hospital

Northern Westchester Hospital Receives The Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award ™ 2019

June 4, 2019 by The Inside Press

Mt. Kisco, New York— Northern Westchester Hospital has received The Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ 2019, which recognizes hospitals for outstanding performance in delivering a positive experience for patients during their hospital stay. The annual award given by Healthgrades, a leading online resource for information about physicians and hospitals, recognizes hospitals around the country that make patient safety a top priority and provide an outstanding patient experience.

“We are delighted to be recognized with this important award,” said Maria Hale, PsyD, MBA, Associate Executive Director at NWH. “As a teaching hospital and nationally recognized leader for patient-centered care, NWH is committed to creating innovative programs and services that are fundamentally attentive to the needs of our patients and their families.

Our patients’ health and well-being is our top priority, and we strive to provide our patients and their families with the best possible experience. We have a number of programs in place including the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center, the Aranow Art Cart, our Food is Care program, Pet Therapy and Integrative Medicine, which support the delivery of patient-centered care, which we believe is essential in ensuring the best outcomes for our patients and their families.”

In 2019, 434 hospitals received The Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award™, representing the top 15 percent of hospitals in the nation for patient experience. As part of the analysis, Healthgrades evaluated 3,449 hospitals that submitted at least 100 patient experience surveys to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), covering admissions from January 2017 through December 2017 to identify hospital performance in this area.

“Consumers are becoming more involved in their own health care, and are spending more time researching and selecting the right provider and hospital for their specific needs. Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ highlights the hospitals that are making patient experience a priority and will help patients feel confident to make more informed decisions about their health care,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical officer, Healthgrades.

Healthgrades evaluated hospital performance by applying a scoring methodology to nine patient experience measures, using data collected from a 32-question patient experience survey of the hospital’s own patients. The survey questions focus on patients’ perspectives of their care in the hospital, ranging from cleanliness and noise levels in patient rooms to factors such as provider communication. The measures also include whether a patient would recommend the hospital to friends or family.

Healthgrades found that 81 percent of patients would recommend Northern Westchester Hospital, 11 percent higher than the national average. It also found that 79 percent of patients gave the hospital a rating of nine or 10, 10 percent higher than the national average.

This is the third year that Northern Westchester Hospital was awarded Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award ™. It also received Healthgrades Stroke Care Excellence Award in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

For more information about Patient Centered Care and Innovation at NWH, visit https://nwhc.net/about-us/patient-centered-care.

About Northern Westchester Hospital

Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH), a member of Northwell Health, provides quality, patient-centered care that is close to home through a unique combination of medical expertise, leading-edge technology, and a commitment to humanity. Over 650 highly-skilled physicians, state-of-the-art technology and professional staff of caregivers are all in place to ensure that you and your family receive treatment in a caring, respectful and nurturing environment. NWH has established extensive internal quality measurements that surpass the standards defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Hospital Quality Alliance (HQA) National Hospital Quality Measures. Our high-quality standards help to ensure that the treatment you receive at NWH is among the best in the nation. For more information, please visit www.nwhc.net and connect with us on Facebook

About Northwell Health

Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with 23 hospitals, about 750 outpatient facilities and more than 13,600 affiliated physicians. We care for over two million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Our 69,000 employees – 16,000-plus nurses and 4,000 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners – are working to change health care for the better. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We’re training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. For information on our more than 100 medical specialties, visit Northwell.edu.

Look Back at the 125th Anniversary White Plains Hospital Gala

October 13, 2018 by The Inside Press

The Friends of White Plains Hospital hosted the 125th Anniversary Gala of White Plains Hospital on Saturday, September 29th. The sold-out evening at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club, the site of the Hospital’s first gala in 1956, raised $1.7 million for Hospital programs and services. 800 guests enjoyed a historical video tribute showcasing the Hospital’s remarkable longevity in the community, followed by dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and fireworks display.

