The 66^th Holiday Sale hosted by the Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) Auxiliary was held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, and yielded immense success in support of the Hospital and its five Family Health Centers.

When doors opened at 9:30am at the First Baptist Church in Hamilton, shoppers flooded in to find an exciting array of holiday items, handmade crafts, raffle baskets and baked goods, all for sale to benefit the overall patient care and experience provided at CMH.

More than 30 Auxiliary volunteers started preparing for the sale in the spring, selling raffle tickets for a handmade quilt at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market, crafting handmade items, and securing vendors for the big day.

This year was one of the most profitable sales, raising more than $10,000 in support of CMH’s needs.  Past funds raised have offset the costs of equipment upgrades, new technology and programmatic purposes supporting employee education and training.

Auxiliary President Gloria Gaudreau noted sincere appreciation to all who participated.  “From the generous hospital employees that donate baskets to raffle to the volunteers making items, to every shopper that visited our sale, thank you!”

The CMH Auxiliary has supported the organization since its inception in 1952, with contributions providing a variety of needs.  In recent years, donations have funded the purchase of furniture for medical offices, updated televisions for patients, telemetry equipment for patient care, and a humidity alarm for the operating room.  “All funds raised by the Auxiliary go back to supporting direct patient care at Community Memorial,” added Jeff Coakley, President and CEO.  “The impact our volunteers have is immeasurable, and we thank each one of them for their contributions.”

Always actively recruiting and welcoming new members, the Auxiliary meets bi-monthly in Hamilton and participates in a few different annual fundraisers in support of the organization.  To learn more about joining the Auxiliary or other ways to support the services of Community Memorial, please email foundation@cmhhamilton.com.

For more information about any medical staff providers, primary care, specialty services, and more, please visit www.communitymemorial.org.  Community Memorial offers primary care in five locations (Hamilton, Cazenovia, Morrisville, Munnsville, and Waterville) and welcomes patients for all services, including specialty care.

Community Memorial is pleased to announce the addition of Family Nurse Practitioner Michele Brennan-Vuocolo to meet the increasing demand for primary care services.  The organization remains committed to enhancing access to healthcare for the community.

Michele Brennan-Vuocolo, DNP, FNP-BC, a seasoned healthcare professional with a remarkable 35-year career in licensed professional nursing in New York State, is set to extend her commitment to patient care at Community Memorial’s Family Health Center in Morrisville.  As a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with a wealth of experience across various healthcare settings, Michelle is well-positioned to offer comprehensive primary care to patients of all ages.

Brennan-Vuocolo’s journey in nursing includes 11 years of dedicated service as a staff RN, charge nurse, and preceptor in diverse units, including med-surgical, intensive care, PACU, and emergency care within hospitals in the Central New York region.  Her extensive clinical background laid the foundation for her subsequent career as a Family Nurse Practitioner.  Brennan-Vuocolo received her Master’s degree in Family Health and Family Nurse Practitioner in 1995.  She received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in 2020, both degrees from Binghamton University.

Since the onset of her career, Brennan-Vuocolo has been a beacon of healthcare excellence, providing primary care services in private practice, as a hospitalist, and within nationally prestigious healthcare systems such as Mayo Health System and Dartmouth-Hitchcock.  Her specialization in adult/geriatric internal medicine, particularly in cardiology and internal medicine, has earned her recognition and respect in the medical community.  Her practice has spanned various geographic locations, including Rome and Utica, NY, as well as Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New Hampshire.  These diverse experiences have honed her ability to thrive in both autonomous and collaborative healthcare environments.

In addition to her clinical roles, Michele has made significant contributions as a Nurse Educator in service organizations and academic institutions.  Her multifaceted role includes providing interdisciplinary staff development, implementing professional practice models, and serving as faculty in license-qualifying nursing education programs.  Michele’s commitment to education is further evident in her role as a preceptor/mentor to BSN and graduate nursing students, family nurse practitioner certificate students, and novice nursing faculty.

Michele Brennan-Vuocolo is affiliated with esteemed professional organizations, including the Nurse Practitioner Association, American Nurse Practitioner Association, and Sigma Theta Tau, reflecting her commitment to the highest standards of nursing practice.

