Thrive
FALL/WINTER
2015
Health and Wellness
Magazine from
FINGER LAKES HEALTH
Committed to
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Lo Use ect gu
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A Message
from President & CEO
Jose Acevedo, M.D., MBA
Finger Lakes and employ through FLH
Medical, P.C. and Finger Lakes Health see
patients in Geneva, Penn Yan, Seneca
Falls, and Clifton Springs.
All of what we do at Finger Lakes Health
is aimed at delivering the best care
to our patients, residents, and their
families. In this issue of Thrive, you’ll get
to know several of our physicians who
are dedicated to caring for patients
and practicing medicine in our closeknit communities. We are grateful to
our volunteer, local, board of directors
who have made a strong commitment
to supporting our recruitment of this
caliber of providers and to ensuring local
access to primary and specialty care. The
orthopaedic, general surgery, colorectal
surgery, dermatology, and cardiology
specialists we have recruited to the
2 FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
In other news, we are pleased to
share that Soldiers & Sailors Memorial
Hospital has been recognized by Becker’s
Healthcare Review as one of the top
5 hospitals with the cleanest patient
rooms, according to patients, in New
York state. We are so proud of our
amazing housekeeping team and know
this contributes to our goal of being
the safest. Specifically, hand hygiene
protocols and our facilities’ cleanliness,
are without doubt, key contributors to
another Soldiers & Sailors milestone,
being more than two years without any
hospital associated infections. We have
an incredible team and are grateful for
their hard work to deliver the safest care
every day.
Our “Journey to Best” also reflects our
commitment to helping our communities
be healthy. Toward this end we have
sponsored many health promotion,
disease prevention and wellness
programs including our Cardiac PREhab program led by Cardiologist Joseph
Gomez, M.D.; our L.U.N.Ch. weight
management program spear-headed
by Scot Kolsin, M.D., Lifecare Medical
Associates; and our ever-growing
walking and running programs including
our Cubby Chase 10K, 5K, Color Mile Run,
which was held in July.
In this issue, you’ll find a physician
directory to help you discover the perfect
partner for your healthcare needs. You’ll
also find an enclosed survey. I encourage
you to share your ideas to help us
understand our communities’ most
important health concerns.
Jose Acevedo, M.D., MBA
President & CEO
Finger Lakes Health
We are Finger Lakes Health
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Health and Wellness
Magazine from
FINGER LAKES HEALTH
TABLE of CONTENTS
4
Technology for Better Health
8
New Faces
11
True Partners in Your Care
16
Living and Loving Life
18
Healthy Returns
22
Dine & Discuss Fall Events
23
Strive to Be Your Best
FOLLOW US ON . . .
WWW.FLHEALTH.ORG
Visit us on the web to:
• Find a physician
• Locate a service/facility
• Register for an event
• Apply for employment
• Research health information
• Share a story
• Make a donation . . . and much more
FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
3
ADVICE TO THRIVE ON
A Message
An “App” A Day…
Just what the
Doctor Ordered?
from President & CEO
Jose Acevedo, M.D., MBA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
reports that “according to industry
estimates, 500 million smartphone
users worldwide will be using a health
care application in 2015, and by 2018,
50 percent of the more than 3.4 billion
smartphone and tablet users will have
downloaded mobile health applications.”
“App” is an abbreviation for application.
An app is a piece of software. It can run
on the Internet, on your computer, or on
your phone or other electronic device.
Here, we’re talking about a mobile app,
which is a computer program designed
to run on mobile devices such as
smartphones and tablet computers.
Figures published by the app
development industry estimate that
there are now 100,000 apps dedicated to
mobile health available for Android and
iOS (Apple, Inc. devices), a figure which
has doubled over the last two years.
The report shows the global health and
fitness mobile app market is worth about
$4 billion at the moment, but this could
increase to $26 billion by 2017.
There are software apps developed for
your handheld devices to support good
health including applications that track
activity and count calories, monitor your
sleep cycle, check symptoms, check
your vision, support you as you quit
smoking, help you plan your pregnancy
and document your menstrual cycle, as
well as those to support mental health,
link you to medical professionals and
maintain your medical appointments
and records at your fingertips.
So with so many choices and a growing
4 FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
array of apps in development, which
apps can help you to get fit or feel
better?
Whether you already have your favorites,
or are new to the concept of employing
technology as a tool in maintaining and
improving your health, here (on page 5)
are a few applications you might want to
check out.
Although most applications are not
evidence-based medicine, they do have
the potential to help keep you moving
and assist you in losing weight. As with
all health improvement strategies,
the key is consistency. While a Flurry
Analytics report shows that health
and fitness apps grew at a faster rate
than the overall app market in 2014,
industry analyses also demonstrate that
consumers are more likely to download
and test apps than to use them with
regularity. While the download rate of
mobile health and fitness apps is high,
so, too, is the un-install rate.
The same study identified that the most
avid users of health and fitness apps are
middle-aged women who used apps in
the health and fitness category three
times more than the average user. Of
the regular user group, 62 percent are
women, and those ages 25-54 were the
most active users. The data showed
that millennials (those born between
the early 1980s to the early 2000s)
were engaged with their smartphones
every hour in the day and used fitness
and health apps twice as much as
the average of other age groups. And
women use health and fitness apps 200
percent more than men do.
In November 2012, The Pew Research
Center’s Internet and American Life
Project’s Mobile Health survey showed
the percentage of mobile phone users
who have downloaded a health app at 19
percent, which had remained unchanged
since 2010.
