FALL 2004

For many years, Linda Larrow hassuffered from osteoarthritis andsciatica, which have made itdifficult for her to walk, get in

and out of cars, and according to her,“made life seem impossible.” That is, untila year or two ago when she decided to do

State-of-the-Art Ceramic Hip Replacements Improve

Quality of LifeMooers Forks Woman Feels “New Lease on Life”

something about it.After being evaluated by Dr. Mitchell

Rubinovich, it was determined that she wasa candidate for a hip replacement andreconstruction. During hip reconstructionand replacement, diseased bone/cartilage isremoved and replaced with artificial

implants that relieve pain and restore func-tion. Knowing this, Mrs. Larrow researchedhip replacements. She learned the type ofreplacement materials used, such as “titani-um vs. ceramic,” and the probable longevityof each. It was then that she discoveredthat Dr. Rubinovich was the only surgeonin the North Country using the newTrident ® ceramic hip implant.

“The new ceramic hip lasts longer and isstronger than traditional hip replacements,”

Inside This Issue

Ceramic Hip . . . . . . . . . . . Page 1

Alice Hyde’s Legacy . . . . . Page 2

Most Wired . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3

Healthy News & Tips to Use . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4

A New Surgical Choice For Women at AHMC . . Page 6

New Faces . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8

Healthy Visions . . . . . . . . . Page 9Philanthropy Update . . . . Page 10Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12

Dr. Mitchell Rubinovich talks to his patient, Linda Larrow, about ceramic hip implants.

continued on page 2

2

One of ournursing homeresidents,Maurice Smith,

shared with us his experiencesfrom the past 101 years ofliving in the North Country.Born in Bangor, NY in 1903,Mr. Smith spent his entire lifeworking, raising children withhis wife of 72 years, and goingto school in our area. In fact,one of the moments he clearlyremembers is that in 1914, hisschool conducted a fundraiser to helpestablish Alice Hyde Medical Center. Thestudents and their family members wereasked to purchase a brick for 7 or 8 cents apiece that were used to actually build thefirst hospital in Malone. Despite moneybeing very tight in that era, both Mr.Smith and his brother each bought one ortwo bricks, making them an integral partof what is today’s Medical Center.

What a remarkable story—one thatclearly demonstrates that our MedicalCenter was built by the community forthe community. This one man’s gift to allof us shows that it’s been our communitythat has built, supported, and shaped AliceHyde Medical Center. And, today, thesesame individuals live, work, or are cared forin this same health care organization. Thisis truly a legacy for Malone and the sur-rounding areas.

This edition of To Your Health offers asnapshot of the ever-evolving Alice HydeMedical Center. In the past year, we have

brought state-of-the-art pro-cedures to ourcommunity, likethe ceramichip, first laparo-scopic supra-cervical hys-terectomies, anew 16-sliceCT Scan, and apulmonary function lab, andagain earned the distinctionof being named one of theMost Wired Small and Rural

Hospitals in the nation according to a sur-vey by Hospitals & Health Networks, thejournal of the American HospitalAssociation, McKesson Corporation, andthe Healthcare Information and

Management SystemsSociety.

Healthy News and Tips,shaping the workforce for thefuture, and comments fromour patients and their familiesare all included in thisnewsletter. Our goal is tokeep you updated on what’shappening at the MedicalCenter, seek your input, and

give you health information that you canuse to stay healthy and manage your care.

Thank you for your support through-out the entire history of AHMC. We willcontinue to work hard to fulfill our com-mitment of providing high quality carewith compassion and dignity to all thosethat we serve.

Alice Hyde’s Continuing Legacy

said Dr. Rubinovich. “After almost sevenyears of clinical trials, the availability of anew ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfacefor hip reconstruction is a real break-through.”

How is Mrs. Larrow doing after hersurgery?

“I’ve had to take baby steps, but I’mable to do a lot more with one good legthan with two bad ones,” she said.“Idon’t hurt as much and I am able tomore easily get in and out of cars now.”

John W. JohnsonPresident/CEO

In a year or so, Mrs. Larrow is plan-ning to have the other hip replaced tofurther enhance her quality of life.

“I am so grateful that this procedure isavailable, and I truly appreciate the greatcare I received at Alice Hyde,” said Mrs.Larrow. “All I can say is, if you have thisproblem—even if you’re only in your30s—don’t wait to take care of it. Don’twaste any years when a procedure likethis is available.”

For further information, contact Dr. Mitchell Rubinovich’s office at 518-483-0977.

Ceramic Hipcontinued from page 1

It’s been ourcommunity that

has built,supported, and

shaped Alice Hyde

Medical Center.

3

Alice Hyde MedicalCenter has beennamed one thenation’s twenty-five

MOST WIRED—SMALL ANDRURAL hospitals, according to theresults of the 2004 Most WiredSurvey and Benchmarking Study.

