December Message from Steven L. Strongwater MD, CEO
The information below is an employee update of activities at Stony Brook University Medical Center prepared by Stony Brook University Hospital CEO, Steven L. Strongwater, M.D. Dr. Strongwater distributes a monthly update which is sent to all hospital faculty and staff to communicate initiatives and activities undertaken at the Medical Center to reach goals in the areas of patient satisfaction, patient safety and community connections.
December 2008
We are about to enter a new era. You might think this is an era of change effected by a newly elected U.S. President or one reshaped by the collapse of the financial markets. As it relates to healthcare, the new era is one of accountability. Most of us have been drawn to healthcare to make a difference in people's lives, and in this context we already feel very accountable. However, the public and the business community believe that we need to do a much better job, and do it for less money. They may have a point.
Over the course of nearly twenty years, it has become clear the U.S. does not lead the world in clinical outcomes (e.g., 32 countries have a lower infant mortality rate than the U.S. including Germany, Japan, France, Spain, and Switzerland). At the same time, healthcare in the U.S. is the most sophisticated and the most expensive in the world. In many cases, access is poor, infant mortality rates are high, and survival from several forms of cancer are lower compared to other western nations. There are many examples where we should be doing a much better job, and most believe we are capable of it.
If you were asked, right now, to take a performance test, how would you feel-especially if this test was about your everyday work? Most of us have test anxiety because we recognize no one is perfect and mistakes or misinterpretations happen. No one likes being measured. But like it or not, measurement is being forced upon healthcare and its workers. For the past several years, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has required hospitals to measure and report a set of outcomes, called "core measures," which are a set of measures for myocardial infarction, heart failure, and pneumonia. These results are being tracked and posted online by CMS on its hospital compare website. The notion is that patients will act as consumers in their own self interests and select hospitals that have better outcomes. Over time, hospitals then will find ways to improve care.
It has been shown that the process of disclosure has led to improved outcomes. CMS is therefore expanding its program to many other clinical conditions. Beyond reporting, in the past year the stakes have been raised even higher, because in addition to required reporting (which allows the public to make more informed choices), CMS will now impose a financial penalty for bad outcomes. For patients, this is an excellent provision. For healthcare workers who know how complicated the delivery of care is and that things can go wrong, sometimes related to the patient, sometimes due to human error, and sometimes due to the processes supporting care, this is a great challenge. As healthcare consumers, when we get acutely ill, we don't run to a computer to check on clinical outcomes, we go to the ER. Whether the strategies of disclosure and financial penalties make sense, we should support incentives that lead to improved clinical outcomes.
According to CMS, as stated on its website: "Quality-based purchasing, also known as pay-for-performance, is the use of payment methods and other incentives to encourage quality improvement and patient-focused, high value care. There are many models for financial and non-financial incentives used in pay-for-performance programs or strategies. It is important to remember that pay-for-performance programs should be viewed as only one component of a broader strategy of promoting health care quality."
SBUMC has been ahead of this trend. We already measure hundreds of quality metrics and have been doing so for several years. Multidisciplinary clinical coordinating groups composed of physicians, nurses, clinical assistants, therapists, facilitators, and others meet regularly to develop strategies to improve clinical outcomes. And improve we have! Mortality rates, infection rates, glucose control, hand washing, and many other measures have dramatically improved. We have been recognized for our outcomes locally and nationally. We are committed to continuing this important work.
Recently, we have embarked on a more advanced path to improve care. Not only do we want to adopt best practices, for instance, through the use of "care bundles," we want to anticipate and prevent bad outcomes in the same way we might practice a fire drill so that if there is an unexpected outcome, the treating team will be ready for it. The initial phase of this program is to have each manager, working with his or her staff, identify a potential risk and then go through an exercise called a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA). The managers are being trained now to facilitate FMEAs on each unit. The FMEA will assist in prioritizing and defining risks and defining potential solutions. The team will then implement preventive strategies to avoid risk-prone processes and/or prepare (train) to prevent a poor outcome. I am confident we will find ways to move from reacting to problems (errors, safety risks) to preventing them. As a consequence, our patients will get better care and our clinical outcomes will improve.
Thank you for your help as we work our way through the increasing requirements of measurement toward safer patient care.
