrustees, in presenting the award. “Ageneral, vascular and thoracic surgeon,he is greatly admired by his colleaguesfor his surgical expertise and technique,as well as his dedication to patients.”

Dr. Sadighi received his medicaldegree from Teheran University MedicalSchool in 1962 and completed his resi-dency training at Berkshire MedicalCenter in 1970. He was fellowshiptrained in thoracic and cardiovascularsurgery at Allegheny General Hospital inPittsburgh and later returned toPittsfield, where he practiced for 35years. He was named Chairman andProgram Director in the Department ofSurgery at BMC in 1978. In 2007, afterhis retirement, he was granted Emeritusstatus at BMC, recognizing his outstand-ing service to the hospital and commu-nity. Dr. Sadighi practiced with BerkshireSurgical Associates in Pittsfield.

Dr. Sadighi served as a Professor ofSurgery at the University ofMassachusetts Medical School and asan Assistant Professor of Anatomy atAlbany Medical College. He was a

member of the Education Committee ofthe Massachusetts Chapter of theAmerican College of Surgeons, and alsopreviously served as the chapter presi-dent. Dr. Sadighi was the recipient ofthe BMC Surgical Teaching Award fivetimes, in 1979, 1984, 1988, 2002 and2004. He was also honored with theCommunity Faculty Educator Award bythe University of Massachusetts MedicalSchool in 2006.

Created in 1992 and displayed inthe lobby area of BMC, the Honor Rollwas established to “recognize in a perma-nent way members of the medical staffwhose work has brought honor and dis-tinction to the profession and to the insti-tution.” Previous recipients of the HonorRoll designation are: Daniel Dorman,Herbert Glodt, Franklin Paddock,George Porter, Ralph Zupanec, RobertCella, Sr., John Gowdey, Rita Jacobs,Samual Tarnower, Robert Tracy, PeterNikitas, Clement Curd, Howard Kanner,Alan Michelson, George Vazakas,Raymond Austin, G. Thomas Stowe, JoelCurran, Gerald Haidak, J. Ryder Neary,Robert McInerney, Ricardo Cordon,Elliot Greenfield and Richard Lynch.

PHYSICIAN HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Sadighi’s name placed on BMC Honor Roll

Dr. Paula Aucoin, recipient of the2008 Patient-Centered PhysicianAward from BMC.

Dr. Parvis Sadighi was added to theBMC Physician Honor Roll in 2008.

B e r k s h i r e H e a l t h N e w s 9

In 2007, Berkshire Health Systems(BHS) invited local high schools toparticipate in a program designed

for student-athletes involved in sportsthat are high-risk for concussions. Theprogram, sponsored by BHS for the firsttwo years, involves athletes taking apre-season neurocognitive baseline testcalled ImPACT.

Developed by doctors at theUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical CenterSports Medicine Concussion Program,ImPACT stands for Immediate PostConcussion Assessment and CognitiveTesting. ImPACT is a sophisticatedresearch-based software tool developedto help sports-medicine clinicians evalu-

An update on ImPACT baseline testing in county high schoolsate recovery following concussion.ImPACT evaluates and documents mul-tiple aspects of neurocognitive function-ing including memory, brain processingspeed, reaction time, post-concussivesymptoms, and an injury documentationsystem (www.impacttestoffice.com).

Last summer, many high schoolathletic directors and coaches weretrained on how to conduct the testingwith their athletes, and almost 500 ath-letes have been baseline tested withinnine Berkshire County high schools sofar. These athletes participate in sportslike basketball, football, soccer, baseballand softball, gymnastics, wrestling, icehockey, downhill skiing and lacrosse.

“We are pleased with the initiallevel of participation, yet more oppor-tunities exist to protect our athletes fur-ther,” said Dr. Ellen Deibert, a neurolo-gist for Berkshire Medical Center andthe director of the BMC ConcussionClinic. Dr. Deibert is the onlyCredentialed ImPACT Consultant (CIC)in Western Massachusetts trained inevaluating and analyzing ImPACT data.

“The increase in concussions andthe lack of baseline scores to supporttreatment reinforce the value andimportance of pre-season baseline test-ing for all athletes involved in high-risksports,” continued Dr. Deibert.

In 2007, BMC saw 661 concussion

cases in the Emergency Department,which is a significant increase over the454 concussions treated in 2006.

“Our goal continues to be toensure that our community’s athletesand individuals are properly diagnosedand returned to play, work or school assafely as possible,” said Dr. Deibert.

BHS and Dr. Deibert are lookingahead to year two of the program andrecently held another training for ath-letic directors and coaches to gear upfor the next sports season.