Survey results found that thesehospitals and health systems aremaking significant progress automatingfour core components of an electronicmedical record (EMR)--current medicalrecords, medical history, patient demo-graphics and nurses’ notes.The surveymeasures the nation’s hospitals on their useof Internet technologies for quality, cus-tomer service, public health and safety,business processes and workforce issues.

“Our commitment to expand, auto-mate, and enhance our clinical and finan-cial systems, combined with a newly devel-oped and seamless connectivity betweenphysician offices and the medical centerelectronic medical records system con-tributed to this national recognition fortwo consecutive years. In addition, a newpatient education system was launched toprovide a convenient and confidentialsource for our employees to find healthinformation for patients in the hospital,”said John W. Johnson,AHMCPresident/CEO.

Results from the survey were used toname the 100 Most Wired, the 25 MostImproved, and the 25 Most Wireless. Thesurvey also found that Most Wired hospi-tals have made considerable investments inother key technologies, such as radiologysystems and picture archiving communica-

tions systems (PACS). Hospitals & HealthNetworks conducted the survey in coop-eration with IDX Systems Corporationand the College of Healthcare InformationManagement Executives (CHIME).

“Top hospitals realize the power of theelectronic medical record to improve qual-ity, safety and the patient experience,” saysAlden Solovy, Executive Editor ofHospitals & Health Networks, the journalof the American Hospital Association(AHA), which has named the 100 MostWired hospitals and health systems for thepast six years.These hospitals are emphasiz-ing clinical quality and patient services intheir efforts to remain technology leaders,says Solovy.

“Health care technology continues tobe a critical component of our health caredelivery system,” says Mark Wheeler, M.D.,Chief Technical Architect, IDX SystemsCorporation.“The 100 Most Wired hospi-tals not only demonstrate what is possibletoday, but also are proof of concept for thePresident's health information technologyplan and the national health informationinfrastructure.”

President Bush has pledged to establishan EMR system within 10 years and has

appointed an InformationTechnology coordinator to guidehealth care organizations towardimproving IT infrastructure. Resultsfrom the 2004 survey show that the100 Most Wired hospitals are striv-ing to achieve this goal.The entirereport is available atwww.hhnmag.com.

Analysis from this year’s surveyresults shows:

• 90% of the Most Wired provide accessto the current medical record online;

• 87% offer access to the online medicalhistory;

• 88% offer online access to patientdemographics; and

• 69% offer online access to nurses’ notes.

In addition, these hospitals are taking thelead in providing EMR for clinicianreview. Of the 2004 Most Wired hospitals:

• 88% offer online lab results review;• 90% offer online radiology report

review; and• 84% have radiology image review.

The 100 Most Wired are the organi-zations that scored highest on the survey.The 25 Most Wireless are those that scoredhighest on the survey questions specific towireless applications.The 25 MostImproved are organizations not appearingon the 100 Most Wired list whose scoreimproved the most from 2003 to 2004.The 25 Most Wired—Small and Rural aresmall and rural organizations not appearing

Most Wired

continued on page 6

4

Would you ever sitdown and eat 16 teaspoons ofsugar?

• A 20 oz. bottle of soda contains 16 tea-spoons of sugar.

• Soft drinks (soda,“fruit” drinks, sweet-ened teas, sports drinks, etc.) are thelargest source of refined sugars inAmericans' diets.

• For a typical child eating about 2,350calories, health experts recommend eat-ing no more than 13 teaspoons ofrefined sugar a day.

• Kids who drink more sodas and othersoft drinks eat more calories and aremore likely to be overweight.

Calories in soft drinks count too! Soremember, when you drink a 20 oz.soda you are adding 250 calories toyour daily caloric intake.

People tend to drink soda rather thanchoosing a healthier beverage, such as,low-fat milk; which can reduce yourrisk for bone fractures (osteoporosis) or100% fruit juice, which can reduceyour risk of cancer.

The sugar in soft drinks can cause toothdecay, and the acids eat away at enamel.

Twenty years ago, teenage boys dranktwice the amount of milk as soft drinks,and girls drank 50% more milk thansoft drinks.Today, teenagers drink twiceas much soda as milk.

Fruit “drinks,”“beverages,”“ades,” and“cocktails” are essentially non-carbonat-ed soda. Sunny Delight, Fruitopia, andothers are only 5%-10% juice.

Recent Advances InProstate CancerTreatment

By: Sun H. Liauw, M.D., FACROMedical DirectorReddy Cancer Treatment Center

Prostate cancer is the mostcommon form of canceramong American men. Thisyear, over 200,000 men will

be diagnosed with prostate cancer and38,000 men will die from the disease. It isestimated that 1 in 10 men will hear thediagnosis in his lifetime.

Prostate cancer generally grows slowlyand is highly curable when detected early.In fact, if the cancer is caught while con-fined to the prostate, it is curable in fourout of five cases. Unfortunately, there arerarely any signs and symptoms that youhave the disease until it hasadvanced.