STONY BROOK PRIDE
Stony Brook has made great strides in improving the quality of care for our patients. Congratulations to those departments, teams, and individuals who, through hard work and dedication, have been recognized for their achievements and accomplishments through such things as the Quality Symposium Award 2008 from New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System, Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council "Excellence in Patient Safety Award," Consumer Choice Award (National Research Corporation) 2008, and many others.
SBUMC and Southampton Hospital Sign Alliance Agreement
SBUMC and Southampton Hospital announced State of New York approval of a comprehensive alliance between the two healthcare facilities that will bring new and strengthened clinical services to the South Fork of Suffolk County. Southampton Hospital is the third East End hospital to affiliate with SBUMC to facilitate new and strengthened services to the East End of Suffolk County-bringing to conclusion a measure set forth by the Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century (Berger Commission). The agreement provides for a one-call hotline for transfer patients, and in the emerging field of Hospitalist services, Southampton and SBUMC will share ideas and management practices with the goal of improving patient care. The two hospitals will participate in joint continuing medical education (CME) activities and explore the development of an overarching academic affiliation for Southampton with Stony Brook University's Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, Nursing, Social Welfare, and Health Technology and Management. In addition, SBUMC will provide integrated quality monitoring and reporting. Stony Brook also will sponsor Southampton Hospital as an associate member of the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC), providing access to group purchasing and other programs.
Poster Receives 2008 Quality Award for Merit
A poster submitted by the Sepsis Steering Committee highlighting our successful efforts to decrease sepsis mortality received the 2008 Quality Award for Merit from the New York Presbyterian Healthcare System at its Quality Symposium on November 7. The poster was one of 75 poster applications submitted statewide, and together with another Stony Brook poster submission, was one of 25 chosen for display. Of the 25 displayed posters, three received awards. Paul Murphy of CQI accepted the award on behalf of the Sepsis Steering Committee.
SBUMC Reaches Kidney Transplant Landmark-1,000th Transplant!
On November 12, more than 300 kidney patients, family members, living donors, friends, and staff joined together to celebrate the 1,000th kidney transplant performed through the SBUMC Transplantation Program. A milestone for any transplant center, 1,000 transplants is a testimony to the efforts of a dedicated team of professionals with one goal, improving the lives of patients. Our Kidney Transplant Program has the fifth highest volume in New York State, and is in the top 20 percent in the country. Stony Brook University Hospital has received national recognition for decreasing the time from referral to wait list as well as a 20 percent increase in the number of deceased donor transplants last year. All the donors who were present received a special Medal of Honor issued by the State of New York. A video specially created for the event will be posted on our website soon so that all may share in this unique experience.
SBUMC's Organ Donation Conversion Rate
For the period of September 2007 through August 2008, SBUMC's Organ Donation Conversion Rate was 81.8%, which is 6.8% greater than the national United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) goal of 75% or greater. We are one of only three hospitals in the entire region to be at or above the national goal. Congratulations to Drs. Waltzer and Darras, and to the rest of the SBUMC Transplant Team!
NY State Proclamation for SBUMC Prostate Care Program
Senator Kenneth P. LaValle, Selden, on behalf of the State of New York, presented the SBUMC Prostate Care Program with a State of New York Proclamation in recognition of the outstanding commitment and service that Howard L. Adler, MD, Program Director, and staff provide to Suffolk County residents. The Prostate Care Program has provided free cancer screenings to more than 10,000 individuals for more than 10 years. The screenings include an exam, a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test, along with comprehensive prostate cancer awareness materials. Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Early detection is the best chance for survival. The Prostate Care Program holds free screenings at various SBUMC and community locations throughout the year. A screening is scheduled at the Copiague Fire Department on December 15. For more information, call HealthConnect® at 444-4000.
NCI Renews Clinical Trials Approvals for SBUMC Lung Cancer Treatments
In November, the Thoracic Surgery Program received continued approval from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for clinical trials of lung cancer treatment. Effective for three years, the renewal of the approved status is the result of demonstrated compliance with stringent NCI guidelines for the conduct of clinical trials and study data validity, and the diligence of Sunday Campolo-Athans, Karen Sanders, Eileen Zaoutis, and new team member, Eileen Finnin. Clinical trials of lung cancer treatments at SBUMC continue to provide patients with the only available access to these trials in Suffolk County. Our thoracic surgeons play an active role in the Lung Cancer Evaluation Center, which provides comprehensive services to those with suspected lung cancer or with a known diagnosis.
