Emily Griffin, Author at Samaritan Health

February 4, 2025February 4, 2025

Samaritan Family Health Center in Watertown Introduces New FibroScan® Service to Enhance Liver Health Diagnostics

Watertown, N.Y. Samaritan Family Health Center (SFHC) located at 1575 Washington Street, Watertown, is excited to announce the launch of FibroScan®, a non-invasive medical test that assesses liver health in individuals with chronic liver diseases.

FibroScan technology has revolutionized the way healthcare professionals assess liver health, offering an alternative to liver biopsies. This technology uses advanced elastography to measure liver stiffness, which correlates with the degree of liver fibrosis. This non-invasive procedure involves no needles or incisions, making it a comfortable and convenient option for individuals seeking a thorough evaluation of their liver health.

Dr. Ryan Tyler spearheaded the use of FibroScan technology at Samaritan, which has led to the

integration of this non-invasive liver assessment tool into Samaritan’s clinical services offered at the Health and Wellness Plaza. Dr. Tyler, Dr. Benjamin Rudd and Jennifer Ring, AGNP-C have been trained to perform and interpret FibroScan diagnostic tests. Patients can be referred by their primary care or specialist physician for this test, like any other imaging test, and do not need to be a current patient of Samaritan.

“We are proud to offer this advanced technology to our patients,” said Dr. Ryan Tyler at Samaritan Family Health Center. “FibroScan allows us to quickly assess liver health and help identify conditions before they become severe, which is crucial for providing timely and effective care.”

Fibrosis is often a result of chronic liver diseases like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or alcohol-related liver damage. FibroScan can also help identify individuals who may not yet show symptoms of liver disease but are at high risk due to factors like obesity, diabetes, or hepatitis. Detection of liver fibrosis at earlier stages is invaluable for preventing the progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer, and in some cases reverse it. The development of medication capable of reversing liver fibrosis marks a major breakthrough in the treatment of chronic liver diseases.

FibroScan’s non-invasive nature, speed, and reliability make it an essential part of modern liver care, offering patients and doctors a safer, more comfortable way to monitor liver health without the need for invasive procedures. Referrals can be made by calling the SFHC at 315-786-7300.

January 28, 2025January 28, 2025

November 2024 OWL Award Recipients

Graphic depicting OWL Award winners for November, 2024, Christopher Alicie and Shane Dudley.

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its outstanding workers in long term care (OWL) Award recipients for November 2024.

Samaritan Summit Village dietary aide Christopher Alicie, and Samaritan Keep Home clinical dietician Shane Dudley won the OWL Award for their respective facilities.

Alicie was nominated for the OWL Award by a fellow caregiver who said:

“Chris’s teamwork is the best I’ve seen in a long time. As a dietary aide he does many things and accomplishes everything he’s asked to do, and then some. He’s always up to a challenge.”

Dudley was nominated for the OWL Award by a fellow caregiver who said:

“Shane truly cares about his residents and does his best every day. He is thoughtful, helpful and very knowledgeable in all aspects of care. He uplifts all members of the team.”

Alicie and Dudley were presented with certificates and tokens of appreciation during recognition ceremonies at their respective facilities.

These awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY, BEE, and OWL Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Photo of Samaritan Keep Home clinical dietician Shane Dudley, who won the OWL Award for November 2024

Photo of Samaritan Summit Village dietary aide Christopher Alicie, winner of the November 2024 OWL Award

Pictured above is Samaritan Keep Home clinical dietician Shane Dudley and Samaritan Summit Village dietary aide Christopher Alicie, winners of the November 2024 OWL Awards.

About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services

Caregivers at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care and significant assistance with the activities of daily life. Nursing homes have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to help individuals meet their daily physical, social and psychological needs. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy are available to provide rehabilitation services. Samaritan Summit Village also offers Assisted Living with six neighborhoods and apartments that are comfortable, functional, and safe. This facility is for those who need a little extra help while continuing an independent lifestyle.

