Posts by Keara Connors
COMMUNITY MEMORIAL WELCOMES PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT TO ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE
Community Memorial is thrilled to introduce its newest addition to the orthopedic practice, Frank J. Walczak IV, PA-C, ATC, CSCS. Mr. Walczak joins as a Physician Assistant with a strong foundation in orthopedics and athletic training with a commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. He will work alongside Dr. Richelle Takemoto to enhance the scope and quality of orthopedic services offered at Community Memorial.
Frank Walczak is a recent graduate receiving a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY, and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a concentration in Athletic Training from the State University of New York at Cortland, Mr. Walczak brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the practice.
He holds multiple national certifications, including a NCCPA Certified Physician Associate (PA-C) certification, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). Mr. Walczak is also licensed as a New York State Physician Associate and holds certifications in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), and First Aid from the American Heart Association.
“We are excited to enhance the growth of our Orthopedic Center at Community Memorial and remain steadfast in our commitment to providing the highest quality of care. Frank’s addition enables us to broaden access to orthopedic services, and his extensive background in sports and athletic training greatly enriches our team’s capabilities,” stated Dr. Richelle Takemoto, Orthopedic Surgeon at Community Memorial.
In addition to his professional qualifications, Mr. Walczak is an active member of professional organizations, including the New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA), the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA).
Mr. Walczak’s clinical experience includes rotations in various medical fields, such as Emergency Medicine, Neurosurgery, General Surgery, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Orthopedics. In these rotations, he built proficiencies in wound closures, joint injections, casting, splinting, and joint aspiration, making him a valuable addition to our orthopedic team.
Before joining Community Memorial, Mr. Walczak worked as an Athletic Trainer at Victory Sports Medicine & Orthopedics in Skaneateles, where he provided athletic training services in high school and junior collegiate settings. He also assisted with rehabilitation, created personalized exercise training programs, and supported orthopedic providers as a Physician Extender.
Community Memorial is excited to have Frank J. Walczak IV, PA-C, ATC, CSCS, as part of the orthopedic team and looks forward to the positive impact he will have on patients’ orthopedic care. He is now accepting appointments and can be reached at the following contact information: Orthopedic office at 315-824-7040 or visit us at www.communitymemorial.org/services/orthopedic-center/
2023 Community Flu Pod
Community Memorial Updates COVID Vaccination Requirements
The Community Memorial (CMH) health network will no longer require employees to have the COVID vaccination as a condition of employment, following updated guidelines from the state and federal levels.
CMH Infection Preventionist Shelly Trost, RN, noted that the declaration made by the federal government stating the COVID public health emergency has ended, which allows the organization to adjust both daily screening requirements for employees, vendors, patients and visitors, along with the mandatory vaccination requirement for employees. “The past few years have impacted our daily operations in an effort to keep everyone safe,” noted Trost. “Now, these updates by the New York State Department of Health around COVID have allowed Community Memorial to return to some pre-pandemic procedures while maintaining patient safety.”
In May, the state’s Department of Health started the process of repealing the COVID vaccine requirement for workers in health settings; hospitals, nursing homes, and more. This was previously implemented in August of 2021 by former Governor Cuomo and resulted in a massive number of healthcare workers leaving their jobs due to vaccination non-compliance.
“While Community Memorial recommends employees be vaccinated against all necessary infectious diseases, we anticipate this change in regulation will better allow us to fill open positions,” added Leeann Light, Vice President of Human Resources. “We welcome colleagues that were part of the CMH family and left due to the mandate to consider returning.”
CMH continues to educate and encourage employees, patients and visitors about the signs and symptoms of any viral illness, including COVID, and requests diligence to prevent the spread of illness within the hospital and its five Family Health Centers by using standard precautions and proper hand hygiene.
To see all open positions within the Community Memorial network, please visit https://communitymemorial.org/careers/ or call the Human Resources Department at 315.824.6133.
For 70 years, Community Memorial Hospital’s mission has been to provide quality and caring healthcare to thousands of patients throughout nearly 30 Central New York communities throughout Madison County and beyond. Community Memorial provides primary care services with a network of five Family Health Centers (Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, and Waterville), an after-hours urgent care clinic – available in the evenings and weekends, and 24/7 emergency medicine services.