With her extensive background and commitment to patient care, Michele Brennan-Vuocolo, DNP, FNP-BC, is poised to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the Morrisville community.  Patients can expect compassionate, evidence-based care from a healthcare provider with a proven track record of excellence.

“Primary care is essential for our rural area, and Community Memorial recognizes this,” said Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Medical Officer of Community Memorial.  “Welcoming Michele is a testament to our unwavering dedication to fulfilling the needs of our patients and the community we serve.”

For further information or to schedule an appointment with either Michele Brennan-Vuocolo in our Morrisville Family Health Center, please contact the office at 315-684-3117 or visit us at www.communitymemorial.org/family-health-centers/.

Community Memorial is proud to announce a significant enhancement to its cardiology team with the addition of Nurse Practitioner Sherri Loucks. Teaming up with Dr. Avneet Singh and Shelby Sharp, FNP-C, Loucks will play a crucial role in delivering high-quality cardiac care to the community.

Bringing over two decades of expertise in both inpatient and outpatient cardiology care, Sherri Loucks has also garnered valuable experience in hospital medicine during her tenure as a Hospitalist in the Utica region. Loucks holds an impressive academic background, earning her Masters of Science in Nursing from SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse, NY. Furthermore, she obtained her Family Nurse Practitioner certification from Community-General Hospital in Syracuse and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Utica College of Syracuse University.

Loucks’ commitment to excellence is evident through her participation in Nurse Practitioner Clinical Preceptor programs and her recognition with the President’s Award for Voluntary Faculty Services from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Her extensive experience has finely tuned her skills in cardiovascular disease management, ECG interpretation, cardiac device management, and acute and chronic disease management. Additionally, Loucks is well-versed in hospital medicine, collaborating seamlessly with interdisciplinary teams.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Dr. Avneet Singh, Cardiologist, shared, “I am thrilled that Sherri has joined the Cardiology team at Community Memorial. Sherri’s experience and skillset make a great addition to our team, and it is the patients who will benefit the most.”

The Cardiology team at Community Memorial is led by Dr. Avneet Singh, Cardiologist, collaborating with him are Shelby Sharp, FNP-C and Sherri Loucks, NP.

Community Memorial looks forward to the positive impact that Sherri Loucks will undoubtedly bring to the provision of comprehensive and compassionate cardiac care within the community. For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Community Memorial Cardiology Center by calling (315)648-6408.

Community Memorial (CMH) is pleased to announce the latest addition to the orthopedic team, Dr. Kamaljeet Banga, MD, FRCSC, ABOS, FAAOS.  Dr. Banga will be joining as a specialist in orthopedics and sports medicine, bringing a wealth of expertise and dedication to patient care that makes him a valuable asset to the CMH medical staff.

With over fifteen years of extensive experience in orthopedics, Dr. Banga has practiced in the United States, Canada, and India.  His career has been marked by a strong background in sports medicine, upper extremity, military, and trauma care in both university and community healthcare settings.  Dr. Banga’s insights and contributions are poised to significantly enhance the range of services and capabilities offered by the CMH orthopedic practice.

“I am truly excited to become a part of the Community Memorial team.  It is my privilege to join such a dedicated group of healthcare professionals who share a common goal of delivering exceptional orthopedic care,” stated Dr. Kamaljeet Banga, “I am eager to bring my expertise in upper extremity orthopedics and sports medicine to benefit our patients and contribute to the continued growth and success of Community Memorial’s Orthopedic Center.”

Dr. Banga is a distinguished professional, certified by the medical boards in the United States, Canada, and India. He holds board certification in sports medicine and orthopedics from the respective medical associations of these nations, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to providing exceptional care. Dr. Banga completed his fellowship in Orthopedic Surgery, Upper-Extremity, and Sports Medicine at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. Additionally, he holds a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Surgery from the University of Western Ontario, in Ontario, Canada. These specialized training experiences have equipped Dr. Banga with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver outstanding medical care in the fields of orthopedics and sports medicine.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Banga to our Orthopedic Center at Community Memorial.  His expertise in upper extremity orthopedic care and sports medicine perfectly complements our existing team, which includes Dr. Takemoto and Frank Walczak, PA-C, ATC, CSCS,” commented Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Medical Officer at Community Memorial.  “With Dr. Banga’s arrival, we are positioned to provide our patients with even more specialized care and enhanced treatment options.”