January 21, 2025January 21, 2025

Weather-Related Closures

Watertown, NY – Due to severe winter weather, all Samaritan clinic locations in the city of Watertown, village of Adams and the town of LeRay will be closing by 3 p.m. today, Tuesday, January 21, 2025, with the exception of Outpatient Behavioral Health and Addiction Services which will close early for in-person appointments with options for virtual appointments for patients in need. All Samaritan patients who were scheduled and are impacted by the early release will be contacted and rescheduled appropriately. This early release and closure for the day include walk-in lab and X-ray services at the Watertown Health and Wellness Plaza. We hope to reopen Wednesday, January 22, 2025, for services. The Cape Vincent and Clayton Family Health Centers, Samaritan Medical Center (hospital), and long term care facilities remain open. Thank you.

Impacted Locations:

Orthopedics
Pulmonology
Women’s Wellness and Breast Care
Watertown Family Health Center
Adams Family Health Center and Dermatology Clinic
LeRay Family Health Center
Plastic Surgery
Gastroenterology
Urology
Rheumatology
Cardiology
Dermatology
Ear, Nose & Throat
Outpatient Behavioral Health and Addiction Services
Pain Management
General Surgery
Samaritan Medical Academic Residency Training (SMART) Clinic
Wound Care

January 14, 2025January 14, 2025

November 2024 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of DAISY and BEE Award Winners for November 2024, Anne Tyler, RN and Paige Boutiette, NA

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY, and BEE Award recipients for November 2024. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members for being excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Anne Tyler, a Registered Nurse (RN) at Samaritan’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children received the DAISY Award. Page Boutiette, a nursing assistant (NA) on Samaritan Medical Center’s Progressive Care Unit received the BEE Award.

The nomination for Tyler came from the mother of an infant who had been in the pediatric unit. They described Anne’s care and compassion not only for their infant child but for them as the mother who was scared and felt alone.

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Tyler was presented with a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Boutiette was nominated for the BEE Award by Sarah Lockwood, a Registered Nurse (RN) on Samaritan’s Progressive Care Unit, saying:

“Page is an exceptional nursing assistant. Despite working dayshift, Page is always willing to help nightshift as well. He is the type of nursing assistant every nurse hopes to have. His kindness and compassion for his patients is obvious and he is exceptionally helpful to nurses as well, even if he isn’t the assigned aide for their patients.”

Boutiette was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

These awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY, and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Photo of Anne Tyler, RN, Daisy Award winner

Photo of Paige Boutiette, NA, Bee Award Winner

Pictured here, from left to right, are November 2024 awardees Anne Tyler, Registered Nurse, and Page Boutiette, nursing assistant.

Paige Boutiette, NA recieves BEE Award with colleagues

Pictured above are the award presentations for Paige Boutiette, NA, and Anne Tyler, RN. They are joined by their colleagues.

About Samaritan Medical Center

Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.

January 10, 2025January 10, 2025

Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York Names 2025 Champion

Watertown, NY — Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Northern New York is pleased to announce 8-year-old Raelynn Graveline of Watertown as its 2025 Champion.

Each year, 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the country identify a champion in their community to serve as the face for children treated at their hospital. Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York at Samaritan Medical Center (CMN) has chosen an annual local champion since 2019. The 2024 Champion was Sophia O’Connor of Carthage.

“Raelynn and her family have been actively involved with our CMN program since she was an infant,” said Angie VanWormer, director of Children’s Miracle Network at Samaritan. “She had a rough start, but now she’s spunky, spirited, and excited to take on this role. Her family is always looking for ways to give back, and we are grateful that they are part of our CMN family.”