The prostate gland islocated below the bladderand in front of the rectum.It surrounds the canal thatcarries urine from thebladder through the penis.Its function is to producefluid that transports andnourishes sperm. The prostaterequires testosterone, male hor-mones produced in the testicles, tofunction.The prostate is vulnerable to twocommon and unrelated problems as menage, enlargement and cancer.

Prostate cancer is most common inmen over 65, but some men can develop itearlier. The definitive cause of prostatecancer is not known but it may be relatedto heredity, environmental exposure, or ahigh fat diet. The evidence is, as of yet,inconclusive.

Medical screening for prostate cancer isa two-part process. It includes a digitalrectal examination, which is the physicianusing a gloved finger to feel the prostatefor lumps and abnormalities, and a blood

test called prostate-specific antigen or PSA,that measures the level of a specific proteinproduced by prostate cancer cells in theblood stream. When combined, these twotests increase the chances of findingprostate cancer by 50% versus using themindividually. The American CancerSociety’s guidelines for screenings include:

• Men over 40 should have a digital rec-tal exam as part of his annual physical

• Men over 50 should also have the PSAblood test

• Men in high-risk groups (black menand men with a family history of thedisease) should begin PSA testing earlier.

Prostate cancer is being detected at ear-lier stages and in younger men than wasthe case even 10 years ago due to anincreased awareness and earlier screeningprograms for men over the age of 50.

Options available for patients includewatchful waiting, hormonal therapy,

radiation therapy or radicalprostatectomy.

In 15 years of studies it isreported that radical surgeryoffers a slightly higher cancersurvival rate in comparisonto conventional radiotherapy.However, recent advances in

radiation delivery, including 3-dimentional conformal radio-

therapy and Intensity ModulatedRadiotherapy (IMRT) have attracted

tremendous interest due to dramaticallyimproved precision prostate treatment,sparing significant amounts of healthy tis-sue and side effects. The outcomes of thisnew treatment approach are expected toimprove the long-term results. In addi-tion, the new treatment method offers agood option for men who want to avoidinvasive treatment methods, including radi-cal surgery with its potential side-effectloss of sexual potency.

For men who are not candidates forradical surgery due to medical problems,radiotherapy is an excellent option.

Healthy News &

Tips to Use

5

Your Child’s Teeth

It’s never too early for good dental care.With regular check-ups and good dentalhabits your child can grow up to be cavityfree.This begins with the proper care ofbaby/primary teeth and the understandingthat how they are maintained will affecthow the permanent teeth will erupt. Hereare some guidelines and facts to help youcare for your child’s teeth:

• The bacteria in the plaque producesacid that eats away at teeth enamel

• Brushing removes plaque and preventsit from forming

• Begin brushing when your child’s firsttooth appears

• Begin with a very small amount of flu-oride tooth paste

• As the child gets older they will devel-op the skill to do it themselves

• Observe your child to be sure it’s beingdone right

• Floss your child’s teeth daily and whenhe or she are old enough, a floss holderwill be very helpful.

• Cavities can be prevented by using flu-oride

• Ask your dentist if your communitywater is fluoridated

• Ask your dentist about fluoride supple-ments

• Fluoride can be provided to your child’sadult teeth at their regular check ups

With proper home care, your child candevelop lifetime habits that will promote apositive self-image.

Healthy

Visions

New VisionsStudent from AliceHyde MedicalCenter ReceivesNationalScholarship

Meaghan McCarthy, an 18 year old seniorat Franklin Academy, received word on St.Patricks Day, from parents Will and AlisonMcCarthy, that she is the proud winner ofa full tuition scholarship for Hobart &William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY.

The Elizabeth Blackwell scholarship,established to honor the first female physi-cian, Elizabeth Blackwell, is a nationalscholarship that will pay for all four yearsof Meaghan’s pre-medical education. And,if she maintains a 3.5 GPA, she will beexempt from taking the MCATS, a rigor-ous test that most medical students must

take upon completion of their undergrad-uate studies. She has also been acceptedto the SUNY Upstate Medical Universityin Syracuse, NY, where she will earn hermedical degree.

“We are delighted and proud thatMeaghan, one of the New Visions studentsfrom Alice Hyde Medical Center, has beenchosen for this prestigious scholarship,” saidJohn Johnson,AHMC President and CEO.

The scholarship application processrequired a letter of recommendation,which she received from Dr. BarbaraWhalen, an essay in which she explainedher reasons for wanting to enter into themedical field, and the influences her com-munity has had in that decision. Once shefound out that she was one of five finalists,she had to undergo a three-hour interviewin which she spoke about New Visions, ajoint program conducted between AliceHyde and BOCES.