According to Google’s stats, the diet
tracking app “MyFitnessPal” topped
the charts under health and fitness. The
popular app started life as a website way
back in 2005, and is obviously still going
strong.
The Pew survey also reported that
of the group that said they had seen
“significant change… such as gaining
or losing a lot of weight, becoming
pregnant, or quitting smoking,” 29
percent were health app adopters.
So it is clear that adopters and
regular users of health apps can
see measurable positive health
changes. The key may be to tap
into how to consistently use the
apps. Some apps are using a game
and rewards system. Just as the
application developers are on a
quest to gain (and keep) dedicated
users for app sales and advertising
revenue, those of us interested
in making positive, lasting
changes to improve our health
long-term, must find and tap
into the apps that motivate
us to keep coming back.
What is clear is how
much the mobile
industry is focusing on
our health and wellbeing — yet to be
seen is how much
we’re buying into
it and investing
in ourselves.
FITNESS
MapMyRun
A fitness tracking app
that enables you to
use the built-in GPS
of your mobile device
to track your fitness
activities. Record
your workout details
including duration,
distance, pace,
speed, elevation,
calories burned, and
route traveled on an
interactive map.
Nike+TrainingClub
Allows you to choose
from 100+ beginner,
intermediate and
advanced workouts
designed by Nike
trainers, whether
you want to get lean,
get toned, or build
strength.
C25K
An 8-week training
program to take you
from the couch to
a 5k run with three,
30-minute workouts
per week.
Human
An all-activity and
calorie tracker that
inspires you to move
30 minutes or more
each day.
Moves
Automatically records
any walking, cycling,
and running you do.
You can view the
distance, duration,
steps, and calories
burned for each
activity.
Spring
DJ curated playlists
with similar beats per
minute to allow you
to run, bike, or dance
to a steady beat and
music you love.
NUTRITION AND WEIGHT
MANAGEMENT
MyFitnessPal
The world’s most
popular health
and fitness app,
MyFitnessPal has the
largest food database
by far (over 5,000,000
foods) to use in
calorie counting.
Fooducate
Fooducate Nutrition
Scanner has a
database of over
200,000 unique
products to provide
you with important
nutrition info to
navigate the grocery
store. Scan a food’s
barcode for nutrition
facts and details such
as trans fats, additives,
and preservatives,
then view options for
healthier alternative
products.
MyDailyPlate
Inspired by the USDA’s
MyPlate icon that
illustrates the five
food groups that are
the building blocks
to a healthy diet, this
app tracks your eating
choices.
Noom
A weight loss
coach app that logs
meals, provides
encouragement and
wellness activities,
special recipes and
color-coded food
options to guide
healthful choices.
GENERAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Lumosity
Used by over 60
million people
worldwide, this
training program
challenges your brain
through memory and
attention exercises.
FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
5
Ready when
you need us
Be There For
Life’s Precious
Moments
Your loved ones are counting on you
being with them
to make lasting
memories.
Dr. Baltazar-Ford ◦ Dr. Wall ◦ Dr. Collins
Seeing patients in Geneva, Penn
Yan, Clifton Springs and at Lifecare
Medical Associates in Seneca Falls.
Geneva General
Surgical Associates
Did you know, according to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death
for women in the United States? That’s why it is important
to choose a cardiologist that will encourage you and show
you the benefits of good heart health.
Joseph Gomez, M.D.
(315) 787-5383
Geneva, Clifton Springs, and
Lifecare in Seneca Falls
(315) 531-2983 • Penn Yan
General & Colorectal Surgery
6 FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
Make an appointment to see a cardiologist today. You won’t
want to miss a single moment of what’s ahead—your
family will thank you for it.
Geneva General
Cardiology Associates
Pamela Hobart, ANP
200 North Street, Suite 304, Geneva
418 North Main Street, Penn Yan
(315) 787-4204
Welcome
Physicians
Finger Lakes Health welcomes Marta
Canfield, M.D., to its team of highly
skilled physicians, and announces
the relocation of Maria Enecilla,
M.D., within the Finger Lakes Health
physician network.
A family medicine physician,
Dr. Canfield is accepting new
patients at Dundee Family Health
Center, 50 Millard Street, Dundee.
Appointments can be made by
calling (607) 243-7881.
Marta Canfield, M.D.
Dr. Canfield received her medical
degree from the University of
Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo.
She completed her residency in family
medicine at the University of Buffalo,
Department of Family Medicine, Millard
Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Buffalo.
She is a member of the American
Academy of Family Physicians.
Board-certified in both family medicine
and geriatric medicine, Dr. Enecilla is
now seeing patients at the FLH Medical,
Maria Enecilla, M.D.
P.C. Primary Care office in Geneva. She
previously practiced at Finger Lakes
Health’s Dundee and Seneca Family
Health Centers.
in New Brunswick, NJ. She completed
her residency in family medicine at
the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in
Brooklyn, NY.
Dr. Enecilla received her medical degree
at the University of Santo Tomas-College
of Science in Manila, Philippines. She
completed a Geriatric Fellowship
Program at the University of Medicine
and Dentistry at Robert Wood Johnson
Dr. Enecilla is accepting new patients at
Geneva Primary Care, her new location
in the Medical Office Building at Geneva
General Hospital, 200 North Street, Suite
102. Appointments can be made by
calling (315) 787-5400.
FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
7
Wendy Disbrow, RN, MBA
Andre Forcier, BS, RT
New Faces & New Places
Finger Lakes Health announces the
appointment of the following people to
key roles in the health system.