Raelynn’s journey began with an unexpected diagnosis: Tetralogy of Fallot, a complex heart condition. At just 21 days old, she underwent open-heart surgery, followed by a rollercoaster recovery filled with challenges. She needed a second surgery, and the financial strain on her family grew. That’s when they learned about the Direct Family Assistance Program offered by CMN at Samaritan. The program provided crucial financial assistance for medical expenses and travel. Today, Raelynn is thriving, and her family is thankful for the support that helped them through their darkest days.

Regarding the assistance provided to them by CMN, Raelynn’s mother, Amanda, says, “You never know when it could be you. I certainly didn’t expect to need it, but when you do, it’s a blessing.” Raelynn’s father, Michael, added, “CMN has helped us out so much, and any time we get a chance to help them back, we take it.”

Through the Direct Family Assistance Program, CMN continues to be there for Raelynn and kids like her to help ease the financial burden of medical care. This program is available to children in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties who are facing a health crisis to help with out-of-pocket costs related to necessary medical care, including travel to specialists and expenses not covered by insurance.

For more information on Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, contact Samaritan Medical Center at 315-785-4053 or [email protected]

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January 2, 2025January 2, 2025

Samaritan Announces First Baby of the New Year

Photo shows newborn baby Beau Belle Tanguay, the first baby born at Samaritan Medical Center in 2025

Watertown, N.Y. – There is an old wives’ tale that suggests babies born on New Year’s Day are lucky for life. It was a very lucky New Year indeed at Samaritan Medical Center’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children, as three bundles of joy arrived January 1, 2025.

The first baby of 2025 at Samaritan is Beau Belle Tanguay, born at 8:28 a.m. to parents Krasila and John Tanguay. Beau weighed in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 19 inches long. Krasila and John say they were not expecting little Beau to arrive on New Year’s Day. Her due date was set for January 25, so her arrival was a big surprise. Now, mom and baby are both doing well and are excited to meet big sister, Raelynn, at home.

“I think it’s cool, having your birthday on New Year’s Day. Everyone is celebrating your birthday anyway!” Krasila said. As for their hopes for baby Beau, Krasila and John say, “We just want her to be healthy and thrive.”

Also born New Year’s Day was Audrey Theresa Rabetoy, to parents Britney Pooler and Logan Rabetoy, weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and measuring 20 inches long. The third baby of the New Year is Edward, who weighed in at 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and 20.5 inches long. We wish all three families good luck and happiness, this year and beyond.

The Tanguay family, the first baby born in 2025 on New Year's Day.

Pictured above is Beau Belle Tanguay, the first baby of the New Year born at Samaritan’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children. Pictured with Beau are her parents, Krasila and John Tanguay.

December 27, 2024December 27, 2024

Samaritan Medical Center Welcomes Palliative Care Specialist

Portrait of Dr. Jane Simpson, palliative care physician

Watertown, N.Y. Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Jane Simpson, a board-certified palliative care physician, to its healthcare team. Dr. Simpson will provide expert palliative care services to patients and their families, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing serious illness.

Dr. Simpson completed her medical degree at Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA. She completed her Family Medicine residency at UHS Wilson Memorial Hospital, Binghamton, NY, and a Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship at Brown University Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Providence, RI. Doctor Simpson is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine for Family Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She is a North Country native and is excited to be back home to provide compassionate care to her neighbors.

Palliative care is a specialized medical care that provides relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for any age and any stage in most serious illnesses, not just cancer. Dr. Simpson brings experience in palliative care, specializing in symptom management, pain relief, and psychosocial support. With a deep commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Simpson works alongside oncologists, nurses, and other specialists to develop personalized care plans that address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of cancer patients and their loved ones.

“Palliative care is an essential component of serious or life-threatening illness, aiming to improve the well-being of patients and provide support during challenging times,” said Dr. Simpson. “I look forward to joining the dedicated team at Samaritan and helping to ensure that each patient receives the care they deserve.”

As a compassionate and skilled physician, Dr. Simpson will work closely with patients to manage complex symptoms, assist in decision-making, and provide comfort to patients and families navigating difficult decisions related to treatment. Palliative care is an integral part of the multidisciplinary approach to care, emphasizing quality of life and dignity at every stage of the illness.