“I believe that the time I spent a AliceHyde Medical Center as part of NewVisions really guided me to the medicalfield,” said Meaghan.“I am so excited andgrateful to Malone Central, to the com-munity and to my family for the opportu-nity I’ve been given. It is so incredible andhard to believe. I am so blessed.”

Meaghan McCarthy

6

This spring, Dr.David Gorman,introducedperhaps one of

the most significant surgicaloptions to women in theNorth Country; heperformed the area’s firstlaparoscopic supra-cervicalhysterectomy (LSH).

This procedure is uniquein that the uterus isremoved in small portionsthrough three tiny incisionsand the cervix is left intact.Traditional vaginal or abdominal hysterec-tomies remove the uterus whole, resultingwith weeks of painful recovery time andlarge scars.“There is no comparisonbetween laparoscopic and vaginal orabdominal hysterectomies. This minimallyinvasive procedure reduces recovery time,pain, scarring, and bleeding markedly,” saidGorman.

Kathy Madore and Victoria Garrow ofPlattsburgh, NY both experienced years ofexcruciating menstrual pain and irregularbleeding, but are on their way to recoveryafter seeking Dr. Gorman’s help. Madoreand Garrow had positive experiences withthis surgery. “Dr. Gorman did a remark-able job. I was amazed at how easy it wasand that within a day and a half of my sur-gery I was self-sufficient,” said Madore.

Only two incisions, approximately onehalf inch long one on either side of thepelvic area, and a tiny incision deep in thenavel are used for an LSH. This is in sharpcontrast to the traditional four to five inch

incision required for a totalabdominal hysterectomy.“My scarring is minimaland I can’t even see thethird navel incision,”Madore said.

The actual removal ofthe uterine tissue is accom-plished utilizing anadvanced technologyinstrument, a morcellatorthat reduces the large tissuemass such that it can beremoved through the tinyincisions.

The supra-cervical hysterectomy is sonamed because the uterine tissue that isabove (supra) the cervix is removed.Leaving the cervix dramatically reducesthe incidence of post-operative pelvicinfections, bladder dysfunction is lessened,and sex may be resumed within one week.Post-operative pain is dramaticallyreduced, hospitalization time for mostpatients is less than 24 hours, and resump-tion of almost all activities is a matter ofdays.

The only women who would not beconsidered for this laparoscopic procedureare those with uterine, ovarian, cervicalcancer or untreated pre-cancerous lesionsof the cervix, and those whose uteruseshave dropped.

Dr. Giles Manley, Chief of Obstetricsand Gynecology at Baltimore MedicalCenter and Kaiser Permanente, trained Dr.Gorman in the laparoscopic supra-cervicalprocedure. To date, Dr. Gorman has per-formed more than twenty of these proce-

dures at Alice Hyde Medical Center.I believe it is barbaric for any woman

to have to experience a traditional hys-terectomy where they are opened end toend. No woman should have to gothrough that. It is so important forwomen to know that they have this proce-dure as an option,” said Miss Garrow.

For further information, contact Dr.Gorman’s Malone office at 518-483-1015or the Plattsburg office at 518-563-8880.

A New Surgical Choicefor Women at AHMC

Dr. David Gorman

on the 100 Most Wired list that scoredhighest on the survey.As a result of a tie,101 organizations are being recognized asthe nation’s Most Wired hospitals andhealth systems.

About the Most WiredSurvey andBenchmarking Study

Hospitals & Health Networks, the journalof the American Hospital Association,conducts the Most Wired survey annually.IDX Systems Corporation is a leadingprovider of software, services and techno-logies for health care provider organizations.The College of Healthcare InformationManagement Executives (CHIME) wasformed with the dual objective of servingthe professional development needs ofhealthcare CIOs, and advocating the moreeffective use of information managementwithin health care.

Most Wiredcontinued from page 3

7

Pulmonary LabOpens

Alice Hyde Medical Center(AHMC) expanded itscardiopulmonary serviceswith the opening of a new

Pulmonary Function Lab, which enhancesthe Medical Center’s ability to measurehow effectively the lungs perform and tomonitor patients’ response to treatment.Pulmonary Function Lab patients aretested and treated for common respiratoryconditions, such as bronchitis, asthma,emphysema, and chronic obstructive lungdisease, as ordered by their physician. AliceHyde Medical Center physician, Dr.AdnanAbbasi, Pulmonologist, interprets testresults to determine diagnosis.

“Given the increase in the incidence ofasthma and other respiratory diseases, wefelt it was critical that the Medical Center

have a state-of-the-art Lab for our patientsand community members,” said JohnJohnson, President/CEO of AHMC. “Weare pleased to be able to further enhanceour scope of services to North Countryresidents.”

Pulmonary function testing, lastingfrom thirty minutes to two hours, is aseries of tests that include:• Routine Spirometry Test, which identi-

fies patients who might have obstruc-tive or restrictive lung disease and helpsphysicians determine the severity of thediseases meanwhile providing futurecomparison should the patient showeither improvement or deterioration.