For more information about theBHS-sponsored ImPACT program,please call BHS Community Relations at(413) 447-2775.

The impact on her walking has also been dra-matic. “Before the procedure, it was getting difficult,and now it’s fine. One of the people on my postalroute stopped me one day and asked, ‘Do you knowwhat happened to Heather?’”

For Rita Wick, a Registered Nurse at BerkshireMedical Center, reaching the four decade milestonemade her feel much older than she was, and thebiggest factor was her weight. “I always used to feelthat I had put the weight on by myself and I can takeit off by myself,” she said. “But while I had lost adecent amount of weight on diets, it always cameback. Just before my first appointment at theBerkshire Center for Weight Loss Surgery, I fell andsprained an ankle. It was clear to me that at 240pounds, recovery was much harder work than if I hadbeen lighter, and that clinched it.”

The Berkshire Center for Weight Loss Surgeryholds free informational sessions every month, andwhen Wick attended one she saw someone she knewgrowing up. “I knew how heavy she’d been and Icould clearly see her results from this program,” saidWick.

The health benefits that can result from bariatricsurgery are striking, as national and internationalstudies continue to show. They include improve-ments in or elimination of:

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol and high triglycerides

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Respiratory insufficiency

• Sleep apnea

• Asthma

• Acid reflux

• Stress urinary incontinence

• Low back pain, degenerative disk diseaseand degenerative joint disease

• Social, emotional and psychologicalcomorbidities

In fact, following gastric bypass, many patientsno longer require medications for blood pressure, dia-betes and other health related issues, and their reduc-tion in health risks is substantial. The patient’s energylevel is also greatly improved, as Wick can attest. “Iwent hiking in Peru with my best friend. I certainlycouldn’t have done anything like that before my sur-gery. We took backpacks and hiked some 40 kilome-

Weight loss surgery

Rita Wick, a Registered Nurse at BerkshireMedical Center, tried dieting, but always gainedback what she lost, and then some. As sheapproached her 40th birthday, it was time for herto visit the Berkshire Center for Weight LossSurgery. She underwent gastric bypass surgery,lost significant weight and now leads a healthylifestyle.

c o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 1

c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 1 1

10 B e r k s h i r e H e a l t h N e w s

New career opportunitiesjob is the patients and my colleagues,” he continued.“The patients know we are here to help them, andthey are appreciative. And everyone I work with lovestheir job, is supportive of each other and cares verymuch about the patients. This is a great environmentfor a career.”

“Now I have a career”Amy Fosser agrees. Like Bryan, Fosser formerly

worked as a Transporter in the RadiologyDepartment. Before that, she was a Certified NursingAssistant in a long term care facility. A young mother,

As the shortage in nurses and technologistscontinues, hospitals across the country areemploying highly-paid agencies to recruit

new employees from all over the country to fill vacantpositions. At Berkshire Health Systems, administra-tors have taken a unique approach, looking withintheir own ranks to identify talented employees andproviding them with the education and training need-ed to obtain career positions.

“BHS is way ahead of the curve,” said ChristineQuillen, a registered technologist in Radiography atBerkshire Medical Center and the clinical educatorand instructor with Springfield TechnicalCommunity College’s Radiological DiagnosticImaging Program. “I have never worked for a hospi-tal that is so forward-thinking in its approach toanswering the growing need for quality, long termemployees. Instead of trying to recruit from otherareas, it just makes sense that the administrationshould invest in furthering the education and careersof our own people.”

In fact, BHS President David E. Phelps hasrecently earned awards from both the Berkshire Area

BHS has so far invested nearly $4 millionin educational programs for its

employees. In the last seven years, over 72employees have graduated from BHS CriticalShortage programs, and another 133 employeesare currently enrolled. The BHS programs includethe following:

• RN degree program at Berkshire CommunityCollege

• RN to BSN program at the University ofMassachusetts

• RN to BSN program at Elms College

• Radiology Critical Shortage Program atSpringfield Technical Community College

• Laboratory Critical Shortage Program atSpringfield Technical Community College

• Nursing instruction at BCC. Over the lastfour years, BHS has provided a total of eightnursing instructors at BCC to shorten thewaiting list for classes.

At the heart of these programs is the beliefthat more education and training can change liveswhile also helping the community. To that end,BHS has also been a leader in supporting initia-tives beyond the hospitals that emphasize educa-tional opportunities that will help fill the pipelineof future employees. They include:

• A $100,000 donation to the BerkshireWireless Learning Initiative that has placedlaptop computers in the hands of every mid-dle school student in North Adams andPittsfield.