Wendy Disbrow, RN, MBA, has been
appointed Vice President of Physician
Network for Finger Lakes Health.
Disbrow has been serving as Chief
Administrative Officer of FLH Medical,
P.C., a multi-specialty physician practice
group encompassing offices across three
counties served by Finger Lakes Health,
since October 2012.
In her new position, Disbrow serves in a
strategic capacity in addition to oversight
of the operations of FLH Medical, P.C.;
Lifecare Medical Associates, P.C. and
Geneva General Surgical Associates. She
plays a key role in growing physician
alignment between the physician
network and health system. She serves
as a member of the Finger Lakes Health
administrative team.
Andre Forcier, BS, RT, has been
appointed Chief Administrative Officer
for FLH Medical, P.C. Forcier has been
serving as Director of Operations for the
physician practice group since mid-2013.
Forcier’s new role will be managing the
offices of the physician practice group.
FLH Medical, P.C. consists of the offices
of Pre-Emption Family Medicine and
Keuka Health Care, both in Penn Yan;
8 FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
Geneva Primary Care,
Physiatry, Psychiatry,
and Interlakes
Orthopaedic
Surgery, all in
Geneva; Waterloo
Primary Care; the
offices of Dr. Neil
Scheier and Dr.
Chester Nakamura
Jill Biggane, RN, BSN, CCM, CRRN
Michelle “Mikki” Megivern, RN, BSN, MHA
and Interlakes
Orthopaedic Surgery
in Clifton Springs;
Michelle “Mikki” Megivern, RN, BSN,
and Clifton Springs, Geneva and Seneca
MHA, has been named Director of
Falls Urgent Care offices. Forcier and FLH
Nursing at The Homestead of Soldiers
Medical, P.C. also work collaboratively
& Sailors Memorial Hospital where she
with the newly acquired Lifecare Medical oversees all nursing operations at the
Associates in Seneca Falls.
151-bed facility.
Kris Schiek, RN, BSN, MSM, LNHA,
has been named Administrator of
The Homestead at Soldiers & Sailors
Memorial Hospital, Penn Yan.
Schiek had been serving as interim
Administrator for the last few months.
She was Director of Nursing at The
Homestead from 2005 until her
appointment as Assistant Administrator
at The Homestead in December 2014.
Since that time she has been completing
coursework and licensing requirements
to transition into the administrator role at
The Homestead.
Megivern earned an AAS degree
in nursing from Tompkins Cortland
Community College, Dryden, NY; a
bachelor of science degree in nursing
from Jacksonville University, Jacksonville,
FL; and a master’s degree in health
administration from the University of
Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. She is a licensed
registered nurse in New York, is certified
in hospice and palliative care nursing
and is a member of the Hospice Palliative
Nurses Association.
Jill Biggane, RN, BSN, CCM, CRRN, has
joined the Nursing Leadership team at
Geneva General Hospital as the nurse
manager of 3 North. Biggane holds a
Kris Schiek, RN, BSN, MSM, LNHA
Bob Stivers
Lance R. Ward
Ketul J. Patel, M.D.
Finger Lakes Health Elects
New Board Members
Bob Stivers of Waterloo and Lance Ward
of Geneva have been elected to the
Finger Lakes Health Board of Directors.
In addition, Dave Bunnell of Geneva was
re-elected for a second term and Ketul J.
Patel, M.D. of Pittsford joined the Board
as Geneva General Hospital’s Chief of
Staff.
Thomas Weibel
bachelor’s degree in nursing from
SUNY at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh,
NY. She also was a Merit Scholar in
the Executive Nurse Leader Master’s
Program at the University of San
Diego, San Diego, CA.
Thomas Weibel has been named
Director, Materials Management, at
Finger Lakes Health. In the position,
he oversees all purchasing, receiving,
distribution and inventory operations.
He brings 25 years of experience in
writing, negotiating and approving
purchasing contracts and overseeing
all facets of materials management.
Also, officers for the health system board
were re-elected as follows: Philip G.
Beckley, chair; Donald R. Gentilcore, Jr.,
vice chair; Ann H. McMullen, secretary;
Jose Acevedo, M.D., President & CEO; and
Pamela E. Johnson, Treasurer and CFO.
Bob Stivers is operator of Stivers Seneca
Marine in Geneva. A graduate of Romulus
Central School and SUNY at Cortland,
Stivers holds a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s
license. He serves as chair of the Finger
Lakes Federal Credit Union Board, the
Geneva Chamber of Commerce Board
of Directors, and the Geneva Business
Improvement District. He also serves as
vice chair of Canal NY. Stivers and his
wife, Donna, have two daughters.
Lance R. Ward is president of The
Construction Link, Inc. in Geneva. A
graduate of Iroquois High School in Elma,
NY, he earned a BS in civil engineering
from the University of Buffalo, and a BS
in organizational management from
Keuka College. He holds a general
contractors license in the state of Florida
and a commercial, instrument pilot’s
license. Ward serves on the Board of
Governors of the Shriners Hospital for
Children in Springfield, MA; is a Colorado
Corporation representative of the
Shriners International in Tampa, FL; and
a member of the Flight Safety Board at
the Penn Yan Flying Club. He also is a
trustee for Ark Lodge 33 in Geneva and
the Damascus Shriners in Rochester, NY.
Ward and his wife, Lynn, have a daughter,
Kathleen Ward.
Ketul J. Patel, M.D., an anesthesiologist
with Finger Lakes Health since November
2003, is director of the Department of
Anesthesia for Finger Lakes Health and
Chief of Staff at Geneva General Hospital.