• Lung Volume Test, which measures thetotal size of an individual’s lungs andapproximates the normal tidal breathingrange.

• Diffusing Capacity Test, which measureshow well the oxygen moves from apatient’s lungs to the blood stream;

essentially measuring how well thelungs are working in their basic func-tion.

• Maximum Voluntary Ventilation Test, a12-second test, designed to see howwell your breathing muscles work.

• Bronchial Challenge Test which is onemethod of assessing airway responsive-ness.

The Pulmonary Function Lab is openfor scheduling from 8:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.via AHMC’s Community WideScheduling Office at 518-483-2500.

On the CuttingEdge ofMedicalImagingTechnology

Alice Hyde Medical Centerrecently acquired theBrilliance 16-Slice CTimaging system from Philips

Medical System—making it one of only afew hospitals in the North Country withthis leading edge technology.

CT scanning enables doctors to see across-section of x-ray images through aportion of the body. During a CT scan, anx-ray beam passes through the body and isrecorded by electronic detectors.Thesedetectors send the information to a com-puter where it is translated into very thincross-sections or slices.The thinner theslice, the better the detail.

AHMC’s new imaging technologyopens the door to vastly improve medicalcare for patients and is the most significantand exciting advancement in multi-slicecomputed tomography (CT) in recentyears.The Brilliance multi-slice CT systemscans at breakthrough speed and producesimage quality that is superior to other sys-tems available today.`

Robin Brown, RRT, Director of Cardiopulmonary Services at Alice Hyde Medical Center, adminis-ters a plethysmography exam; also known as a pulmonary function test, on a patient.The purpose ofthe test is to diagnose respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive lung disease, bronchitis,emphysema, and asthma. continued on next page

8

New Faces at

Alice Hyde

Frank Fuentes, DDSFrank Fuentes, DDS, comes to Malonefollowing five-years of private practice inClifton, New Jersey. He retired from theUnited StatesNavy, DentalCorps as aCommander inJune of 1999after 20 years ofservice, duringwhich time heprovided com-prehensive den-tal care to allUS Navy and Marine Corps personnel inthe Pacific Fleet and around the world.Dr. Fuentes provides comprehensive dentalservices at Alice Hyde Medical Center’snew Dental Center in Malone and at theTower Health Center in St. Regis Falls.

Conventional CT requires that patientshold their breath and remain completelyimmobile during the scan, which canmake it difficult to obtain an accurateimage of some patients – particularly pedi-atric and geriatric patients. Because theBrilliance can scan so quickly – even in asingle breath – these patients now haveaccess to technology that facilitates timelyand accurate diagnosis.

AHMC’s new CT scanner significantlyimproves service for trauma patients,where speed of diagnosis and treatmentcan mean the difference between life anddeath.And, we can now provide the latestadvanced vessel analysis, cardiac, and 3Dendoscopy imaging techniques.

New DentalCenter Opens

Frank Fuentes, DDS (Doctor ofDental Surgery) joined theMedical Staff at Alice HydeMedical Center (AHMC) to

provide dental services at Alice HydeMedical Center’s new Dental Center,located on the 2nd floor in the Campbellbuilding at 130 Park Street in Malone(across from the Medical Center), and theTower Health Center in St. Regis Falls.Both locations are equipped with state-of-the-art dental equipment, including digitalradiography in the Malone location.

“We are excited that Dr. Fuentes isjoining the Alice Hyde Medical CenterMedical Staff,” said John Johnson,AHMCPresident/CEO. “Patients will have accessto a full range of family dental services atthe Park Street center and the TowerHealth Center in St. Regis Falls will pro-vide a convenient option for those lookingfor dental care close to home.”

“I chose to start a new practice inMalone because the challenge of buildinga practice from the ground up is exciting,”said Dr. Fuentes. “I look forward to mak-ing a difference in an area that needs moredental service options.”

Please call 481-2347 to schedule anappointment.

Brian Connolly, MDBrian Connolly, MD, board-certified inFamily Medicine, was most recently anactive member of the Departments ofEmergency andFamily Medicineat BuffaloGeneral Hospitalin Buffalo, NewYork, where hewas also aClinicalAssociateProfessor. Hecompleted hisresidency in Family Medicine as ChiefResident at St. Mary’s Hospital inMontreal, Quebec. He received hisMedical Degree from McGill University inMontreal, Quebec. Patients may call theTower Health Center in St. Regis Falls at518-856-0033 or the Bessette HealthCenter in Chateaugay at 518-497-6622 toschedule an appointment.