Betsy Gordon and Dr. Mark Gordon, of Armonk; Dr. Julianne Dunne, of White Plains

Seth Lerner, MD; Helen Jhang, MD; Frances Bordoni; and Fred Berardinone, all of Armonk

Dr. Randy Stevens of Scarsdale, Dr. Bradley Adler and his wife, Lauren, of Chappaqua

Being Grateful & Giving Back: The Wonderful Volunteers of Northern Westchester Hospital

October 22, 2017 by Janine Crowley Haynes

In the spirit of giving thanks and giving back, it’s only appropriate to shine a spotlight on volunteers who give their time, personal experience, and expertise. We turned to Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) and their volunteer programs and met with six of these inspirational volunteers serving NWH and our community.

Director of Volunteer Services Ellen Muentener oversees approximately 250 volunteers at the hospital. From high school and college students to senior citizens, NWH volunteers are passionate about what they do. Volunteers enhance the lives of others without the need for fanfare. Yet with each individual I met, the overwhelming consensus was that volunteering gives them much more than they give. However, volunteering is not for the faint of heart. You have to be tough while being kind, emotionally strong while being compassionate, and tireless while being tested.

Aside from the obvious benefits, what makes an individual want to volunteer?

In an article in Psychology Today, Dawn Carr, MGS, PhD, lists five benefits to volunteering. One benefit, in particular, stands out–volunteering gives you a sense of purpose. Volunteers live longer too. Volunteering also helps you to step outside yourself and your own life challenges and gives you a fresh, new perspective.

Let’s meet just a few of these impressive NWH volunteers:

Judy McGrath

Judy McGrath, is a 12-year volunteer and former president of Twigs-Thriftree Shop located at 449 Lexington Avenue in Mt. Kisco. Judy is a Chappaqua resident and an active member in the community including being involved with the New Castle Historical Society, the Chappaqua School Foundation, the PTA, and the Girl Scouts.

“I believe it’s so important to give back to the community,” says Judy.

Twigs of NWH was formed in 1945 and, currently, has 160 members split up into nine groups. However, its humble roots date back to 1887, where a small group would get together to hem hospital table napkins for Rochester City Hospital. The group started to grow, and Twigs groups began to crop up in hospitals all around the country.

Twigs is a not-for-profit organization set up exclusively to support Northern Westchester Hospital. “We are so fortunate to have such a great hospital right here in our community,” says Judy. Over the last 12 months, Twigs donated 78,500 volunteer hours. It’s impressive that a little thrift shop in Mt. Kisco could make such an impact benefiting the hospital. To date, Twigs has donated $3,300,000 to NWH. The shop offers a variety of items for sale like clothing, books, jewelry, household items, etc. In addition, Twigs volunteers put together layettes for the Prenatal Care Clinic that provides comprehensive care to underinsured and uninsured pregnant women in Westchester and Putnam Counties, helping to ensure healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. Twigs also provides unique items such as cough pillows and tray favors to patients during the holidays.

This year, Twigs presented a check to NWH for $100,000. Each of the following NWH programs will receive $25,000: The Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center (KHCC), where family caregivers find respite and support; The Bruce and Andrea Yablon Cancer Health and Wellness Program, created to empower patients diagnosed with cancer to live a healthy lifestyle in ways that powerfully touch mind, body and spirit; the Community Health Education and Outreach Program, which partners with schools and local groups to build a healthier community; and the Integrative Medicine Program, dedicated to enhancing patients’ health and wellness.

You can find a Twigs Serenity Garden inside the Cancer Health and Wellness Center and the Twigs Healing Garden outside the Emergency Department.

Each year, Twigs members get together and decide which areas and/or programs Twigs would like to support. Whether you volunteer, donate items to the shop, or shop at Twigs-Thriftree, you will be making your own generous contribution to NWH.

Jo Cherubini

Jo Cherubini, at 83 years old and a 50-year Mt. Kisco resident, is a vibrant, tireless volunteer in the Westchester community. In addition to being a 20-year volunteer at NWH, Jo volunteers twice a week at the Rosary Hill Home, an end-of-life facility based in Hawthorne. She is also involved with the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry.