Dr. Patel also serves on the Finger Lakes
Health Foundation Board. He earned
his medical degree at B.J. Medical
College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. He
completed an internship in surgery at
Saint Vincent’s Hospital in New York City,
and his residency in anesthesiology at
SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse,
NY. He also completed a Fellowship in
pain management at SUNY Upstate in
Syracuse. Dr. Patel is a member of the
American Society of Anesthesiologists
and the New York State Society of
Anesthesiologists. He and his wife,
Vinyas, have two children.
FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
9
Craig Collins, M.D., FACS
David Rogers, Seneca Falls, NY
For Dr. Craig Collins, Finger Lakes
Health is a perfect fit.
The only colorectal surgeon in the Finger
Lakes region, he was drawn to the area,
specifically Finger Lakes Health, because
it offered him an opportunity to work in
a small community.
“It is important to me to keep care local,”
he said. “I am a firm believer in being
able to stay in the community where you
live and not have to travel to Rochester
or Syracuse for services that are locally
available.”
Dr. Collins went to medical school in
Israel, then completed both his general
surgery residency and his fellowship in
colon and rectal surgery at SUNY Buffalo.
He knew from a young age that he
wanted to be a surgeon – his dad was a
community surgeon in Hornell, and Dr.
Collins spent time going on rounds with
him, and even working in the operating
room as a first assist.
“Buffalo is a big city, so I didn’t get to
know everyone I was working with. What
drew me to the Finger Lakes was that it’s
small and I’ll get to know everyone. I’m a
small-town guy at heart,” he said.
David Rogers, a patient of Dr. Collins
who underwent colorectal surgery in
2014, says he’s very pleased with the care
he received at his community hospital,
Geneva General Hospital.
“Everyone bent over backwards to make
sure I was not in any pain. I have 100
percent trust in Dr. Collins and feel that
Geneva General Hospital is 100 percent
customer-focused,” he said.
David is vocal about the positive
direction Finger Lakes Health is headed
and is impressed with the quality of the
physicians that are part of the health
system.
“Finger Lakes Health is moving in the
right direction,” said Rogers. “They have
brought in new doctors; added more
advanced procedures. It is a pleasure to
come to Geneva General.”
Rogers says both the renovations at
Geneva General and the commitment
to quality has transformed the health
system.
“The hospital didn’t use to have a very
FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
11
positive rapport with the community,
but it is a whole new ballgame now,” he
said. “Geneva General is bringing in great
doctors, so people do not have to go to
larger cities to get quality care. In fact,
my son became a patient of Finger Lakes
Health spine surgeon, Chibuikem “Dr.
Chibu” Akamnonu. We no longer need to
travel to the city for our care. We all can
get the care we need right here.”
Believing in Finger Lakes Health
When Taryn Draxler, M.D., an internal
medicine physician
who serves as
a hospitalist at
Soldiers & Sailors
Memorial Hospital
in Penn Yan, was
suffering from
extreme hip pain,
she discussed
her options with
her primary care
physician, Eleanor
Dewitt, M.D.
Unable to take
pain medication
while caring for her
patients, the hip
pain had become
unbearable; X-rays
determined that a
hip replacement
was necessary. She
consulted with her
supervisor, Chief
Medical Officer Dr.
Jason Feinberg, to
discuss who might
be the best surgeon
for the job. He
recommended she
see orthopaedic
surgeon, Dr. Mihail
Radulescu. He, along
with Dr. Nitin Banwar, is among only a
few surgeons in our region performing
the new anterior supine hip procedure, a
less invasive hip replacement procedure
that dramatically reduces recovery time.
Dr. Draxler knows her patients count on
her, so time was very important, so she
could get back to caring for her patients
in the community as quickly as possible.
Dr. Draxler was not nervous about the
procedure. She knew Finger Lakes Health
only hired the most skilled physicians,
12 F A L L 2 0 1 5 • F I N G E R L A K E S H E A L T H • T H R I V E
so she had great confidence in Dr.
Radulescu’s ability.
“If someone can help me get back to
caring for my patients in half the time,
then that is where I am going to go,” she
said. “That is why I chose Dr. Radulescu.”
In fact, Dr. Draxler’s experience with Dr.
Radulescu was so favorable, she had her
other hip replaced in July. “My surgery
outcome was completely positive with
Dr. Radulescu,” she said.
to create with our patients,” he said. “It
also gives me as a surgeon a chance to
promote new surgical techniques, and
the ability to establish good relationships
with my colleagues.”
He likes the small-town environment at
Finger Lakes Health and Geneva General
Hospital.
“I like the friendly environment and the
beautiful natural beauty of the region,”
he said. “I am close to the larger cities,
as well as nature,
so it’s the best of
both worlds for
me.”
Dr. Radulescu’s
colleague,
Chibuikem
“Dr. Chibu”
Akamnonu, M.D.,
is one of the most
recent additions
to the team of
orthopaedic
surgeons at Finger
Lakes Health.
He specializes in
spine surgery.
Taryn Draxler, M.D.
From Across the Globe to Geneva
Dr. Draxler’s choice to put her faith
in Dr. Radulescu was an easy one. Dr.
Radulescu’s decision to work at Finger
Lakes Health was just as easy.
Born and raised in Romania in eastern
Europe in a small town named Onesti,
Dr. Radulescu specializes in joint
replacement.
“A community hospital is ideal because
of the strong relationship we are able
Dr. Chibu knew
early on he
wanted to take
care of people.