• A $25,000 donation to Conte CommunitySchool’s Connected for Success initiative, a32-week after school program offering aca-demic assistance, enrichment and helpdeveloping social skills for students ingrades 1 through 5.

• A $200,000 investment in the PittsfieldPublic School’s Allied Health EducationPartnership, which exposes students tocareer opportunities in healthcare and ishelping to inspire the next generation ofnurses. Berkshire Healthcare Systems, thelong terms care associate of BHS, is leadingthis collaboration with the schools.

Fosser wanted the best life possible for her daughterand was motivated to improve her career outlook andearnings. “But I needed help getting there,” she said.A graduate of the BHS Critical Shortage Program forRadiological Technologist, Fosser now works full timeat BMC, has an exciting career in radiology, “and amuch better life.”

“Ever since I was young, I knew that caring forpeople would be part of my future,” she said. “Thisprogram was like a dream come true - the best pro-gram ever and way more than I expected. Now, I havea career.”

Recruiting from WithinOver 200 employees have received advanced degrees and

new careers with BHS education programs

Health Education Network (AHEC) and BerkshireCommunity College for his leadership in developingand supporting a wide range of education programsthat enable career advancement for many BHSemployees.

Joining Phelps in the 2007 AHEC AnnualAchievement Award was BCC President Dr. PaulRaverta and Elms College President Dr. James Mullen,who were honored for joining forces to find solutionsthat will have a significant impact on the community'snursing shortage.

BCC, at its 2008 commencement, honoredPhelps with its President's Award. BCC President Dr.Paul Raverta said, "This award is presented toPresident Phelps for his role in pioneering a newmodel of collaboration between a major healthcareprovider and higher education in order to address acritical shortage of nurses and nursing faculty. Ibelieve that this collaboration is unique withinMassachusetts, and, perhaps, within the country. Inany case, it is a wonderful example of what can beaccomplished when people come together to make adifference."

c o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 4

B e r k s h i r e H e a l t h N e w s 11

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, atime to focus public attention on preventionand early detection. The staff of the Women’s

Imaging Center at Berkshire Medical Center andFairview Hospital, in partnership with the AmericanCancer Society, present some key information onbreast cancer, prevention and early detection:

Lowering your risk You can lower your risk ofbreast cancer by changing those risk factors that canbe changed. This includes lifestyle changes, such as:good nutrition with a diet rich in fruits and vegetablesand low-fat meals, limit alcohol use, exercise regular-ly, and maintain a healthy body weight. All of thesecan decrease your risk of getting breast cancer.Women who choose to breast-feed for at least severalmonths may also get an added benefit of reducingtheir breast cancer risk.

Not using post-menopausal hormone therapy(PHT) if it's not necessary can help you avoid raisingyour risk.

Finding breast cancer early Other than lifestylechanges, the most important action a woman can takeis to follow early detection guidelines. These includeregular self breast exams for women in their 20’s, clin-ical breast exams by a healthcare professional for

women in their 20’s and 30’s, and for women 40 andolder, a yearly screening mammogram.

Current evidence supporting mammograms iseven stronger than in the past. In particular, recentevidence has confirmed that mammograms offer sub-stantial benefit for women in their 40s. Women canfeel confident about the benefits associated with reg-ular mammograms for finding cancer early.

The Women’s Imaging Center at BerkshireMedical Center and Fairview Hospital provide mam-mography services to women throughout BerkshireCounty and the surrounding region. The Women’sImaging Center has been designated as a BreastImaging Center of Excellence by the AmericanCollege of Radiology’s Commission on Quality andSafety and Commission on Breast Imaging.Additionally, for patient comfort, the Women’sImaging Center has the Mammopad, a soft foamcushion that can help with the discomfort somewomen feel during a mammogram.

If you are uninsured or underinsured, have ahigh insurance deductible or cannot afford a mammo-gram, you can still get a yearly mammogram throughthe Women’s Health Network, a program that has pro-vided access to mammography for over 400 women.

Think pink in October: Help prevent breast cancer or detect it early

For a mammography appointment, call:Berkshire Medical Center – 413-447-2451

Fairview Hospital – 413-854-9616

For the Women’s Health Network, call 413-447-2378

The Berkshire Center for Weight Loss Surgeryprovides minimally invasive procedures, includinggastric bypass and lap band surgeries. The Center’ssurgeons – Drs. Andrew Lederman and Robert Fanelli– are board certified and fellowship trained.