May is National Nurses’ Month!
From providing treatment and comfort for the sick to welcoming new life into the world, nurses across the nation are central to healthy and optimistic communities, offering an unparalleled impact on healthcare. That’s the message the American Nurses Association (ANA) is touting with the 2023 National Nurses Month theme “You Make a Difference.”
At Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) and its five Family Health Centers, the annual celebration of the team of nurses is always an exciting time. “We enjoy the opportunity to send extra appreciation and recognition to our nursing staff,” noted Heather Bernard, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Nursing and Clinical Services. “This year, we’re able to extend the national week into a national month and bring more focus areas of celebration to our organization for our nursing team.”
The 2023 theme honors the variety of nursing roles, and the month is divided into weekly focus areas – Self Care, Recognition, Professional Development and Community Engagement. The CMH Nursing Leadership team will highlight these areas with unique activities each week, aligning with the chosen topics the ANA has selected. “Dedicating each week of the month towards our nurses is exciting,” added Bernard. “Providing ideas and resources along with engaging with our team to show the gratitude that our community has for their hard work is our personal goal at CMH.”
Annually, National Nurses Week begins on May 6, marked as RN Recognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of nursing as a modern profession. Through its state and constituent member associations, ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting economic and general welfare, a positive and realistic view of nursing, and lobbying Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
Traditionally, National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways registered nurses work to improve healthcare for all. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding healthcare needs of American society.
For over 70 years, Community Memorial Hospital’s mission has been to provide quality and caring healthcare to thousands of patients in nearly 30 Central New York communities throughout Madison County and beyond. Community Memorial provides primary care services with a network of five Family Health Centers (Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, and Waterville), an after-hours urgent care clinic – available in the evenings and weekends, and 24/7 emergency medicine services.
Free Arthritis Clinic Hamilton, NY
On Thursday April 20, 2023, Dr. Richelle Takemoto will host a free* Arthritis clinic. Patients will have a 15 minute screening with Doctor Takemoto and if arthritis is suspected, will be given an order for medical imaging and scheduled for a follow up appointment.
Location: 150 Broad St. Hamilton, NY 13346. At the north end of the campus, facing Colgate University’s Reid Athletic Center.
Time: 4 PM – 6PM
Event is open to all community members, no registration is required. Patients will be seen on a first come, first serve basis.
*Medical imaging and follow up appointment are not covered under the free screening.
Community Memorial Goes Red
The 8th annual Go Red Lunch and Learn event was held on Friday, February 3, again hosted at Colgate University’s Hall of Presidents through the partnership of Community Memorial (CMH) and Colgate’s CU Well Program. This event for women and men serves as an education symposium focusing on heart health.
Community members, CMH patients and staff, donned their red attire and enjoyed a delicious lunch while listening to the 5-person panel discuss this year’s “Cardiac Care” story, featuring Marney, a patient of both CMH primary and specialty care. Marney’s story shared her real-life experience of how her Community Memorial healthcare providers helped diagnose her serious heart condition, allowing for prompt treatment.
Collaborating on the panel and answering questions from event moderator and Colgate physician Dr. Merrill Miller was Dr. Avneet Singh, Cardiologist; Rebecca Dorn, Cardiology Nurse Practitioner; Dr. Kerri Taylor, Primary Care; and Bernie Casscles, RN, Director of Nursing Emergency Services, all from the team of clinicians at Community Memorial. “This is my first Go Red at Community Memorial, and I’m proud to collaborate with other medical professionals and one of our patients to bring information to the community,” stated Dr. Singh. “Heart health is a relevant topic year-round, but we like to capture the expanded attention during National Heart Health Month each February.”
This annual collaboration between Community Memorial and Colgate University works to better patient outcomes by informing guests on specific heart-health topics. This free community forum showcases the importance of patients seeking care right away when they may have a heart medical issue. “When a heart emergency is happening, time is of the essence. The ER of Community Memorial is here for Hamilton and all the surrounding communities in these medical emergencies,” added Nurse Casscles.
National Wear Red Day is held annually on the first Friday in February. On this day, employees and medical staff at Community Memorial Hospital wore red to show support for heart disease awareness and for understanding its risks, and employees helped raise funds to donate to the American Heart Association. Heart Disease is the #1 killer of Americans, killing almost 700,000 individuals each year, but there is good news. According to the American Heart Association, 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases are preventable. The American Heart Association recommends that individuals know their numbers: cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index (BMI) and their family history.