Having grown up
in a small rural
community in
Nigeria, West
Africa, where
both his parents
(a physician and
a dentist) were
responsible for
the medical care
provided to their rural community, he
watched them merge medicine and
patient care with community service
— traits he considers the basis of the
healthcare profession. He sees those
same qualities in Finger Lakes Health.
“I was impressed with Finger Lakes
Health and the orthopaedic practice
here because, for a small regional
health system, we are able to provide
a wide spectrum of treatments for
musculoskeletal conditions — a one-stop
shop for every treatment of orthopaedic
surgery. This is a very unique practice
for a smaller community,” he said.
“We can provide the services that
are usually offered by bigger tertiary
institutions, all in a community setting
where we are able to have a more
personal relationship with our patients.
We are very fortunate at Finger Lakes
Health to have both experienced and
younger surgeons because we can cover
whatever condition a patient presents
with, allowing
patients to have
quality healthcare
in a small private
setting as well
as keeping our
patients close to
home.”
happens in a large city,” he said. “In a
smaller community, physicians tend to
form strong ties with the patient, as well
as the patient’s family. You take care of
them in the office, but then you may see
them in the community — at a football
game or at the grocery store. Special
relationships are formed when treating
patients in a rural setting. There is an
emotional connection.”
Despite his interest
in clinical research
and academic
spine surgery,
Dr. Chibu says he
likes practicing
at Finger Lakes
Health because
he believes that
the same state-ofthe-art care can
be delivered in a
community setting.
“Practicing in a
small community
affords me the
opportunity to
have a better
connection to
Mihail Radulescu, M.D.
my patients, their
families, their
primary care
physicians and
other members of the medical team
Seeing the Benefits of a Small Town
involved in their care,” said Dr. Chibu.
Dr. Kristin Baltazar-Ford, a general
surgeon at Finger Lakes Health since
Relationships are Key
2011, agrees.
Finger Lakes Health President & CEO
Dr. Jose Acevedo says physicians who
Having spent five years of her surgical
choose to practice in small community
training in Buffalo, NY, she experienced
hospitals are often looking for a chance
a tremendously broad and wide range
to build quality patient-physician
of patients that afforded her a fantastic
relationships.
surgical education. But when it came
time to apply for a job after finishing
“A physician who practices in a small
her residency, she knew that a small
town tends to build a bond with the
community practice would be the best
patient that is different from what
fit for her.
“I was intent on having a practice where
my patients were not just a number
or a diagnosis,” she said. “Working in
a small community has given me this
opportunity. I have been fortunate to
have been able to foster long-term
relationships with some of my patients,
and have cared for entire families.
Additionally, being in the Finger Lakes
has allowed me to develop a healthy
working relationship with emergency
medicine, internal medicine, and other
surgical colleagues
that have proven
to be invaluable
in allowing me to
grow and develop
as a physician, and
to provide better,
collaborative care
for my patients.”
She and her
husband made a
decision together
to settle in a small
community.
“We were just
starting our family
and wanted to
raise our children
in an environment
similar to the ones
that we grew up in.
Having both been
born and raised in
upstate New York,
the Finger Lakes
seemed like the
perfect place for
us,” she said. “Being
avid outdoor
lovers, we enjoy
the four seasons
and the recreational opportunities that
each season brings. We are die-hard
snowmobilers in the winter and love
boating on Seneca Lake in the summer.”
Dr. Baltazar-Ford sees no better fit than
the small community of which she’s a
part.
“I’m so grateful to be a part of the Finger
Lakes Health family and will probably
work here until I retire,” she said.
Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Andrew Ritting
FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
13
James B. Mark, M.D.
felt the same way about the Finger
Lakes Health community. Specializing in
orthopaedic hand and upper extremity
procedures, his expertise is in high
demand, so his skills could have landed
him a career anywhere. But he chose
Finger Lakes Health.
“I grew up in a small town in
Pennsylvania, so this area is a perfect
match for me,” said Dr. Ritting.
Dr. Tim Ryan, a family care physician at
Lifecare Medical Associates in Seneca
Falls, agrees with Dr. Ritting’s community
14 F A L L 2 0 1 5 • F I N G E R L A K E S H E A L T H • T H R I V E
perspective and has spent his entire
career with a “small-town” focus. Born
and raised in Geneva, Dr. Ryan says
he enjoys the small town life – seeing
people shopping or at local athletic
contests. He met his wife, Wendy, in high
school and he began his college career at
Hobart College in Geneva.
The small-town feel he brought to his
Seneca County patients has earned him
much respect in the county, and beyond.
His main objective has always been to
take care of the needs of the Seneca
County community.
“The people in Seneca County are
honest, hardworking people,” he said.
“It’s an honor to take care of them.” He
says his patients are the most important
people in his practice.
When Dr. Ryan sold his practice to
Finger Lakes Health last winter, he did
so knowing that the health system staff
would continue to care for his patients in
the same manner he has always done –
with compassion and kindness.
“Finger Lakes Health is the leading
provider of care to take on the challenge
Chibuikem Akamnonu, M.D.
Andrew Ritting, M.D.
Kristin Baltazar-Ford, M.D.
and will do a great job caring for our
patients,” he said.
For him, taking care of folks in a small
community is simple.
“The number one person is the patient.
Ask the patient what they need, and then
help them,” he said.
“That philosophy is upheld by everyone
who works with me.”
Does a healthcare provider committed
to being a true partner in your care
appeal to you? If yes, we invite you
to check out the directory in the
middle of your magazine that lists the
providers who are part of the Finger
Lakes Health network. If you would
like more information on any of them,
call our Physician Referral Line at
(315) 787-4060 or (315) 531-2053.