Radiation Oncology Becomes Full RTOG Member
SBUMC's Radiation Oncology Department received approval to become an affiliate member of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG), a national clinical cooperative funded by the National Cancer Institute. SBUMC is the only institution on Long Island and one of about 50 nationwide to be named an affiliate or full RTOG member. The approval means that we can conduct cancer radiation therapy clinical trials in efforts to increase survival and improve quality of life for our patients.
NICU to Participate in Select AHA Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Pilot
SBUMC's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is one of only 60 sites in the U.S. selected to participate in the March of Dimes NICU Family Support® Program. Now, our NICU has the further distinction of being one of seven of those sites to take part in the American Heart Association (AHA) Infant CPR Anytime Personal Learning Program, a pilot program to expand current CPR outreach efforts. The new pilot will offer a select number of NICU families the opportunity to participate in the learning program that allows families, friends, grandparents, siblings, and others caring for infants to learn the core skills of infant CPR and relief of choking in just 22 minutes. Developed in coordination with the American Academy of Pediatrics and using the learning technology of Laerdal Medical, the kit contains everything needed to learn infant CPR and relief of choking.
SBUMC Researchers' Findings Published in JAMA
Stony Brook researchers-Shobha Rani Nalluri, MD; David Chu, MD; Roger Keresztes, MD; and Xiaolei Zhu, MD, PhD-published a meta-analysis in the November 19 issue of JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) that assessed the overall risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the deep veins within the body, such as in the legs or pelvis) with the use of the drug bevacizumab in patients with cancer. In this study, a total of 7,956 patients with a variety of advanced solid tumors from 15 randomized controlled trials were identified and included for analysis. Researchers concluded that the use of bevacizumab was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism in cancer patients receiving this drug. This research received widespread coverage in national and international media.
Trauma Registrar of Distinction Award
On November 18 at the New York State Trauma Advisory Committee in Albany, Emily Huang of Decision Support Services received the Trauma Registrar of Distinction Award for 2008, a peer nomination and peer review process award presented by the New York Division of the American Trauma Society. Well done, Emily!
2008 Teaching Recognition Award
Christopher J. Gallagher, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology, received the 2008 Teaching Recognition Award for Achievement in Education from the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS). The award was one of only two Achievement in Education awards given worldwide by the IARS, a society made up of 15,000 physicians and other health professionals in anesthesia-related practices. For the past 20 years, Dr. Gallagher has trained anesthesiology residents, written extensively on clinical and research anesthesiology topics, including as the author of numerous books on anesthesiology, and has become an internationally recognized expert in simulation education, a key component for medical student and residency clinical skills training in the School of Medicine. Congratulations!
New Director for the Center for Advanced Cardiac Imaging
We are pleased to welcome Michael Poon, MD, who has joined the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Department of Radiology to direct the Center for Advanced Cardiac Imaging. Dr. Poon specializes in cardiac CT and MR. He is past president of the Society of Cardiovascular CT, a "Top Doctor" in New York, and a past recipient of the Young Investigator Award from both the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. The recruitment of Dr. Poon brings us significantly closer to our goal of becoming a world-class Heart Center.
First Cases in New ORs
The first two cases were performed in SBUMC's new operating rooms on November 26. As part of the major modernization project, ten new operating rooms were constructed, bringing our total to 24. The new ORs are ideally situated adjacent to the Emergency Department and on the same floor as Radiology, increasing overall efficiency and the speed in which we can treat trauma patients. The realization of this opening is a tribute to the vision and hard work our OR team. Many thanks to all involved, including Larry Hurst, MD, who performed the first surgery, Kenneth Rosenfeld, MD, and George Tyson, MD.
Dr. Strongwater's Radio Interview
On Sunday, November 23, Steven L. Strongwater, MD, Hospital CEO, was interviewed on "Island Outlook," a radio show hosted by LIRG News Director Frank Brinka. During the 30-minute interview, Dr. Strongwater spoke in-depth about his initiatives and goals for the Medical Center. The show was broadcast on stations WHLI, WKJY, WBZO, WMJC, WLVG, and WRCN. Look for the link we are creating on our homepage!