For 70 years, Community Memorial Hospital’s mission has been to provide quality and caring healthcare to thousands of patients throughout nearly 30 Central New York communities throughout Madison County and beyond. Community Memorial provides primary care services with a network of five Family Health Centers (Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, and Waterville), an after-hours urgent care clinic – available in the evenings and weekends, and 24/7 emergency medicine services.
Go Red: Listen To Your Heart
In the midst of 2022, Marney Rowland was an avid walker, logging anywhere between four to seven miles daily. The tread on her sneakers showed her success, and the scale did, too, as she’d begun losing weight and feeling healthier. Dropping 25 pounds, Marney noticed her heart felt like it was skipping beats.
Community Memorial Primary Care Physician, Dr. Kerri Taylor, adjusted some of Marney’s medication – but the condition worsened. When she began to see some kaleidoscope colors in the corners of her eyes, Dr. Taylor referred her to Dr. Avneet Singh, Cardiologist at Community Memorial. “I had seen a cardiologist about six years ago but hadn’t had any abnormal findings,” noted Marney. “These symptoms and everything that came after was unexpected.”
In early November, Dr. Singh’s office performed an EKG (electrocardiogram) on Marney – a test recording the heart’s electrical signal to check for different heart conditions. After seeing some concerning results, a second test was performed immediately following. The next day, the office called Marney and asked her to return for a nuclear stress test, which uses a tracer and an imaging machine to create pictures of the blood flow to the heart. Marney was then sent to Crouse Health in Syracuse for a heart catheterization, a procedure in which a thin tube is guided through a blood vessel in the heart.
“The doctor came in and said I had blockages and needed a five-way bypass, and I was sent to Upstate Hospital, next door, right away,” added Marney. “They kept me a few days, and then I had surgery. Seven hours in the OR for what ended up being a quadruple bypass, then five more days as an inpatient, and I went home.”
Post-op, Marney has some fluid still on her lungs, and her care team adjusts her medications and monitors her blood levels weekly. “Dr. Singh advised I will most likely be on AFib medication for a couple of months, which is common,” stated Marney. “I feel better than I did yesterday but not as good as I’ll feel tomorrow.”
Home recovering, Marney notes the appreciation for her long-time primary care provider. “I’ve seen Dr. Taylor for 20 years, I love her – and now, I’ve got a great Cardiologist with Dr. Singh. He has a great attitude with patients and always lifts me mentally.” Originally from the Oneida and Sherrill area, Marney moved north a few years ago, now traveling for an hour to see Dr. Taylor and Dr. Singh. “When you have a great medical provider you love, it’s worth going the distance to them.”
To learn more about the primary and specialty care services provided within the Community Memorial network, visit www.communitymemorial.org. Community Memorial Hospital is a critical access hospital in Hamilton, NY and offers primary care in five locations; Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, and Waterville.
Healthy Living Newsletter November 2022
Volume 18 of the Healthy Living Newsletter is here!
In This Issue:
- A Note from the CEO
- Community Memorial Reinstates Graduate Nursing Program
- Team Care Medicine Launched at CMH
- CMH Cardio Team Expands for Patient Care
- Community Memorial Continues to Offer SANE Program
- Community Memorial Hosts Drive-Flu Event
- Capital Project Update
Read the PDF by clicking here!
Community Memorial Welcomes Dr. Gregory Ripich, MD
The Community Memorial (CMH) healthcare system welcomed Gregory Ripich, MD, who joined the organization’s surgery team as a General Surgeon in August of this year.
AREAS OF SPECIALITY INCLUDE:
• Advanced minimally invasive surgery
• EGD – Upper Endoscopy
• Colon and rectal surgery, including colonoscopy screenings
Dr. Ripich joins Dr. Martin Ernits in the General Surgery Program at CMH; this addition provides the community with a greater scope of care and allows CMH to care for a greater volume of patients. Ripich will perform elective procedures and surgeries, specializing in various surgeries such as colon/rectal, breast, thyroid, skin and wound. Dr. Ernits will continue to perform emergent surgeries and collaborate with onsite hospitalists.