At NWH, you can usually find her on Wednesdays at the front desk of the Wallace Pavilion, but she also takes on other roles. “I feel a volunteer should go where they are needed,” says Jo. Whether it’s helping with blood drives, stuffing envelopes, delivering greeting cards to patients, or making sure wheelchairs are accessible at the front entrance–Jo is on it. Working at the front desk is not without its challenges. “Typically when people walk into the hospital, it’s not on the best of circumstances…unless they’re visiting the maternity ward,” says Jo. “They need to be received and guided with patience,” she adds.

Jo with Ellen Muentener PHOTO BY JANINE CROWLEY HAYNES

Jo is the recipient of the 2017 Mary B. Robbins Beacon of Light Award which is given by NWH to the volunteer of the year. In lieu of the personal gifts she would have received from NWH, Jo asked if it could be in the form of a monetary donation to be split up between two of her charities—Rosary Hill Home and the Mount Kisco Food Pantry.

“I love this hospital and its mission to provide quality care to the community,” says Jo. “The people who work here are open and receptive. It’s a family atmosphere and that makes for a pleasant experience,” she adds.

In addition to all of her volunteer activities, Jo finds the time to knit and crochet blankets for children with cancer. She’s made over 1,000 blankets so far. Jo has also made hundreds of hats for infants that have been born at NWH.

If you would like to donate some yarn for her projects, please feel free to leave it at the front desk of the Wallace Pavilion. She would greatly appreciate it.

Idelle Skriloff

Idelle Skriloff volunteers at the Ken Hamilton Caregivers Center (KHCC) located in the Wallace Pavilion of the hospital. KHCC was founded by Armonk resident Marian Hamilton in loving memory of her husband, Ken Hamilton. Marian was the primary caregiver to her husband when he was sick. The experience was stressful and, at times, isolating. After her husband passed away, Marian founded the KHCC, the first in-hospital facility of its kind in the entire New York Metropolitan region. Named in memory of her husband and inspired by her experience caring for her husband through his illness, while juggling her role as a mother to two teenage daughters, gave her a firsthand understanding that hospitals are often not equipped to help caregivers in a meaningful way. With a vision to support family caregivers, Marian approached Northern Westchester Hospital. Since its inception, the KHCC has had over 60,000 family interactions, demonstrating the vast need for caregiver support.

For ten years, Idelle Skriloff has been one of over 30 volunteers at KHCC. “I wanted to do something meaningful to give back to the community,” she says. “At times, my husband and I have been patients at NWH, and we received such great care.” What makes Idelle well-suited for this particular type of volunteer work is her kind, compassionate spirit that comes along with being a retired special education teacher from Fox Lane. Idelle volunteers once a week seeking caregivers on the floor to engage in conversation and offer appropriate support as needed. “We let them know we are there for them if they have any questions or need information, and we invite them to the center to relax and unwind,” says Idelle. “Sometimes caregivers just need emotional support. Sometimes they need information and resources.”

KHCC’s volunteer training is intensive. Trainees will shadow a seasoned volunteer for three to six months and are also expected to make a long-term commitment to the center.

KHCC has extended their services with a ‘Stay in Touch’ program where volunteers reach out to caregivers after discharge via telephone. Idelle describes her volunteer experience as uniquely rewarding: “I am so grateful to have a hospital like NWH in our community. Volunteering gives me so much more than I give.”

Joanna Cirasella

Joanna Cirasella, Briarcliff resident and a massage therapist at the Chappaqua Wellness Center, volunteers her time at NWH twice a week. She and her 10-year-old pet therapy Norfolk terrier, Mandy, make their rounds at the hospital. For Joanna, her mission is personal. She is a 5-year breast cancer survivor. Joanna wanted to give back to the hospital that took great care of her. “They’re like family to me,” says Joanna. Mandy and Joanna typically visit the Cancer Center, the Breast Institute, and the Women’s Imaging Center. They also make visits to the oncology inpatient units. “Mandy opens the door. Once you say to a patient ‘I sat in that same chair,’ a whole other dialogue happens.”