As Community Memorial continues the pursuit of excellence in patient care, Dr. Banga’s arrival is a testament to the commitment to providing the highest quality healthcare services to the community.  He will be working closely with Dr. Richelle Takemoto and the Orthopedic team to ensure seamless integration of their combined expertise and a collaborative approach to orthopedic patient care.

“We are honored to have Dr. Banga join the Community Memorial family.  His exceptional skills and dedication to patient care align seamlessly with our mission to provide the highest quality healthcare to our community,” stated Jeff Coakley, President and CEO at Community Memorial.  “Dr. Banga’s expertise will undoubtedly enhance the level of service we can offer to our patients.  We look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our Orthopedic Center and our commitment to excellence in healthcare.”

The community is invited to join in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Kamaljeet Banga as he embarks on this exciting new chapter of his medical journey locally.  His official start date is scheduled for December 2023, and the organization eagerly anticipates the positive impact he will have on patients’ lives, as well as the contributions he will make to the growing team.

For further information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Banga, please contact the Orthopedic Center at 315-824-7040 or visit us at www.communitymemorial.org/services/orthopedic-center/

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/

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.

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.

Community Memorial (CMH) in Hamilton is pleased to welcome experienced orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richelle Takemoto to its medical staff.  The healthcare network continues to lead the way in orthopedic care in Hamilton and the surrounding region.

Previously with a local orthopedic surgical practice, Takemoto decided to seek out other opportunities to serve the community.  Endeared by Hamilton and the surrounding region and the supportive team of nurses and staff, Takemoto saw the potential to build on the orthopedic legacy at CMH.

“I am very committed to serving the patients of our community and believe that partnering with the hospital will help to better support patient care.  My goal is to provide efficient, high-quality care for our community that will remain in place long after my career.  I am dedicated to providing excellent, quality orthopedic services and working collaboratively with the entire orthopedic surgical team providing services at Community Memorial.”

Unfortunately, while Dr. Takemoto was willing and able to complete all her scheduled surgeries, her previous practice chose to cancel all her patients without consulting her.  Thankfully, she will begin seeing patients on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Community Memorial.  Her office will be located at the North end of the campus, near the Colgate Reid Athletic center, providing patients direct access to ancillary services while tending to their orthopedic care.

“We welcome Dr. Takemoto to the CMH family and thank her for the advanced services she has brought to us in the last year,” stated Jeff Coakley, President and CEO of Community Memorial.  “We look forward to growing orthopedic services for the community in collaboration with all CMH-affiliated orthopedic surgeons.”

Dr. Takemoto is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who completed fellowship training in Orthopedic Trauma.  She specializes in comprehensive fracture care, post-traumatic reconstruction, and total joint arthroplasty of the shoulder, knee and hip.  In February 2022, after completing extensive training and certification, Dr. Takemoto became the first female surgeon in the world to use the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution and developed a successful robotic surgery program at CMH.  Dr. Takemoto will continue to expand this service as part of the CMH team.

Dr. Takemoto is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii and is a graduate of the Punahou School.  She earned her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College in 1999 and is a graduate of Temple University School of Medicine, where she earned her MD in 2002.  She completed a residency in orthopedic surgery from NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City under the tutelage of renowned surgeon Dr. Joseph Zuckerman.  Following her residency, she completed the Altman Fellowship in Orthopedic Trauma at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.  Dr. Takemoto is an active member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, AO North America and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery.

An avid combat sports fan, Dr. Takemoto is a jiujitsu competitor who has competed at and won the International Brazilian Jiujitsu Federation 2022 World Master Championship in Las Vegas.  She trains at Oneonta’s Jiujitsu Academy.  She also enjoys hunting and fishing with her family when she is not in the operating room or seeing patients.  To make an appointment with Dr. Takemoto on the CMH campus in Hamilton or for information, please call 315.824.7040 or visit www.communitymemorial.org/ortho