Ripich has started seeing patients in the CMH Family Health Centers of Hamilton and Cazenovia. “The Community Memorial team is excited to bring Dr. Ripich on board. He brings a broad range of skills and experience to our patients,” commented Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Medical Officer. “With his focus on a specialty covering various medical issues, we’re confident that patients will be pleased with the care offered here in Hamilton.”
Ripich performed his postgraduate training at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Michigan after receiving his Doctorate in Medicine from SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse. Prior, he studied at the University of Buffalo, receiving his Master of Science degree. Ripich attended Cornell University for his undergraduate degree, obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology. His extensive career has defined his surgical interest and experience in advanced minimally invasive surgery and endoscopic procedures. He most recently served as the Medical Director for Surgical Associates of CMA in Ithaca, NY.
“Dr. Ripich brings experience and a wealth of knowledge from larger health systems that will allow patients to receive care locally,” noted Jeff Coakley, President and CEO. “CMH is excited for the future of General Surgery in Hamilton. We encourage patients to utilize the expanded services offered here.”
“I’m looking forward to joining Community Memorial and establishing patient care,” stated Dr. Ripich. “I enjoy working with new hospitals and communities, helping them to grow their general surgery programs with new techniques and ideas.”
To learn more about the services, medical staff and more offered at CMH, or to make an appointment, please call (315) 648-6408 or visit CommunityMemorial.org
CEO Update
As we prepare to close another busy year, I’d like to take a moment to thank patients that choose Community Memorial for their healthcare needs.
2022 has been a challenging time for healthcare providers across the state and our nation. Following the pandemic, we have found greater healthcare needs in our community and have fewer providers, nurses and healthcare professionals to support the needs. While wait times have grown in Hamilton, they are a fraction of the time patients are waiting in other Emergency Departments across our region.
Community Memorial has an average wait time of 27 minutes for evaluation by a nurse and approximately 43 minutes to see a provider in the past six months. This is significantly less when considering the average wait time in New York State Emergency Departments is 3 hours, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). We are proud to be your healthcare provider of choice and ask that you continue to be patient with us as we manage through these challenging times.
I want to thank our medical staff, nurses and other healthcare professionals for what they do every day to create an environment that supports patients as well as their colleagues.
Please read on to learn more about what activities we are doing to enhance our facilities, expand our services and create the best patient experience for our community members.
Community Memorial Reinstates Graduate Nursing Program
Graduate-level nurses can now take advantage of a residency program offered at Community Memorial (CMH), providing real-time orientation and clinical training in a nursing career, before taking their New York State nursing board exam.
Following the pandemic, the shortage of healthcare workers became a nationwide crisis. This program aims to recruit
and retain nurses to combat the high nurse turnover that has affected the healthcare industry. “National rates of nursing turnover are the highest they have ever been. Reasons for the turnover rates include emotional/physical exhaustion, fatigue, and burnout. The Graduate Nursing Residency Program provides the new graduate nurses a controlled onboarding and orientation that includes classroom and direct supervision of a Registered Nurse that better prepares them for the current workforce by building skills through competency training and a small patient assignment,” remarked Heather Bernard, Vice President of Nursing and Clinical Services.
Until the participants are able to sit for their board exam, they are paid CMH employees and go through a week-long classroom training of policies and procedures and equipment before hitting the inpatient floor for interactive patient care.
The classroom portion also features different focus areas, including specialty classes with presenters, such as wound care and pressure ulcer prevention. Initial program attendees were existing CMH staff, working as they attended nursing school. However, future program openings will be filled as available, through direct interest and requests and local career fair participation.
The success of the program will be monitored through collection of retention rates currently measured by the Human Resources Department of CMH.
“Our goal with this program is to really lay the groundwork for future nurses, to prepare them in patient care, as to avoid any overwhelming feelings when they begin working as a nurse,” noted Christine Martin, RN, Program Instructor. “Nurses work closely with supervision, and are allowed to care for patients and receive imperative training all at once.”
This program was previously paused at CMH over a decade ago, as there was not such a pressing need to fill frontline staff positions. “I’m excited for Community Memorial, and for the nursing graduates to have this opportunity, and I look forward to this new endeavor,” added Kelly Kahler, Hospital Education Coordinator.