For her service, Joanna received the prestigious International Pet Therapy Team Planetree Award. In addition to visiting patients, Joanna is on the Cancer Patient Advisory Council, designed to be the voice of the patient by providing ongoing insight into actual patient and family experiences.

Joanna is also involved with NWH’s Living with Cancer Support Group. She’s held fundraising events at Le Jardin du Roi with proceeds going to the NWH Cancer Health & Wellness Program. Joanna is also an accomplished photographer. You can also find several of her photographs hanging in the Cancer Center.

Sophie Peterfreund

Sophie Peterfreund, a Bedford Hills resident, has been volunteering in the Emergency Department at NWH for six years and was a member of the NWH President’s Junior Leadership Council during her sophomore, junior and senior years at Fox Lane. The President’s Junior Leadership Council is made up of high school students in Northern Westchester. PJLC members develop projects that are meaningful to them about health issues affecting their peers.

Whenever she is home, you can find her in the Emergency Department helping out at the security desk at NWH helping out at the security desk and checking in patients. She is passionate about the hospital and loves tapping into its spirit and energy. The fast-paced atmosphere of urgent care is well-suited to her particular skill set. “It may sound strange, but ever since I was young, I loved going to the doctor,” says Sophie.

Sophie is a junior at Stony Brook University and hopes to attend physician’s assistant school after she graduates. Sophie is also an EMT in her town.

If you’re interested in volunteering at NWH, please contact Ellen Muentener, Director, Volunteer Services emuentener@northwell.edu.

White Plains Hospital Urgent Care Center in Armonk

December 1, 2016 by Andrew Vitelli

whiteplainshosptial_image-2 — The team at White Plains Hospital Medical and Wellness in Armonk.

Since last fall, Armonk residents have had one of the region’s top urgent care centers right outside their doors.

White Plains Hospital Medical and Wellness, a 24,000-square-foot facility on Armonk’s Business Park Drive, opened last November and has served thousands of patients from northern Westchester and Connecticut.

“What people will find in Armonk is urgent care that goes well beyond basic services,” says Frances Bordoni, Senior Vice President of Ambulatory and Physician Services and Business Development at White Plains Hospital. “Our physicians are able to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions. They have access to the Hospital’s extensive clinical resources, and they can support patients after an urgent care visit, right here in the community, through referrals to and communication with our extensive physician network.”

The urgent care center is geared towards patients with injuries or illnesses that require immediate medical attention but aren’t necessarily serious enough to merit a trip to the emergency room. This includes sore throats, the flu, or common sprains.

“As one of only two hospital-operated urgent care centers in New York State, we are able to provide a higher level of care than most urgent care centers that offer only basic labs, basic x-rays,” says Farrukh Jafri, M.D., Co-medical Director of Urgent Care. “Here you’ll always be seen by an Emergency Medicine physician. We also have on-site imaging, and we can analyze blood work and labs in real time.”

The center is open seven days a week, from 3 to 11 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, while a full-service Diagnostic Imaging Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. For more information, the public is invited to call 914-849-7900 or visit www.wphospital.org. The center is located at 99 Business Park Drive in Armonk.

Northern Westchester Hospital: Our Hospital, Our Doctors, Our Neighbors

April 21, 2016 by The Inside Press

(L-R): NWH Foundation Board member and Volunteer Jennifer Gefsky ; Director of Gynecologic Oncology Dr. Iris Wertheim (seated to left); Medical Director of Women’s Imaging Center Dr. Bonnie Litvack; NWH President and CEO Joel Seligman; Associate Medical Director Dr. Michael Rosenberg; and Community Health Education and Outreach Director Maria Simonetti (seated on right).
Photo by Cathy Pinsky

By Janine Crowley Haynes

Like most, I drive past our community hospital, Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH), to and from errands without giving much thought as to the goings on. Honestly, I didn’t want to know because that would mean I was either a patient or visiting a loved one. The truth is, real life finds us in the predicament of needing hospital care. Whether it’s for the happy event of the birth of a child or a visit to the ER or for surgery–we, as a community, rely on our hospital to be there in times of need.