PATIENT SAFETY
Patient safety is a top priority at Stony Brook. Congratulations to all those who further this effort by contributing their talents and skills.
CQI Presenting at National Forum
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement accepted several posters/abstracts for presentation at its 20th Annual National Forum in Nashville in December. The CQI Department will be presenting posters on the following topics: "Moving Beyond the Central Line Bundle," "A Guide to Developing a Unit-Based Family Advocacy Board," "NICU Nursing Perceptions and Practice: Utilizing the IHI Process to Enhance Patient Care," "Perinatal Care Bundles: Decreasing Variation and Increasing Compliance-A Continuing Journey," and "Expediting the Kidney Transplant Referral to Wait List Process." Great work! Thank you all for your creativity and commitment!
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis Training Focuses on Reducing Risk
All department heads and nurse managers were invited to attend a focused training session on conducting a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA). This analysis allows us to proactively study high-risk processes and identify failure modes (where the process may breakdown). Each failure mode is rated based on frequency, severity and detectability using specific scales and tools. As a result, a risk priority number is calculated. All failure modes with a high-risk priority number require the implementation of risk reduction strategies to enhance safety and reduce risk. All workshop participants were required to submit a high-risk process and proceed with conducting a FMEA. It is anticipated that these initiatives will be completed within a three-month timeframe. Although the Joint Commission requires only one FMEA per year, SBUMC will be a leader in proactively assessing risk by conducting multiple simultaneous FMEAs. Any questions can be directed to representatives from the CQI Department or Carol Gomes at 444-0575.
Crash Cart Supplies
The Code Blue Committee, with the assistance of the Supply Management Department, has updated adult and pediatric crash carts. To help ensure standardization of supplies, a list of supplies added to the carts is now attached to each cart for reference. This is part of a larger set of initiatives to standardize systems across SBUH.
Spotlight on Quality
The Department of Care Management did a superb and very creative collaborative job on their "Spotlight on Quality," breaking all previous records with 251 attendees. The focus was to educate staff about the services available through the departments of Care Management and Social Work. Congratulations for a job well done!
PATIENT SATISFACTION
Units Celebrate Patient Satisfaction Scores
To celebrate and congratulate staff at Preadmission Testing, 11 South, 17 North, and NICU for achieving high ratings in the third quarter on the Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey, trays of gourmet cookies were delivered for all to enjoy. Our deepfelt appreciation to all on these units. Achieving high levels of patient satisfaction means important steps have been made in improving teamwork, communication, and supporting patient and family needs.
Patient Satisfaction Survey Expanded
The Inpatient Satisfaction Survey was recently updated to include a section on resident physicians and questions about the peri-operative experience. The new questions help identify ways to improve service to our patients. Ratings of the peri-operative services were at or above average, while patient ratings of residents were close to average when compared to other hospitals. In addition, in November, we began distributing comments weekly to department managers so that they could be used to recognize staff members who do an outstanding job at meeting patient needs and to also identify areas where service can be improved.
Positive Patient Comments for Radiology
The Department of Radiology has received some very positive comments on patient satisfaction surveys. The following examples illustrate how what we do-and how we do it-affects those we care for.
CT: "Everyone and everything was wonderful and went smoothly."
Nuclear Medicine: "The MD explained everything he did step-by-step..."
MRI: "I wouldn't go to any other facility for any procedure or hospital stay.
I swear by Stony Brook."
Diagnostic X-Ray: "Wonderful experience all around, everyone was very nice. Very
satisfied with care taken by x-ray techs."
Ultrasound: "Excellent hospital, nurses are angels in white. Great staff."
Vascular Lab: "Staff is terrific-friendly and polite. I've been coming here for years and
never had a problem."
Breast Center: "Very impressed with facility and the way the tech made me feel
so comfortable."
Imaging Center: "Great place, great people. As a new patient, it was a wonderful
experience. I would come to Stony Brook in the future...every single person was
so nice."