To learn more about the Graduate Nursing Program at CMH in Hamilton, please call Human Resources at 315.824.6134 or visit the ‘News / Events’ section of CommunityMemorial.org.
Team Care Medicine Launched At Community Memorial Hospital
After months of review, preparation and planning, Community Memorial (CMH) launched a new patient care approach within some primary care offices, implementing a Team Based Medicine Model. Beginning mid-October, this program started with a core group of providers and hopes to expand to all of primary care throughout the CMH network, once levels of success are measured.
The overall goal of team based care is a start-to-finish comprehensive healthcare model, offering patients support and collaboration, along with full participation, in their care needs. Working with multiple healthcare providers and office staff, the model aims to coordinate efforts across all settings of care required for each individual patient.
Teams within primary care settings have demonstrated value with regards to both patient and provider outcomes. “Our main goal is always our patient care and experience; this model will provide that but also improve clinician well-being,” noted Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Medical Officer. “This care delivery model will also allow better access to your healthcare provider, more focused attention on the patient, and an improved level of care provided.”
Currently offered in Hamilton, Morrisville, Munnsville and Cazenovia office locations and spearheaded by three physicians and two nurse practitioners, this program centers around key players treating a patient, requiring they work together to drive optimal care outcomes. Engaging patients in their care and health outcomes while encouraging providers to utilize all aspects
of their education and experience is a key component of this team approach. At CMH, a nurse or office assistant will remain in the room with the patient throughout their visit, collecting information before the provider enters, documenting while the provider focuses on the patient, and remaining in the room after the provider leaves to provide care instructions, education and answer any questions.
“The implementation of this new program will ultimately have a positive impact on our patients,” stated Dr. Sunny Nelson, Primary Care Provider and program champion. “Through effective communication and collaborative care, clear and common goals will lead to better patient experiences – and allows for more accurate office visits.”
Extensive training was attending by all staff participating in the program in preparation for launch. Success of this program will be measured through a combination of review of quality of care, patient satisfaction, provider and office staff satisfaction, and increased patient access to care.
All of the Family Health Centers of Community Memorial are accepting and welcoming new patients. With office locations
in Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville and Waterville, Community Memorial’s primary care team is here for patients of all ages. To learn more about specific providers or office locations, or to become a new patient, please visit CommunityMemorial.org/family-health-centers.
Who is part of my healthcare team?
Members of your care team may include doctors, nurses, physician assistants, specialists and other non-clinical professionals that all collaborate from start to finish in your healthcare journey!
CMH Cardio Team Expands For Patient Care
The Community Memorial Health Network (CMH) continues to expand, adding a Nurse Practitioner to its Cardiology Practice in Hamilton.
Rebecca Dorn, FNP-C, recently joined the Cardiology Department with Avneet Singh, MD, at the Hamilton Family Health Center of CMH, located on the hospital campus.
Dorn earned her Associate’s degree in Applied Science in Nursing from Fulton Montgomery Community College and her Bachelor of Science Nursing degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. She also obtained her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. Dorn came with more than 30 years of nursing experience, most recently specialized in providing urgent care services. She has also provided care to patients as a Hospitalist and previously served as an Emergency Department Director.
“I’m excited about Rebecca joining Hamilton Heart Center. She brings a vast breadth of experience with her as a med-evac nurse and a seasoned nurse practitioner,” remarked Dr. Singh. “I’m certain her addition to our cardiology team will help us deliver prompt, high quality and modern cardiology care to our community.”
“Cardiovascular care at Community Memorial has grown exponentially, and the addition of Rebecca will support even more growth in Cardiology,” noted Jeff Coakley, President & CEO. “Community Memorial is committed to ensuring patients receive access to cardiology services close to home and adding a Nurse Practitioner to Dr. Singh’s practice will make this possible.”
“The opportunity to join a team with plans to grow their cardiology program was very intriguing to me. The growth of
the program, in turn, offers growth in knowledge. What better combination could there be,” remarked Dorn. “The ultimate success lies in the awesome people who make up the team here in Hamilton.”