You won’t be disappointed.
Tim Ryan, M.D.
15
Living and L
When skilled nursing is essential to everyday living,
your loved one deserves the best possible care. Call us
at (315) 787-4733 to help you with this important decision.
Living Centers at Geneva
Huntington Living Center
The Homestead at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital
Our Adult Day Health Services fully-accredited program has
locations in Waterloo,Geneva, and Penn Yan that provide
safe, convenient, medically supervised environments where
adults can meet, enjoy a variety of social and recreational
opportunities and receive medical attention as needed.
For more information please call (315) 787-4710 (Geneva),
(315) 787-4991 (Waterloo) or (315) 531-2710 (Penn Yan).
16 F A L L 2 0 1 5 • F I N G E R L A K E S H E A L T H • T H R I V E
Loving Life
“The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not
that we seize them, but that they seize us.”
– Ashley Montagu
Our long term care services, including Adult Day Health, provide
endless opportunities for residents and registrants of our living
centers and adult day health programs to enjoy life every day.
We take pride in providing a multitude of activities and events.
From a walking club to baking cupcakes and everything in
between, we offer stimulating activities that everyone enjoys.
They help build friendships, maintain skills and motor functions,
but most importantly, they
create smiles.
FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
17
HEALTHY
Valerie Robson
Andrew Reese, M.D.
Your Support Matters
Finger Lakes Health is a communityowned, not-for-profit health system
committed to ensuring you have access
to the best healthcare services you need
most, right in your own community.
The Finger Lakes Health Foundation’s
mission is to cultivate, secure and
steward philanthropic gifts to support
the capital, programmatic, and
endowment needs of Finger Lakes
Health. The Foundation provides
outstanding opportunities for people to
invest their time, energy, and resources
in support of exceptional healthcare in
the communities served by Finger Lakes
Health.
You can be an advocate for local
healthcare by choosing to access Finger
Lakes Health’s services. You can also
support local healthcare by making a
1. At this year’s Cubby Chase, thanks to donations from Caryl Dooley
(second from left) and Larry Farnand (far right), the Child Care
Center was renamed the Jim Dooley Center for Early Learning.
Also shown: Child Care Center Director Kathy Ryrko and FLH
President & CEO Dr. Jose Acevedo.
Siobhan Deurioste, R.Ph.
contribution to the Finger Lakes Health
Foundation in support of excellent
healthcare in your community.
During 2015, the Foundation will
strive to raise:
• $25,000 for the Finger Lakes Health
Fund, which supports the area of
greatest need;
• $175,000 for the Soldiers & Sailors
Memorial Hospital Fund, to support
enhanced access to healthcare
services in Yates County; and
• $450,000 for the Geneva General
1
2
2. Funded by the Finger Lakes Health Foundation, a new UV
Disinfection System is now being used by the Geneva General
Hospital Housekeeping Department to supplement routine
manual cleaning and disinfection protocols to further minimize
the risk of potentially infectious microorganisms.
3. Finger Lakes Health was awarded a 2015 Excellus BlueCross
BlueShield Community Health Award for $4,000 to help fund
its health and wellness program, CHAT – Choose Health Action
Teen. The CHAT program enlists volunteer mentors
3
to deliver a healthy living curriculum to elementary
school age children in the area.
4. The three Auxiliaries that support Finger Lakes
Health were honored at this year’s annual Volunteer
Recognition event. Representing each Auxiliary
were, from left: Sylvia Eisenhart, Marie Bruno, and
Linda Quackenbush.
18 F A L L 2 0 1 5 • F I N G E R L A K E S H E A L T H • T H R I V E
4
RETURNS
Chuck Wicks, RT (R,CT) MSM
Hospital Fund to support enhanced
access to healthcare services
in Geneva and surrounding
communities.
We are thankful for donations from
grateful patients and families in honor
of the care they received or as a way to
recognize a special provider (doctor,
nurse, aide, therapist, housekeeper,
technician, etc.).
We also always appreciate those who
have elected to choose Finger Lakes
Nancy Anderson, RN
Health Foundation as the place for
memorial donations to honor and
remember a loved one. Please remember
the needs of Finger Lakes Health in your
estate planning. We are very grateful
for planned gifts, which create a legacy
for the donor while also supporting the
future needs of our community and local
healthcare.
All these gifts are especially meaningful
to us and help assure future care for our
community.
Jose Acevedo, M.D., MBA
President and CEO
To make a gift, please visit our
website at www.flhealth.org/
foundation; send a check, payable to
the Finger Lakes Health Foundation,
to the Foundation office, 196 North
Street, Geneva, NY 14456 (designate
on your check which fund you would
like your contribution to support);
or call the Finger Lakes Health
Foundation at (315) 787-4050 for
more information.
Foundation Board Names New Member, Officers
The Finger Lakes Health Foundation
Board of Directors has added one new
member, Laura Van Niel, and elected
officers: Susan Stork, chair; Linda
Wadhams, vice chair; Monica Smaltz,
secretary; Jose Acevedo, M.D., MBA,
assistant secretary; Pam Johnson,
treasurer; and Lara Chatel Turbide,
executive director.
Laura Van Niel of Seneca Falls is
employed by Wayne-Finger Lakes
BOCES as the New Vision Medical
Careers Program instructor at Geneva
General Hospital. She had the position
from September 1995 through June
of 2003 and returned to the position
in September 2007. In the interim,
she was the Health Professions &
Fellowship administrator at Hobart and
William Smith Colleges in Geneva.