A Smoke-Free Environment
As a leader in healthcare, our job is to mend, heal, and cure those with illness and disease. We also have a responsibility to help prevent disease and promote good health. That is why as we ring in the New Year, we will also ring in a new, expanded policy to foster a healthier environment for everyone at the Medical Center. As of January 1, we will be smoke-free both inside and out. This includes the grounds of the Medical Center and the Health Sciences Center (HSC), west of Health Sciences Drive, including the Hospital, Ambulatory Surgery Center, Cancer Center and Imaging Center, the Hospital and HSC garages, and all open space around those areas.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Part of our mission is to reach out to the community in a way that benefits the health and well being of residents. My sincere appreciation to Stony Brook staff whose work with the community provide valuable services and resources.
Medical Center's Development Council Expands
The Stony Brook University Medical Center Council, whose mission is to further the Medical Center's vision of becoming a world-class organization through philanthropy and community support, is pleased to welcome four new members from the Long Island community: John J. Gutleber, President and Chief Executive Officer of Castagna Realty in Manhasset; Susan Habberstad, of Habberstad Nissan, Huntington Station; Filomena Lombardi, of Lombardi's on the Sound in Port Jefferson, and Mamma Lombardi's Restaurant and Villa Lombardi's, both in Holbrook; and John C. Tsunis, Esq., partner of the law firm Tsunis & Gasparis LLP in Hauppauge and co-owner of Long Island Hotels.
Three SB Faculty Honored at Carol M. Baldwin Research Gala
The Carol M. Baldwin Research Foundation raises money in support of finding a cure for breast cancer. On November 8, at its annual gala, the Fund honored Doris Weisman NP, MS, and Professor Emerita, with the Penni Hartnett Community Service Award for her service as a public educator and clinician. Drs. Paul Bingham and Zuzana Zachar were awarded the Dr. Michael Maffetone Award for their research. Congratulations!
Raising Awareness about SBUMC's Cochlear Implant Program
Over 150 people attended a patient and professional forum held by the Cochlear Implant Program on October 28 at the Medical Center. The forum was designed to educate the community about the implant program and to promote referrals. Featured presentations included topics such as "What is a Cochlear Implant and How Does it Work?," "Candidacy Criteria," and "Pediatric Considerations." The presenters included cochlear implant surgeon David Schessel, MD, PhD, and audiologists, Mary Bradley, AuD, Melissa Hoffmann, AuD, and Jay Levenberg, MS.
Community Roundtable Held
On November 20, SBUMC convened the second roundtable discussion with influential community leaders, including representatives from county government, not-for-profit organizations, and business and civic organizations. Participants shared their ideas about how the Medical Center is perceived in the community and their suggestions for what we can do to spread the word about the wonderful things we are doing. Describing the Medical Center as "a well-kept secret," they suggested using computerized technology to inform the local community about our achievements. And, they emphasized the importance of our working together as a team to provide the best care possible to the people of Suffolk County.
Pediatric MS Center Receives $100,000 Donation
Country music artist Clay Walker's non-profit charity, Band Against MS (BAMS), recently expanded its mission to include funding research for pediatric multiple sclerosis by partnering with the SBU National Pediatric MS Center. Walker personally presented a check for $100,000 from BAMS to the Center's Director, Dr. Lauren Krupp, during a presentation ceremony in New York on November 21. Walker, who was diagnosed with the disease in 1996, founded Band Against MS in 2003 to provide educational information for those living with MS and fund programs that may one day lead to a cure. To date, Band Against MS has raised more than one million dollars.
Little Miracles Fashion Show Raises Funds
The annual Little Miracles Fashion Show, organized by Jeanne Greenfield, CPNP, and her committee, was held on November 19 at Villa Lombardi's in Holbrook to benefit the Sunrise Fund. More than 700 guests attended the event, which garnered strong support from the community. Dorothy Herman, CEO and President of Prudential Elliman Real Estate, a supporter of many community health initiatives, was honored for her support of the Fund, as was William Gommo, who was honored posthumously. Mr. Gommo's granddaughter, now a college student, was treated at SBUMC for leukemia. SBUMC physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals traded in their white coats to model the latest fashions. Also on the runway were 45 children, adolescents, and young adult patients-the true stars of the show. The Sunrise Fund benefits pediatric patients with cancer and their families. This was a spectacular event. If you missed it, watch for it next year!
Cody Center's Sweet Dreams
Every year, the very best chocolatiers in the area put on a show! A tasty one at that! This popular annual event raises funds to benefit The Cody Center for Developmental Disabilities. Sweet Dreams-An Evening of Chocolate Indulgence-will be held on January 26 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Watermill Caterers in Smithtown. For more information and tickets, call 632-4466.