Community Memorial, in conjunction with Colgate University and Madison County’s Liberty Resources/Help Restore Hope Center, launched the Sexual Assault Program in 2017. The SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) program provides specialty- trained nurses, who offer all residents of Southern Madison County comprehensive medical and psychological services specifically related to sexual assault. Additionally, victims of domestic violence that may need forensic evidence collection or psychological care are assisted. Prior to 2017, survivors of sexual assault were required to travel 30 to 60 miles from Hamilton to access SANE services.
In its over five years existing in Hamilton, the SANE program has been supported by the CMH Auxiliary, who donated funds to support the Emergency Room Department in purchasing clothing items for patients that were victims of sexual assault. “When a patient comes to our facility for sexual assault treatment, we often have to collect their clothing as evidence, for forensics. With the funds donated from the Auxiliary, we were able to purchase clothing to have available for patients to wear home in those situations,” stated ER Director of Nursing Bernie Casscles. “This option can make a world of difference in such a sensitive time, and we’re so fortunate to have such a supportive Auxiliary.”
Additionally, when neighboring hospital Oneida Healthcare implemented the SANE program within their facility in 2019, CMH was a welcoming partner as Oneida came onboard, offering even more care options in Madison County for sexual assault victims. The renovated and expanded Emergency Department of CMH, which opened its doors almost a year ago to patients, Community Memorial is able to offer more private treatment spaces, a private shower within the department, more room to maneuver equipment, and increased space for private consultation amongst the SANE nurse, advocate and law enforcement.
SANE services include STD/STI testing, advocate support, counseling, follow up care and forensic medical examinations that collect and secure evidence in the eventuality a survivor chooses to do so and in order to prosecute the perpetrator. Treatment and recovery from such a traumatic event, along with SANE advocates offering longtime care, is extremely vital for any patient that needs it. The SANE program recently expanded their services in August of 2022 to include response assist with medical/psychosocial/ and forensic care of victims of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, non- fatal strangulation, human trafficking, and neglect.
To learn more, or to support the services offered at Community Memorial, please visit www.communitymemorial.org.
Community Memorial Hospital continued its popular community event on September 16th, with the 4th annual Drive-Flu Clinic. This year, over 270 flu shots were provided for area residents.
Offered in the south parking lot of the organization’s main campus, staff was prepped and ready to go for the first session at 7am on a blustery day. Patients ages 18 and over were able to pull in, fill out a simple form, and get their annual flu shot – all while remaining in their vehicle. This safe, convenient and easy access to a flu shot has continued to be a success, and provided a seamless process for patients. “Community Memorial has offered a free flu clinic for years for our area residents, as a resource to combat seasonal flu outbreaks,” stated Shelly Trost, RN, Infection Preventionist at Community Memorial. “We encourage everyone to utilize as many preventative options as possible with their personal healthcare.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. Seasonal influenza is associated with large numbers of illnesses, which can impact school attendance, worker absenteeism, and daily productivity.
Patrons were excited to again see the Drive-Flu event, noting how the convenience benefit encourages vaccination. “Each year, our community residents line up bright and early for this event,” added Trost. “And, it’s a bonus that no appointments are necessary, and household members can come together. We’re happy to continue to provide this important service.”
To learn more about services offered or to make an appointment with your Community Memorial primary care provider for your annual flu shot, visit: CommunityMemorial.org/family-health-centers or call at 315-824-4600.
Community Memorial is working through plans to resume our transformation of our facility. Our first two phases converted our previous skilled nursing facility into modern, private inpatient rooms and created a brand new Emergency Department. The remainder
of the project will provide necessary updates to
our medical imaging equipment and centralize our Radiology Department within our facility. The project will also modernize our exterior with a brand new main entrance, and update our laboratory service department.
Like many other organizations, CMH has been met with unique challenges brought on by the economic impact of the pandemic. We have been working with our construction management company, architects, the USDA and lending firm to finalize project details. We’re excited to continue to transform our facility and heighten the patient experience. These new spaces will also allow our organization to continue recruiting talented staff to our team. Every dollar raised through philanthropic efforts positively impacts healthcare in Hamilton, and we encourage everyone to learn more about our future by visiting communitymemorial.org/ foundation/capital-campaign.
NEW SURGEON JOINS COMMUNITY MEMORIAL
The Community Memorial (CMH) healthcare system is excited to welcome Gregory Ripich, MD, who joins the organization’s surgery team as a General Surgeon.