Vonda Johnson, MDVonda Johnson, MD, board-certified inFamily Medicine, was most recently theMedical Director for the DeaconessFamily MedicineCenter inBuffalo, NewYork and aClinical AssistantProfessor in theDepartment ofFamily Medicineat the StateUniversity ofNew York atBuffalo. She completed her FamilyMedicine residency as Chief Resident atthe State University of New York atBuffalo and received her Medical Degreefrom the State University of New York atSyracuse-College of Medicine in Syracuse,New York. Patients may call the SalmonRiver Health Center in Fort Covington at518-358-3008 or the Dwyer HealthCenter in Moira at 518-529-7847 toschedule an appointment.

9

New Faces at

Alice Hyde

Janel Bohman,Medical StaffCoordinatorJanel Bohmanhas recentlybeen appointedMedical StaffCoordinator.Mrs. Bohmanwill overseeMedical StaffQualityImprovement,

the preparation and documentation ofMedical Staff committee reports, and thecredentialing and privileging of physiciansand allied practitioners. Most recently, shewas Director of Volunteers at the MedicalCenter. Janel has a degree in Business andMarketing from SUNY Plattsburgh. Priorto joining Alice Hyde Medical Center, shewas the Human Resource Specialist atSyracuse University.

Rebecca Livernois,Director ofVolunteersRebecca Livernois has joined Alice HydeMedical Center as the Director ofVolunteers. She is responsible for coordi-nating all volunteer efforts at the MedicalCenter. Previously, she was a substanceabuse counselor at North Star Industries in

Alice Hyde Medical Center likes to hearfrom our patients! Here’s what some ofthem told us in recent surveys:

• “The emergency response teamappeared at the scene, literally withinminutes.”

• “Your staff responded to everyone’sneeds… immediately and with theutmost professional care and courtesy…”

• The staff at your hospital…showedwhat a group of highly trained profes-sionals can do and do effectively in anemergency situation.”

Kudos

to AHMC Staff!

• “I had the opportunity to experiencethe exceptional compassion, profession-alism and extraordinary skills deliveredby the hospital staff showing commit-ment in caring and serving our diverseneeds…”

• “ We found our unexpected trip toyour hospital fantastic…the courtesyand helpfulness of the staff made ourvisit pleasant…we know we have agreat place to go.”

• “…always very nice and accommodating…”

• “…love the care they (the medical staff)have for people…”

• “never have to wait long…I always tellpeople to go to the Tower HealthCenter…”

• “ they are always willing to listen andhelp.”

Malone. She graduated in 1978 with abusiness diploma after studying OfficePractice at the North Franklin EducationalCenter at Franklin Academy in Malone.Mrs. Livernoisoversees approxi-mately 80 volun-teers each monthand coordinatestheir hours andservices to theMedical Center.Her main responsi-bilities includerecruiting new vol-unteers, scheduling and coordinating jun-ior and adult volunteers, evaluating andcoordinating recognition programs and shealso supports the Medical Center’sAuxiliary with their activities.

Fletcher Allen

Cardiac Care

Fletcher AllenCelebrates 50Years of Providing Cardiac Care

In 1949, a young physician, BurtonTabakin, came to the University ofVermont and the Mary Fletcher

Hospital — a predecessor organization ofFletcher Allen Health Care — to do aresidency in medicine.

Dr.Tabakin specialized in cardiologyand became one of the first cardiologists atthe hospital. He started the Department ofCardiology, and in 1954, founded theCardio-Pulmonary Laboratory where thefirst cardiac catheterizations were per-formed at the hospital.

continued on page 10

10

Fletcher Allen

Cardiac Care

kind of sophisticated programs we have incardiology, one must have a certain num-ber of patients.”

This relationship was the first of manyto develop between Fletcher Allen andhospitals and physicians throughoutVermont and northern New York.

Cardiac CareToday

Today, a team of 15 cardiologists atUniversity Cardiology Associates – a physi-cian group made up of cardiologists andresearchers at Fletcher Allen and theUniversity of Vermont College of Medicine-- provide care for more than 15,000ambulatory and hospitalized patients eachyear. Cardiac interventionalists performmore than 5,000 cardiac catheterizationprocedures annually.And, Fletcher Allen’scardiothoracic surgeons perform more than600 open-heart surgeries every year.

Fletcher Allen recently upgraded two ofits cardiac catheterization laboratories andits electrophysiology laboratory -- replacingoutdated and aging equipment with newequipment that uses digital technology toproduce images of a patient's arteries, help-ing physicians better determine where treat-ment is needed.

The electrophysiology lab was expandedwith improved sight lines and an “open”design allowing for more efficient commu-nication. It includes the latest digital map-ping equipment, as well as a new biplane x-ray, which affords significantly more detailedviews of the patient's heart, aiding physi-cians during diagnosis and while perform-ing cardiac ablations -- a procedure used totreat atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat.Another feature is a special areadesigned expressly for the education ofother physicians from around the country.