At first, I planned on writing this article from the detached, sterile perspective of just reporting the facts without injecting opinion, but after a personal tour of the hospital and meeting with the CEO, several physicians/surgeons, directors, and a volunteer, I decided there is really no way I can write this from a standpoint devoid of emotion, mainly due to my encounter with everyone I had the privilege to meet.

With each interview, I was met with one dynamic personality after another–enthusiastic fervor equally blended with a compassionate demeanor.

Aside from sharing a sense of pride in what they do, their affiliation and, dare I say, love of NWH is fierce and territorial. I collectively heard, “This is not just where we work; This is our hospital; This is where we come to have our children; This is where we come when we’re sick.”

Geraldine C. and Joseph M. La Motta outside an operating room named for them

Those sentiments should come as no surprise given that approximately 50 doctors affiliated with NWH reside in Chappaqua alone. These extraordinary people are not only our doctors, directors, and volunteers, but they are our neighbors who inherently care about the health and wellbeing of our surrounding communities as a whole. And they put their money where their mouth is. “The financial participation by our physicians is outstanding. In the last major campaign to raise money to build a new Surgical Services Suite, of the over $15 million raised, physicians donated over $2 million,” says NWH Foundation President Keeva Young-Wright.

The philanthropic support of the community plays a vital role in making NWH stand out from other hospitals. Over $100 million has been raised from private donors and organizations since before its inception in 1916. In fact, it was fundraising that enabled the founders to build the first hospital. “Northern Westchester Hospital is our hospital…It behooves all of us to invest in something so important in our lives,” says Chappaqua resident Dr. Michael Rosenberg, Chief of Plastic Surgery, Vice President for Physician Surgical Services and Associate Medical Director at NWH.

Northern Westchester Hospital Celebrates its Centennial

This year marks NWH’s 100th anniversary. Back in 1916, it started out as a 15-bed hospital in Mt. Kisco. It was the mission of community leaders to provide quality healthcare to residents closer to home rather than having to make the long trip into New York City. Today, NWH continues the mission of providing quality care close to home. The hospital has changed and evolved with the times. Its list of awards and accreditations is lengthy and impressive.

Approximately 700 high-caliber physicians are affiliated with NWH–a large majority from Mount Kisco Medical Group/CareMount Medical and Westchester Health. Along with an award-winning nursing staff, NWH provides exceptional patient-centered care in a modernized facility with state-of-the-art technology, including robotic-assisted surgery. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place last March, opening the doors to the newly constructed 25,000 square-foot Surgical Services Suite.

From left: Joel Seligman and Nancy Karch lead a ribbon cutting ceremony with Pat Reilly and Joan Stewart in front of the interactive historical timeline.

The design concept is one of openness and light with soothing colors. Wider hallways are flooded with natural light leading up to the pre/post-op recovery area with 14 roomy recovery bays designed with comfort and privacy in mind for patients and family members. There are six new operating rooms–each a generous 700 square feet. Much of the state-of-the-art equipment suspends from the ceilings, allowing staff to move more freely. The second phase of construction will include the renovation of the existing operating rooms and additional recovery bays. “With our highly accomplished physicians, award-winning staff, and cutting-edge technology and equipment, you don’t have to go into Manhattan. It’s all right here,” says President and CEO Joel Seligman. “NWH is not a teaching hospital,” Seligman notes. “Although teaching hospitals are necessary, here at NWH, there are clear advantages for the patient and family–they get to see the doctors who are actually treating them,” says Seligman.