A graduate of Ramsey High School,
Ramsey, NJ, Van Niel earned her
undergraduate degree from Ithaca
College, Ithaca, NY, and completed
her graduate studies at Utah State
University, Logan, UT. She volunteers
at Hobart and William Smith for
the community barn sale and at
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
doing ornithology surveys.
President & CEO of Finger Lakes Health,
Pam Johnson is chief financial officer
of the health system; and Lara Chatel
Turbide is Vice President, Community
Services.
She and her husband, John Van Niel,
have a daughter, Danika.
Susan Stork assumes the role as
chair of the Foundation Board after
serving as secretary for the past two
years. Linda Wadhams returns to the
position of vice chair, while Monica
Smaltz, a member of the board for
the past year, will replace Stork in the
secretary position. Dr. Acevedo is
Laura Van Niel
FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
19
DOCTORS: LASSER • DHAWAN • MARK • RADULESCU • AKAMNONU • WONG • RITTING • BANWAR
We get you moving
and we are on the move.
We are Interlakes Orthopaedic Surgery.
Our offices in Geneva are moving to Finger Lakes
Health Commons (formerly Liberty Commons),
789 Pre-Emption Road. Our entire Orthopaedic team
will now be at one location to better serve our patients.
We care for and treat problems related to the
musculoskeletal system including your neck, back,
shoulder, elbow, hand, foot, hip or knee.
We are the largest group of board-certified
orthopaedic surgeons in the area and would love
to personally discuss your goals and your treatment
options. We have the region’s only professionally
trained spinal surgeons and hand and upper extremity
specialist.
When an injury or pain holds you back,
call Interlakes Orthopaedic Surgery at
(315) 789-0993 or (315) 462-3501, and we’ll
get you moving. Same day appointments are
available. Offices in Geneva, Penn Yan and
Clifton Springs.
Interlakes
ORTHOPAEDIC
Surgery
789
COMMONS
URGENT CARE
GENEVA MINI STORAGE
ST E V EN R. EGIDI
HAND & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
789 Pre-Emption Road • Geneva
20 F A L L 2 0 1 5 • F I N G E R L A K E S H E A L T H • T H R I V E
Our Students are Our Future
1
1. This spring Finger Lakes Health
College of Nursing graduated
its sixth class with a pinning
ceremony and commencement
exercises for 68 students.
3
2
2. The Finger Lakes Health College
of Nursing Surgical Technology
Program celebrated its first
graduating class on August 6.
3. In August the Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing graduated its 80th class.
For all your minor injuries and unexpected illnesses
FLH
Medical
, P.C.
URGENT CARE
789 Pre-Emption Road
Finger Lakes Health Commons
(formerly Liberty Commons)
Geneva • (315) 781-2000
FLH Medical, P.C.
430 Clifton Springs
Professional Park • Clifton Springs
(315) 781-2000
NEW
LO C AT IO
Lifecare Medical Associates
1991 Balsley Road • Seneca Falls
(315) 835-4900
Lower co-pays • Shorter wait times • Extended and weekend hours • On-site X-ray
CALL AHEAD OR WALK-IN, NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY
Orthopaedic Injuries • Sports Injuries • Sprains & Strains • Colds/Flu • Cough
Earache • Minor Cuts & Burns • Rashes • Sore Throat
N
HOURS
5 - 9 p.m., Monday - Friday
11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday
www.flhmedical.com
FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
21
Fall 2015 Lecture Series
Metabolic Disorders: Is it Diabetes or Not?
Thursday, November 5, 6 p.m.
American Legion, Dundee
Marta Canfield, M.D.
Marta Canfield, M.D.
Marta Canfield, M.D., family medicine physician, will discuss metabolic
syndromes, including diabetes and obesity, which are impacting our
population at an increasingly alarming rate.
Protecting Your Heart
Tuesday, November 10, 6 p.m.
Holiday Inn, Waterloo
Joseph Gomez, M.D.
Finger Lakes Health Cardiologist Joe Gomez, M.D. will present valuable
information on the heart and how it works, understanding cardiac
diagnostic testing, fitness and nutrition, and your risk factors for cardiac
disease and how to prevent it.
Joseph Gomez, M.D.
Influenza: Is it the Flu? How to Protect Yourself & Your Family
Monday, November 23, 6 p.m.
Ramada Inn, Geneva
Maria Enecilla, M.D.
Maria Enecilla, M.D., family and geriatric medicine physician, will discuss
the signs and symptoms of influenza and how important it is to get the flu
vaccine to protect yourself and your family from this serious illness.
Reserve your seat today by registering and paying online at
www.flhealth.org/events or calling (315) 787-4636 or (315) 531-2053.
Maria Enecilla, M.D.
22 F A L L 2 0 1 5 • F I N G E R L A K E S H E A L T H • T H R I V E
Dine & Discuss programs include a full meal and discussion for $10/person.
Reservations and payment are required a minimum of three business days prior to the event.
Upcoming
Strive to
Thrive Programs
Finger Lakes Health is pleased to share the following educational
programs and screenings. We hope this sampling of programs
encourages you to take an active role in maintaining good health.
You can also check our website, www.flhealth.org, for these and
other programs.
CLASSES
Living with Diabetes Course
Offered several times per year. Please call
(315) 787-4006 for future dates.
Geneva General Hospital
196 North St., Geneva
St. Mark’s Terrace Dining Room
110 Chapel Street, Penn Yan
Discussion facilitated by a Certified
Diabetes Educator. Attendees will
receive a recipe each month, including
information on how to make recipes
healthier. Beverages are provided. For
more information, contact
FLH Medical, PC Diabetes Health Services
at (315) 787-4006.