“We are proud of the progress we havemade in the past 50 years, and the relation-ships we have formed with physicians andhospitals throughout Vermont andNorthern New York,” said David Schneider,M.D., director of Cardiology at Fletcher

Allen Health Care.“We look forward tocontinuing and strengthening those rela-tionships over the next 50 years as we workto provide the best possible care forpatients."

For more information about FletcherAllen’s cardiology services, call (802) 847-3734 or visit www.FletcherAllen.org.

Philanthropy

Update

GIFTS FOR SPECIAL OCCASION

In honor of Robert and Laura Dechene Bessette Matrimony:Pam and Jerry BessetteChristine LaDukeChateaugay Central Special Ed.Teachers Chateaugay Central Teachers Assn.Jacqueline ButterfieldMildred B. DecheneGeorge & Mary CarlistoAnna Kendall & Lucy BettsWilliam & Kitty BessetteShannon BessetteBill SalieKristen BessetteBill & Michelle BessetteReta & Arnold Wamback

MEMORIALS:Neola Todd – by Barbara H. DuesbergPamela Bowen –

Matthew G. Merante For HDUJennifer MerantePatricia GaleG.WiedmeierDavid & MaryEllen McKaneSharon GleasonSusan Wilder & Richard Teigen Darrell L.Bowen Esq.Bertha & Francis LeavittJames CoriglianoJanice R. Krisak-NeumannAnna M.AbareSandra Abbott MasonPeter LuveraSandra A. MakarwiczJanice ClarkSusan L.WilderJanine M. DuboshLeo & Barbara DishawDavid & Lucille BowenMs. Lesa R.WiedmeierGertrude BowenPatricia Gale

continued from page 9

Prior to cardiac catheterization, thereweren't many tools a cardiologist coulduse to diagnose a patient.“We dependedvery much on the physical exam of thepatient,” Dr.Tabakin said.“We would lis-ten to their heart sounds.”

Cardiac catheterization opened up awhole new world in cardiac medicine.Using a catheter threaded through a veininto the heart, cardiologists could measurethe amount of blood pumping throughthe heart.They could determine the loca-tion of a stenotic, or closed valve.

Reaching Out In 1958,Arthur Levy, M.D., came to

the Mary Fletcher Hospital as a medicalresident and then, as a cardiology fellow.Anative of Saranac Lake, N.Y., Dr. Levy wasparticularly interested in bringing advancesin cardiology to practicing physicians inthe surrounding region.

He, along with Dr.Tabakin and JohnHanson, M.D. — another cardiologist atthe Mary Fletcher Hospital — startedholding a monthly teaching session called“An Evening in Cardiology” that attractedphysicians from throughout the region.

In 1975, two physicians, Bert Davis,M.D., and Alfred Hartmann, M.D., fromMalone, N.Y., asked Dr. Levy if MaryFletcher Hospital cardiologists could helpthem upgrade cardiology services inMalone.This led to a monthly teachingclinic at Alice Hyde Medical Center,which was held continuously for 29 yearsand continues today.

“The relationship was important forNew York physicians because we provideda tertiary care center which was close by,”Dr.Tabakin said.“But it was equallyimportant for us because to develop the

11

Gerald & Glenda LandrySally J. ElmerWilliam & Sharon GleasonJennifer Merante

Lucille Raville – by Reddy Cancer CenterMargaret & Joseph WescottKevin & Mary HartFrances RavilleSuzanne & Raymond RobideauKenneth R. ManeeleyH.Adele UngererGerald & Shirley JohnsonJohn & Julia KressNorth Star Behavioral Health Sean & Laurel SemanickMichael & Patricia LorraineSean & Laurel SemanickDeb & Wade NeelsRobert & Marlena DeWittUpstate Correctional Facility EmployeesThomas & Suzanne LaRocqueJack & Inge HinmanSteven & Paula L’EcuyerJill & Chris CompanionLocal Union No. 83/BinghamtonJean Learned Vivlamore

Ray Sullivan – byBarehill Correctional FacilityCharles MachabeeDavis School Sunshine FundGeorge CandidoAndree M.TowerJerry Dumont EstateConstance HalleyLaurel FredeenChester BuyhoffBonnie SaffordAnita KrollmanPatricia BlackBetty LaHartKathleen Evans

Marjorie Hastings – byWilliam & Loretta BrockwayMary Ellen BurkeHoward & Danise Gratton

Richard Ryan – by Christine LaDukeRyan Scott – by Francis & Lynda JonesMarion Avery – by

Leonardo Dishman, MDRajiv Shah, MD & Anjni Bhagat, MD

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION:Hatch, Leonard & NaplesEstate of Marion A. Reyome –

by Richard L. ReyomeEstate of Frederica Purdy

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Renewals Lois H.ThomasElona SmithLaura Dechene BessetteStuart ChildJohn & Joyce TaylorGordon & Rosemary HiscockWilliam & Carol DirolfM. K.Tulloch

Lilyan MacKenzieRalph and Trudy KriffDorothy Dufrane

New Circle of Friends:Karen OverfieldElizabeth A.TysonGinger Carriero

New ALICE CLUB Employee Donations:Ginger CarrieroKaren OverfieldElizabeth A.Tyson

ALICE CLUB Renewal Memberships:Marilyn Gokey

I would like to contribute in the category checked:

I would like to donate: ❏ $100 ❏ $50 ❏ $25 ❏ Other:

❏ Enclosed is $______________________

❏ I prefer to pledge $_________ ; my first payment of $__________ is enclosed.