Connected to the Community & Moving Forward

In addition to NWH’s continual commitment to quality care, its focus is on bringing the important message of prevention and being proactive when it comes to our health. “We want to promote a healthier lifestyle, get parents involved, schools involved,” says Seligman. “NWH is passionate about the health and wellness of those in the surrounding communities, and we’re bringing programs to inspire people to consider change,” says Maria Simonetti, Director of Community Health & Outreach.

One such preventative measure is to gauge current health trends in the community and figure out different ways to address them. “The current needs have to do with the aging population. People are living longer with one or more chronic diseases,” says Seligman. “They are taking many medications and being treated by several doctors….There needs to be more communication for overall care and safety.”

Other health trends relate to younger people with substance abuse, stress, and depression.

Northern Westchester Hospital is now part of Northwell Health, one of 21 hospitals affiliated with North Shore-LIJ Health System. “Today, it’s impossible to be a community hospital on your own,” says Seligman. “We took great care and consideration in aligning with a health system that better serves our community helping to reduce costs while continuing to improve the overall quality of care,” adds Seligman.

President and CEO of NWH Joel Seligman with his wife, Joyce

In Good Hands

As you’ll see from the impressive profiles of just a few of the professional dynamos at NWH, I feel incredibly lucky to have been given this assignment. Now when I drive past the hospital, I have an in-depth understanding of the amazing things NWH is doing for its patients and the community as a whole. In some ways, our hospital is a reflection of the community it serves, and I’m happy to report NWH is alive, well, and thriving.

Janine Crowley Haynes, Chappaqua resident, freelance writer, and author of My Kind of Crazy: Living in a Bipolar World

Northern Westchester Hospital has earned a number of awards and accreditations for its services. A few of these awards can be found at the conclusion of this story at theinsidepress.com.

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, Inside Chappaqua & Inside Armonk Magazines wanted to focus on women’s health in particular and highlight some of the doctors, directors, and volunteers at Northern Westchester Hospital.

Iris Wertheim, M.D.

Director, Gynecologic Oncology Program at NWH; Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons; Residency: Brigham & Women’s Hospital (a Harvard University Hospital)

Dr. Wertheim brings along 20 years of surgical experience and is highly trained in da Vinci robot-assisted gynecologic surgery. Dr. Wertheim performs three to six surgeries per week, mainly hysterectomies related to endometrial cancer. “The fact that the da Vinci robot is ergonomically designed for the surgeon is truly a huge advancement,” says Dr. Wertheim.

The surgeon is in complete control and sits comfortably using high-definition 3D imaging and able to maneuver controls with precision. The advantages of minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery are smaller incisions, decreased blood loss, lower risk of infection, and a faster recovery period.

Although under-reported, endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) is the most common form of gynecological cancer in women in the United States. Most at risk are post-menopausal women between ages 55 and 64. Endometrial cancer is caused by the overproduction of estrogen. Since the uterine lining has estrogen receptors, it makes the uterus highly reactive to estrogen.

The elevated levels of estrogen circulating in the bloodstream can overstimulate the cells in the uterus, which could lead to uncontrolled growth that can turn into cancer. The most common symptom of endometrial cancer is bleeding after menopause or excessive or irregular bleeding in non-menopausal women. “It’s important to see your gynecologist at the first sign of abnormal bleeding. Like for many cancers, early diagnosis can help improve outcome,” states Dr. Wertheim.

Interestingly, obesity is the largest cause of endometrial cancer in American women. Having a BMI greater than 30 is considered obese. Excess fat cells store a hormone, androstenedione, which converts to estrogen. Because the obesity rate has risen in recent years, so has the risk of endometrial cancer. However, the use of certain drugs, hypertension, familial cancer, and diabetes can also be contributing factors. “A patient with a new cancer diagnosis is often traumatized and mostly needs compassion and understanding. Once the cancer treatment is complete, it can be an opportunity to encourage healthy lifestyle choices,” says Dr. Wertheim.

Every year, Dr. Wertheim travels on surgical missions with a team of six, including three surgeons, one anesthesiologist, and two nurses. The team has been to Honduras, Bolivia, and Uganda. This October, the team will travel again to Honduras to perform gynecological procedures.