“We are excited to have Dr. Simpson join our team,” said Kay Sullivan, director of oncology services at the Walker Center for Cancer Care. “Her expertise in palliative care aligns with our mission to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients.”

To learn more about palliative care services at Samaritan, visit samaritanhealth.com/palliative.

December 20, 2024December 20, 2024

Samaritan Announces Volunteer Service Award Winner

A group photo showing HIVE award winner Olivia Rappel and Samaritan staff members

Watertown, N.Y. – At Samaritan, there are volunteers who serve at the hospital, long term care facilities, special events, off-site offices and on various boards of our respective entities. Initiated in 2023, the HIVE (Helpful Indeed – Volunteering Excellence) Award is a way to honor those volunteers who have contributed an extraordinary level of dedication and shown exceptional service to Samaritan while consistently demonstrating the organization’s HEART values, which are Honest, Empathetic, Accountable, Respect, and Trustworthy.

Why HIVE? The beehive is symbolic of teamwork, unity, growth, and development. At Samaritan, we are all caregivers, including those who have committed to showing extraordinary compassionate care as a volunteer. We need each other to care for our community.

The HIVE Award complements the existing DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®, the BEE Award (Being Excellent Every Day) honoring other outstanding staff members who support patient care, at the hospital and all outpatient clinics, and the OWL (Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care) for the team of caregivers at the Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village. Altogether, we recognize the amazing caregivers of the Samaritan Health System and the culture we embrace.

The recipient for the third quarter of 2024 is Olivia Rappel. Olivia is a volunteer with Samaritan’s Employee Health team in the Human Resources department.

A Samaritan Caregiver of the Employee Health team nominated Rappel saying, “Olivia has been helping our team for the last five months and has been such an incredible asset to our departments. She is kind, sincere and conscientious and her attention to detail allows us to give her different tasks with minimal instruction. We all enjoy having Olivia around as she has such a positive attitude and will go out of her way to help where needed.”

Those interested in recognizing a Samaritan volunteer may submit an online nomination at samaritanhealth.com/hive there are also paper nomination forms available at the Medical Center and Samaritan Summit Village gift shops.

Pictured here is Olivia Rappel, HIVE Award recipient at Samaritan Medical Center for the third quarter of 2024.

December 19, 2024December 30, 2024

October 2024 OWL Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its outstanding workers in long term care (OWL) Award recipients for October 2024.

Samaritan Summit Village Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Rachel Hughes, and Samaritan Keep Home Certified Nursing Assistant Megan Catlin won the OWL Award for their respective facilities.

Hughes was nominated for the OWL Award by a family member of a Samaritan Summit Village resident who said:

“Rachel is so welcoming, and she shows my loved one great care. Knowing Rachel is there for my loved one is a true blessing.”

Catlin was nominated for the OWL Award by Samaritan Keep Home Director of Nursing, Megan Larkins, with the following statement for nomination:

“Megan is kind and compassionate. She cares for our residents as if they are her own family. She goes above and beyond to provide safe, quality care to all our residents. She is patient and gentle when she cares for our vulnerable residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Megan always comes to work with a smile on her face and greets our residents with a warm welcome to Samaritan Keep Home.”

Hughes and Catlin were presented with certificates and tokens of appreciation during recognition ceremonies at their respective facilities.

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Pictured here, from left to right, are October 2024 OWL awardees Rachel Hughes, CNA, and Megan Catlin, CNA.

About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services Caregivers at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care and significant assistance with the activities of daily life. Nursing homes have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to help individuals meet their daily physical, social and psychological needs. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy are available to provide rehabilitation services. Samaritan Summit Village also offers Assisted Living with six neighborhoods and apartments that are comfortable, functional, and safe. This facility is for those who need a little extra help while continuing an independent lifestyle.

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