Project Promise Teen Mom Free
Programming
Upon Request
Classes are free through funding from
the Wyckoff Family Foundation grant. For Stroke Support Group for Stroke
more information, call (315) 787-4053.
Survivors, their Family Members
and Caregivers
Free
Second Tuesday of the month,
3 - 4 p.m.
Nutrition Counseling
Acute Rehabilitation Unit Dining Room at
Upon request. A physician’s order is
Geneva General Hospital
required.
196 North St., Geneva
Geneva General Hospital campus
For more information, contact Diana
196 North St., Geneva
Please call (315) 787-4555 to schedule an Modera at (315) 787-4464.
appointment with a Nutrition Counselor.
Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS)
Program
Diabetes Support Group (Geneva)
for Diabetics, their Family Members, Tuesdays, 6 - 7:45 p.m.
Geneva General Hospital
Friends and Caregivers
Free
Conference Room A/B
Third Wednesday of the month
196 North St., Geneva
(except in December), 5 - 6 p.m.
For more information, contact Bob
Pitzeruse at (315) 787-4190 or Colleen
Geneva General Hospital Conference
Peno at (585) 317-4727.
Room A/B (located on the lower level,
across from the cafeteria)
Weight Watchers Program
196 North St., Geneva
Wednesdays, noon - 1 p.m.
Geneva General Hospital campus
Discussion facilitated by a Certified
196 North St., Geneva
Diabetes Educator. Attendees will
For more information, contact Kathy
receive a recipe each month, including
Ryrko at (315) 787-5433.
information on how to make recipes
healthier. Beverages are provided. For
more information, contact
FLH Medical, PC Diabetes Health Services Finger Lakes Surgery Center
Free
at (315) 787-4006.
Kids Tours
First Monday of the month, 4 p.m.
Diabetes Support Group (Penn Yan) Finger Lakes Surgery Center (FLSC)
for Diabetics, their Family Members, 3700 County Road #6, Geneva
Friends and Caregivers
Designed to calm the surgery fears of
Free
First Thursday of the month
our youngest patients, meet the friendly
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
staff at FLSC that will take care of your
SUPPORT GROUPS &
COUNSELING
TOURS
child on surgery day. We’ll visit the
operating rooms, review what to expect
before and after surgery, discuss your
length of stay, and address any concerns
you may have. Nurses from Surgical
Services lead the tour and answer
all your questions. Reservations are
required. Please call (315) 230-5505.
Joint Center of the Finger Lakes
Tours
Free
First and third Monday of every
month at 1 p.m.
Second and fourth Friday of every month
at 1 p.m.
Geneva General Hospital, second floor
196 North Street, Geneva
Considering joint replacement surgery?
Tour our state-of-the-art orthopaedic
inpatient unit devoted exclusively to
patient recovery after joint replacement
surgery at Geneva General Hospital.
Reservations for tours are required.
Please call (315) 787-4657.
BLOOD DRIVES &
SCREENINGS
Finger Lakes Health Blood Drives
GGH Conference Room A/B
196 North St., Geneva
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Monday, November
2, 2015
The Homestead at SSMH,
Conference Room 2
418 North Main St., Penn Yan
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Friday, March 11, 2016
BLOOD PRESSURE
SCREENINGS
Location: Geneva General Free
Hospital Campus
Acute Rehabilitation Unit dining room at
Geneva General Hospital
196 North St., Geneva
Second Tuesday of the month, 1 - 3 p.m.
For more information, contact Diana
Modera at (315) 787-4464.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Dine & Discuss Spring Lecture Series
Reservations are required. Each program
is $10 per person. Call (315) 787-4636
or (315) 531-2053 to register, or register
online at www.flhealth.org/events.
Metabolic Disorders: Is it Diabetes
or Not?
Thursday, November 5, 6 p.m.
American Legion, Dundee
Marta Canfield, M.D.
Marta Canfield, M.D., family medicine
physician, will discuss metabolic
syndromes, including diabetes and
obesity, which are impacting our
population at an increasingly alarming
rate.
Protecting Your Heart
Tuesday, November 10, 6 p.m.
Holiday Inn, Waterloo
Joseph Gomez, M.D.
Finger Lakes Health Cardiologist Joseph
Gomez, M.D., will present valuable
information on the heart and how it
works, understanding cardiac diagnostic
testing, fitness and nutrition, and your
risk factors for cardiac disease and how
to prevent it.
Influenza: Is it the Flu? How to
Protect Yourself & Your Family
Monday, November 23, 6 p.m.
Ramada Inn, Geneva
Maria Enecilla, M.D.
Maria Enecilla, M.D., family and geriatric
medicine physician, will discuss the signs
and symptoms of influenza and how
important it is to get the flu vaccine to
protect yourself and your family from
this serious illness.
Geneva First United
Free
Methodist Church
(Geneva Community Lunch Program)
340 Main Street, Geneva
11:15 a.m. -12: 30 p.m.
Thursday, October 22
Tuesday, November 17
Thursday, December 17
For more information, contact Diana
Modera at (315) 787-4464.
FA L L 2015 • FI N G E R L A K E S H E A LT H • T H R I V E
23
Non-profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Geneva, NY
Permit #42
196 North St. Geneva, NY 14456
To: Friends of
Finger Lakes Health
Jim Dooley Center
for Early Learning
Cubby Chase
10k, 5k • Color Mile Run
July 25, 2015