As 2023 is bid farewell and the new year is welcomed in, the Community Memorial (CMH) healthcare network takes stock of a year marked by remarkable progress, celebrating significant advancements in both patient care and the addition of new medical staff.

Responding to the growing demand for specialized care within the community, the organization welcomed three new practitioners to its expanding orthopedic practice. Dr. Richelle Takemoto joined the team in March 2023, followed by Dr. Kamaljeet Banga and Physician Assistant Frank Walczak in the last quarter of the year. With the new team, CMH required additional patient care space to accommodate the growing practice.  With this, a state-of-the-art orthopedic practice is slated to open on the hospital campus in the former Mid-York Building, which is scheduled for early 2024. This facility will also host visiting specialists, including Dr. Nicholas Qandah, who specializes in neurosurgery, as the Community Memorial Leadership Team actively recruits other essential providers to meet the diverse needs of patients.

In addition, the Cardiology Department at the Hamilton Family Health Center welcomed Nurse Practitioner Sherri Loucks to join Dr. Avneet Singh and Nurse Practitioner Shelby Sharp in response to the increasing demand for cardiac care. General Surgeon Dr. Gregory Ripich expanded services at both the Hamilton and Cazenovia Family Health Centers, introducing a new vein ablation procedure. Dr. Ripich continues to be a valuable asset to the CMH medical staff, streamlining local patient care.

Community Memorial’s primary care division was thrilled to announce the addition of Nurse Practitioner Kelly North and Doctor of Nursing Practice Michele Brennan-Vuocolo to the medical staff, both now caring for patients at the Morrisville Family Health Center. North also became an integral part of the Urgent Care team in Hamilton during the latter half of the year. Additionally, Dr. Isiah Hammonds, who is experienced in internal medicine, is set to join the primary care team in early 2024, adding valuable expertise to the organization.

Finally, the Emergency Department of Community Memorial witnessed record patient visit volumes, continuing a trend since the opening of the new and expanded space in December 2021. With additional treatment space and reduced wait times compared to other regional hospitals, the ER serves patients 24/7, offering a seamless transition for those requiring admission to the hospital or transfer to a tertiary facility for higher acuity care.

“In looking back at 2023, every provider and staff member should take immense pride in the strides we have taken as a team,” remarked Jeff Coakley, President and CEO. “Amidst change and expansion lies remarkable opportunity, and our dedicated medical team has risen to the occasion, diligently working towards our shared mission of delivering top-notch care to every patient. As we embrace the promise of 2024, our leadership team is taking our momentum into the development of even more services to bring care to patients in Hamilton and surrounding communities.”

For more information about the new 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.  Regularly check the ‘News and Events’ section of the website for the most updated information as services continue to expand.