Dr. Wertheim resides in Chappaqua with her husband, Dr. David Bereck, and two children: Hannah, 19, a freshman at Barnard, and Henry, 16, a junior at Greeley. She stresses the importance of preventative measures for raising a healthier generation. “Maintaining a healthy weight with diet and exercise is very important.”

Bonnie Litvack, M.D.

Medical Director, Women’s Imaging Center at NWH

Under the leadership of Dr. Litvack, the American College of Radiology has acknowledged NWH’s Women’s Imaging Center as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. Dr. Litvack has been with NWH since 2006 and brings along expertise in all aspects of women’s imaging. The latest cutting-edge technology is 3D mammography (or breast tomosynthesis) which gives a more accurate image of the breast. It has the same compression but reads thinner sections through the breast, giving it a clearer image. 3D imaging detects more cancerous masses, distortions, and micro-calcifications. In addition, 3D technology has less false positives and less call back rates. The two other supplemental screenings are sonograms and MRIs, which pick up on another three percent of cancers.

When it comes to breast health, it’s all about being proactive. “Annual mammograms starting at the age of 40 have been proven to save lives through early detection,” says Dr. Litvack. There’s a lot of information swirling around the internet about breast cancer. The information can be overwhelming and often inaccurate. To discern myth from fact, Dr. Litvack suggests referring to trusted websites. NWH’s website, nwhc.net, lists a number of trustworthy links. Another good resource is the Society of Breast Imaging’s link, endtheconfusion.org. Since the 1980s, when regular mammography screening began, breast cancer death rates decreased by 30 percent.

The typical age to have your first mammogram is 40, unless there is a history of breast cancer, then mammograms should start at age 30. However, 75 percent of women do not have high risk factors, which stresses the importance of mammography screening. Regular mammogram screenings save approximately 15,000 to 20,000 lives in the U.S. each year. Annual visits to your gynecologist, self and clinical exams are encouraged before age 40.

Dr. Litvack resides in Chappaqua with her husband, Craig Penn, and three children: Sydney, 15, and twin daughters, Haley and Carly, 9. “NWH is a terrific hospital. The level of care among the staff is high. I feel very lucky to work here.” Dr. Litvack has received numerous awards and honors and has served as president of the Westchester County Medical Society and as president of the Westchester Academy of Medicine. She has also served as a delegate for New York State Radiological Society to the Medical Society of the State of New York and is a counselor to the American College of Radiology. She is also an alternate delegate to the American Medical Association from the Medical Society of the State of New York.

Michael Rosenberg, MD

Director of the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine; Vice President for Physician Surgical Services; and Associate Medical Director. Attended Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons. Residency: Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center

Dr. Rosenberg has been with NWH for 21 years and wears many hats. He lends his surgical expertise to perform aesthetic breast reconstruction after the diagnosis of breast cancer. “Our main focus is to treat the patient as a whole and put them back on the road to recovery,” says Dr. Rosenberg. New York State now requires doctors to have a discussion with breast cancer patients about the various reconstruction options available to them during their cancer surgery. “Combining both procedures simultaneously enhances the patient’s aesthetic appearance, and when the surgeon knows reconstruction is to follow, he or she is able to ensure wider margins resulting in lower rates of recurrence,” notes Dr. Rosenberg.

“Today, there are many reconstructive options available for women with a diagnosis of breast cancer utilizing the same techniques as in cosmetic breast surgery. Unfortunately, we cannot change the diagnosis of cancer, but we can empower women to take control and decide on what’s best for them. Giving my patients the knowledge to do just that during such a challenging time is extremely important to me,” says Dr. Rosenberg. In addition to traditional Western medicine and support groups, NWH provides a full-continuum of care including holistic integrative medicine, like acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology, yoga, meditation and guided imagery–all designed to treat the patient as a whole.