Dr. Ripich joins Dr. Martin Ernits in the General Surgery Program at CMH; this addition provides the community with a greater scope of care and allows CMH to care for a greater volume of patients. Ripich will perform elective procedures and surgeries, specializing in various surgeries such as colon/rectal, breast, thyroid, skin and wound. Dr. Martin will continue to perform emergent surgeries and collaborate with onsite hospitalists.
Ripich has started seeing patients in the CMH Family Health Centers of Hamilton and Cazenovia. “The Community Memorial team is excited to bring Dr. Ripich on board. He brings a broad range of skills and experience to our patients,” commented Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Medical Officer. “With his focus on a specialty covering various medical issues, we’re confident that patients will be pleased with the care offered here in Hamilton.”
Ripich performed his postgraduate training at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Michigan after receiving his Doctorate in Medicine from SUNY-Halth Science Center at Syracuse. Prior to this, he studied at the University of Buffalo, receiving his Master of Science degree. Ripich attended Cornell University for his undergraduate degree, obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology. His extensive career has defined his surgical interest and experience in advanced minimally invasive surgery and endoscopic procedures. He most recently served as the Medical Director for Surgical Associates of CMA in Ithaca, NY.
“Dr. Ripich brings experience and a wealth of knowledge from larger health systems that will allow patients to receive care right here in Hamilton,” noted Jeff Coakley, President and CEO. “CMH is excited for the future of General Surgery in Hamilton. We encourage patients to utilize the expanded services offered here.”
“I’m looking forward to joining Community Memorial and establishing patient care,” stated Dr. Ripich. “I enjoy working with new hospitals and communities, helping them to grow their general surgery programs with new techniques and ideas.” To learn more about the services, medical staff and more offered at CMH, or to make an appointment, please call (315)648-6408 or visit www.communitymemorial.org/
Mike Martin Memorial Golf Tournament Another Success for Community Memorial
The Community Memorial Foundation hosted the 6th annual Mike Martin Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) on Monday, August 1, 2022. The proceeds from the competition and supporting sponsors will go towards the capital project currently underway at Community Memorial Hospital, already working on renovating and expanding the facility as the organization celebrates its 70th anniversary.
One hundred twenty-eight golfers attended the event, hosted at the beautiful and challenging Seven Oaks Golf Course of Colgate University in Hamilton. This event was named to remember a long-time and dedicated volunteer, Mike Martin, who was sadly lost to the community in October 2016. Deeply committed to the Hamilton area, Martin served on the board of the Community Memorial Foundation and chaired the tournament in its very successful inaugural year. The tournament recognizes his leadership skills, commitment to the hospital and the local community, and wonderful personality. He served on several local committees spearheading economic initiatives and actively volunteered for Colgate University as trustee and President of the Alumni Council. Martin is a 1964 graduate of Rome Free Academy and Colgate University class of 1969.
The sun was out all day with typical warm August golf weather, and after a brief welcome at noon, the players tee’d off. After the golfers completed their game, an awards dinner was hosted at the Hamilton Inn on Lake Moraine Road. Four teams were recognized: 1st place went to Team Keith Tyburski; 2nd went to Team Ron Joyce; 3rd was awarded to Team Chris DeAngelis, and 13th went to Team Dan Poupore.
“We had a fantastic time playing in the Community Memorial golf outing at Seven Oaks. It was a wonderful day with great golf and food in a perfect setting,” remarked Gary Weeks, event participant. “Our group was grateful to Susie Gustafson Real Estate for asking us to play in her sponsored foursome. My brother and two former colleagues loved playing the course and everything else that went with the day. Congratulations to the Community Memorial staff on a first-rate event!”
The event raised almost $100,000 in its 6th year and was supported by The Hayner Hoyt Corporation as Tournament Sponsor and SCP Health as Presenting. For a complete list of the event sponsors, along with event photos, please visit https://communitymemorial.org/foundation/golf-tournament/. The transformational project of CMH has already successfully completed the inpatient wing with private patient rooms, along with a new and expanded Emergency Room, the largest capital project since its inception in 1952. To learn more about the project details or to support, please visit https://communitymemorial.org/foundation/capital-campaign/.