Speakers Bureau and Health Fairs
During the month of November, members of Stony Brook University Hospital's Speakers Bureau and the Community Outreach nurses participated in lectures and health fairs from as far west as Uniondale to as far east as East Hampton. Our staff provided vital information on breast cancer, children with special needs, sleep apnea, women's heart health, and the importance of screening for colorectal cancer. Dr. Howard Adler provided free prostate cancer screenings at a variety of community sites. Throughout the year, our dedicated nurses, led by Cheryl Schoedler, provide blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol screening. Another team of nurses provides blood pressure screening every month at the Smith Haven Mall Walkers Club. Special thanks to Larry Loewy, Steven Hurley, Jennifer Landa, and the rest of the team that provide this service to our Mall Walkers.
Student Athletes and Others Help Patients in Need with Blood Donations
The Stony Brook University softball team-the 2008 American East Champions-hosted a blood drive with the Medical Center's Blood Bank on November 8. Twenty-one patients in need of blood and blood products benefited thanks to the athletes' participation. Members of SBU' baseball team and coaches also participated in a blood drive, as did others who organized teams to support the Blood Bank in fall 2008, to provide our patients with the gift of life through blood donation. These included the Undergraduate Pharmacology Society, Health Information Management, School of Medicine, Health Sciences Center Student Association, and Theta Phi Alpha. As a result, we had about 143 donors whose donations helped up to 429 patients. The Stony Brook University Medical Center Blood Bank is an independent collection facility, serving patients at the medical center by supplying them with the blood products they need. The need for blood donation is constant and great. For information, call Jennifer Peace at 444-7586.
Copy Center Going Green and Saving Green
We recently changed a protocol in the Copy Center, where the new process is to make all copies double-sided. This will save about $3,700 per year as well as a significant decrease in the use of paper.
Get Into the Spirit!
The Stony Brook Spirit Shop is open now through December at the Smith Haven Mall for all your holiday needs, offering a wide assortment of Stony Brook caps, tees, sweatshirts, mugs, and more. The Stony Brook Spirit Shop is located near the center court across from Santa and will be open seven days a week during regular mall hours. Take advantage of this special opportunity to get your red-hot Stony Brook gear.
My Last Touch
The days are getting shorter. There is now more darkness every twenty-four hours than there is light! The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas actually has the least amount of daylight than any time during the year, as we approach the winter solstice. Perhaps this is why you have to work especially hard to stay optimistic.
This is an interesting time of year, a time of remarkable transitions. The weather is harsh, some would say barely livable; for school-aged children, tests loom ahead; for adults, a dash to ready for the holidays-shopping, cooking, and cleaning. And yet, this is also a time of great rejuvenation with the birth of a new year. The holiday season is special to each of us in different ways...times when friends and families come together, times of great celebrations.
This year will be memorable. History has been made with the election of the first black president in U.S. history. Insurance companies and banks, typically a source of strength and stability, have gone out of business, and the dramatic events on Wall Street have stunned us all. The emotional swings we have experienced have been staggering. The Chinese proverb would remind us, with some jest, "We are blessed to live in interesting times!"
At times like this, let us celebrate what we have and help those who may not have as much. Please support the SBUMC food drive to feed the hungry. Be generous to those in need. Remember, support comes in many ways: emotional, financial, spiritual. Use your imagination. At times like this it is most important to remember what it is that makes us human.
"Judge your success by the degree
that you're enjoying peace, health, and love."
-H. Jackson Brown Jr.
And on a lighter note...some memorable quotes.
"The only reason some people get lost in thought
is because it is unfamiliar territory."
-Paul Fix
"Never argue with a fool.
Someone watching may not be able to tell the difference."
-Unknown
"I am only serious about 20% of the time; one of the great joys
of my life is the fact that I alone know when this is."
-Mark Richards
"The best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice we give others."
-Unknown
Enjoy the holiday season. I wish you all good cheer, good health, and happiness. Celebrate what you have!
Steven L. Strongwater, MD
Chief Executive Officer
Stony Brook University Hospital
Patients first | World-class processes | Teamwork | Growth | Use resources wisely