Please charge my: ❏ MasterCard #

❏Visa #

Expires: /

Name as it appears on card

I/we have included the AHMC in my/our estate plan.

Name

Address

City State Zip

Home Phone ( )

Business Phone ( )

Special Gift Requests:

❏ In Memory of :

❏ A Get Well Wish:

❏ Honoring a Special Occasion:

Name

Please send a gift card (amount of gift not included)

Name

Address

City State Zip

*A gift to Alice Hyde Medical Center is tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Elaine GaleCheryl Crinklaw

GENERAL GIFTS TO HDU:Agnes PerryKidney & Urology Foundation Grant

GENERAL GIFTS TO NURSING

HOME ACTIVITIES FUND:Vivian RichardsMary HartAnn Hammond in Memory of Myrtle TolanPaul & Rose Kloiber in Memory of

Myrtle TolanKenneth & Shirley Fullom in Memory of

Myrtle TolanLois R. Light in Memory of Anna Roberts

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Community Wellness Programs

Al-AnonDate: every SundayTime: 10:30 – 11:30amMeeting Place: AHMC Main Floor ConferenceRoom

Alcoholic AnonymousDate: every SundayTime: 9:00 – 10:00am

8:00 – 9:00pmMeeting Place: AHMC Main Floor ConferenceRoom

Eye on the Community Radio ProgramDate: first Sunday and last Saturday of eachmonthTime: Saturday 7:00 – 7:30am – WICY 1490amRadio Sunday 6:00 – 6:30am – Wild Country96.5 FM Radio, 94.7 Hits FM Radio

Alzheimers Support GroupDate: first Wednesday of every monthTime: 7:00pmMeeting Place: North Country Home Services

Celebrate Lifesupport group for the caregivers and families of cancersurvivorsDate: first Thursday of every monthTime: 7:00 – 8:30pmMeeting Place: AHMC Main Floor ConferenceRoom

Diabetes Education ProgramContact: Hallie Garland/ Anne SlocumPhone: 481-2427 or 481-2280Date: Six-week sessionTime: 5:30 – 8:30pmMeeting Place: AHMC New CafeteriaConference Room

Diabetes Support GroupDate: third Thursday of every monthTime: 7:00 – 8:00pmMeeting Place: AHMC New CafeteriaConference Room

Hospice Bereavement ServicesContact: Chris LaRosePhone: 483-3200

Calendar

of Events

Non Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDMalone, NY

12953Permit No. 35

P.O. Box 729133 Park StreetMalone, New York 12953

POSTAL PATRON

Date: variesTime: variesMeeting Place:Throughout Franklin County

Lamaze ClassesDate: ongoing; every Monday for six weeks (two

weeks between sessions)Time: 7:00 – 9:30pmMeeting Place: AHMC Education Classroom 015

Narcotics AnonymousDate: every MondayTime: 4:00pmMeeting Place: St. Joseph’s Church, crying room

Date: every FridayTime: 6:30pmMeeting Place: Malone Adult Center, MortonStreet

Organ Donor/Recipient Support GroupDate: first Monday of every monthTime: 7:00 – 8:30pmMeeting Place: AHMC Main Floor ConferenceRoom

Dialysis Support GroupDate: second Thursday every monthTime: 7:00 – 8:30pmMeeting Place: AHMC Main Floor ConferenceRoom

“Man to Man” Prostate Cancer SupportGroupContact: Reddy Cancer Treatment CenterPhone: 483-9190Date: first Tuesday of every monthTime: 7:00 – 8:30pmMeeting Place: AHMC Main Floor ConferenceRoom

Small Souls SupportBereavement support group for parents or family deal-ing with fetal or neo-natal deathContact: Debbie WarrenPhone: 481-2247Meeting Place: Group meets upon request

Cardiac Support GroupDate: first Wednesday of every monthTime: 6:00 – 8:00pmMeeting Place: AHMC Main Floor ConferenceRoom

Weight WatchersDate: every Monday nightTime: 6:30pm until weigh in is completedMeeting Place: AHMC Cafeteria

Weight Watchers - MassenaDate: every Thursday and every SaturdayTime: Thursday 5:00 – 6:00pm;Saturday 8:15 –9:00amMeeting Place: St Lawrence Center Mall (acrossfrom Deb’s store; behind the empty store front)