Dr. Rosenberg resides in Chappaqua with his wife, Lee Gruber, M.D., and four children: Meryl, 22; Dean, 19; Ashley, 17; and Tyler, 13. Rather than working in Manhattan, where he attended Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, he chose to work close to home to spend more time with his family. Dr. Rosenberg was inspired to go into the field of plastic surgery after seeing a photo presentation of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital during the time of the Vietnam War. He received a Commendation Medal for service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and a Governor’s Citation of service as President of the Medical Society of the State of New York.

Maria Simonetti

Director, NWH Community Health Education & Outreach

Maria Simonetti has been with NWH for 10 years and brings along 30 years of experience in community health education and outreach. Her job is extensive and entails reaching out on behalf of NWH in various ways to educate and offer support to effect positive, healthy change in the community. One program Simonetti oversees is NWH’s President’s Junior Leadership Council consisting of students from various high schools including Horace Greeley, Fox Lane, Byram Hills, John Jay, and Yorktown.

Each year, the Council decides on a public health project targeting peers via social marketing campaigns, like underage drinking, smoking, body image, nutrition, etc. The projects are designed to grab the attention of their peers and are jam-packed with vital information. With the Be Smart Not Sorry campaign, the Council created at-a-glance fold-up cards that fit in a wallet, addressing alcohol, alcohol poisoning, and what to do “when things go awry.” Another campaign targeted smoking with a shockingly graphic handout showing the toxic ingredients in cigarettes.

Over 10 years, the Leadership program has grown from eight participating students to an impressive 48. “I feel a tremendous connection to the young people in the program,” says Simonetti. She remains extremely close to the students who move through the program.

Simonetti also oversees clinical outreach programs, serving the underserved, and received a grant for a six-week pilot program focusing on the Latino community counseling young mothers on health and nutrition, parent/child togetherness groups, and exercise classes.

Maria Simonetti grew up in Armonk and currently resides in Mount Kisco. Her son, Michael, 18, attends SUNY Oswego. “NWH is my hospital. I delivered my son here…It’s an honor and privilege for me to give back to the community where I grew up.”

Jennifer Gefsky

NWH Foundation Board/Volunteer

Jennifer Gefsky has lived in Chappaqua for 11 years with husband David Gefsky and their three children: Grace, 12, Henry, 10, and Blake, 5. Gefsky was a labor and employment attorney for Proskauer Rose LLP from 1996 to 2000, then was hired by Major League Baseball as Deputy General Counsel-Labor, then promoted to Vice President-Labor. In 2007, Gefsky chose to devote her time to raising her children and got involved in several community-oriented activities including the Chappaqua PTA. “Volunteering helps me connect with the community,” says Gefsky. For the past two years, Gefsky has volunteered her time and sits on the NWH Foundation Board and helps raise funds for and awareness about the hospital. “Everyone is really busy, but volunteering doesn’t have to take up all your time.”

Gefsky is once again a working mother. Six months ago, she, along with a partner, launched après, a boutique digital community that empowers and inspires women to realize professional goals without sacrificing lifestyle ambitions. Although her life is busy, volunteering is important to her. “It’s important for kids to see their parents volunteering.…We pass along those values to our children.”

NWH’s Accreditations & Awards (just to name a few)

Five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for patient satisfaction

The Breast Institute at NWH granted a three-year full-accreditation for clinical excellence by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)

The Women’s Imaging Center at NWH awarded Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by The American College of Radiology

NWH’s Magnetic Resonance Imaging accredited by the American College of Radiology

Accreditation from the FDA-Mammography Quality Standards Act

American College of Radiation Oncology accreditation

Cancer Gold Standard accreditation to NWH’s Cancer Treatment & Wellness Center

U.S. News & World Report recognizes NWH as one of the top hospitals in the New York Metro area and lists NWH in the Best Regional Hospital category in two specialties: gynecology & orthopedics

Magnet Recognition—overall excellence in nursing service and quality of care to patients and the community

NWH, one of the first of five hospitals nationwide to receive the prestigious recognition of Designated Planetree Patient-Centered Care Hospital with Distinction.