Sign up today for a free weight loss surgeryinformation session:Held the first Tuesday of each month at BerkshireHills Country ClubCall 413-442-2462 or visit www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/WeightLossSurgery to register.

Weight loss surgeryc o n t i n u e d f r o m p a g e 9

ters, all the way to Maccu Pichu.” As forturning 40 and feeling older than that,Wick said her weight loss surgery pro-duced a very pleasant surprise. “I recent-ly took my son for a college interviewand someone there thought I was the stu-dent. I was also ‘carded’ recently. Nowthat makes you feel good.”

12 B e r k s h i r e H e a l t h N e w s

Patients in need of Renal Dialysisservices in Southern Berkshirewill benefit from the opening of a

new dialysis center affiliated withFairview Hospital. The FairviewDialysis Center, a satellite operation ofthe Berkshire Medical Center DialysisUnit, is scheduled to open in either thelate summer or early fall, and will belocated at 10 Maple Ave. in GreatBarrington.

“We have experienced consider-

Berkshire Health Systems to open dialysis center in south Berkshire

able growth in the number of patientswe serve throughout Berkshire County,”said David Albert, MD, MedicalDirector of the new Fairview DialysisCenter. “With the opening of this newunit, we can offer a closer treatmentoption for residents of South Berkshire,in addition to those patients we seeduring the height of tourism seasonwho visit the area or have secondhomes in South Berkshire.”

“Berkshire Health Systems is mak-

Fairview Hospital has opened itssecond satellite rehabilitationclinic in South County at 10

Maple Avenue in Great Barrington. Thenew facility offers nearly five times thespace than available in the previoushospital-based clinic, as well as easieraccess. On-site parking is readily avail-able and all services are located on onefloor, with no stairs, steps or elevators,to make it easier for rehabilitationpatients with mobility issues.

The new clinic will offer the samecomprehensive program of services thatwere available at the original hospitallocation. Hospital-based rehabilitationservices are still provided to hospitalinpatients at Fairview.

The new outpatient facility allowsfor expanded services and upgradedtherapeutic equipment in its large newgym. Nine new private treatment areasimprove patient care. “This is impor-tant, not only because it ensures priva-cy for the patient, but it allows thephysical therapist or occupational ther-apist to establish better communica-tion,” said Bobbie Ransom, Director ofRehabilitation at Fairview. “Private

Fairview Hospital opens expanded outpatient clinic in Great Barrington

treatment areas allow the patient tomore easily deal with the emotionalcomponent of the problem. This can bean important part of healing and of ourcapacity to help the patient.”

Fairview Hospital’s OutpatientRehabilitation Clinic is the only JointCommission-accredited outpatient re-habilitation practice in South BerkshireCounty. As a result, Fairview’sOutpatient Clinic is mandated to meetthe highest standards of care in areassuch as infection control, patient safetyand privacy. Berkshire Health Systems’Biomedical Equipment Team maintainsequipment to make sure it is function-ing properly and safely.

The new outpatient center is alsothe largest rehabilitation clinic in SouthBerkshire, with a team of nine physicaltherapy and occupational therapy pro-fessionals working in a collaborativeteam environment. “Our evidence-based practice assures that our team hasthe standard skills necessary, but eachmember has their own subspecialty andattend professional education programsin specialty areas,” said Ransom. “Thisincreases the pool of resources available

to each patient.”In its first month, the new clinic

had already experienced a 13% increasein usage due to its more visible locationin Great Barrington. “People walk inwhen they see we are here and we aregetting calls from doctors in Florida and

Arizona, referring their patients whilethey are summering in the Berkshires,”said Ransom.

Appointments are availableMonday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:30pm. Call (413) 854-9740 for informa-tion.

ing a significant investment in the careof patients in need of dialysis inSouthern Berkshire,” said Gene Dellea,President of Fairview Hospital.“Fairview is committed to providingour residents and visitors with locallybased services, and being part of a com-prehensive healthcare network like BHSallows us to continue that tradition.”

The Fairview Dialysis Center willbe open three days each week when itbegins operation, with two shifts. Plans

New Fairview site to serve local and transient patients

are to expand the availability in the nearfuture.

In addition to Dr. Albert, theFairview Dialysis Center will be staffedby Sarah Baumann, RN, ClinicalDirector; Nurse Practitioner SusanDowney Luhrmann; Jennifer Stover,RN, and Nancy Rossin, RN; and techni-cian Dale Reed.

For more information on theFairview Dialysis Center, call 413-447-3060.

Fairview Hospital has opened a new outpatient rehabilitation center in GreatBarrington.