Emily Griffin, Author at Samaritan Health

December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

August and September 2025 OWL Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to recognize four exceptional team members as the August and September 2025 recipients of the Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award. These dedicated employees were so busy providing exceptional care that their award presentations were briefly delayed.

At Samaritan Summit Village, Caren Joy Beboso, Home Health Aide, was honored for August, and Danielle McLean, Administrative Secretary for Assisted Living, was recognized for September.

At Samaritan Keep Home, the August honoree was Kathleen Wilken, Certified Nursing Assistant, and the September honoree was Calandra Bryant, Nurse Practitioner.

Each of these caregivers is known for providing exceptional care and compassion to co-workers, residents, and visitors. They consistently go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them. One nomination noted, “Their contributions have a lasting positive impact on both residents and colleagues alike.” Another stated that they “leave a lasting impact on both residents and colleagues.” With this level of professionalism, our long term care services continue to be exceptional.

Each honoree received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies at their respective facilities.

The OWL Award celebrates the everyday heroes who go the extra mile to provide excellent care and support in Samaritan’s long term care communities. Nominations are accepted year-round from residents, families, and colleagues.

To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Pictured here, from left to right, are OWL awardees Caren Joy Beboso, Kathleen Wilken, Danielle McLean and Calandra Bryant.

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.

November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

A NORTH COUNTRY FESTIVAL OF TREES TO OPEN FRIDAY FOR THE START OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

In-person viewing, online auction open Friday, November 28 to December 7

Watertown, NY – A North Country Festival of Trees will once again kick off the holiday season in the North Country, offering an online tree and wreath auction and in-person tree viewing from November 28 – December 7. There are trees designed by local youth organizations and schools that will be raffled as well. We are pleased that our presenting sponsor for this year’s event is Apogee Physicians and are excited for the event to return to the Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington Street, in downtown Watertown – the event was last held at the Dulles State Office Building in 2019.

All trees on display are hand-decorated by community members and can be bid on for individual purchase or donation. We are so appreciative of our generous sponsors, decorators and committee members who have made this event a reality and we are so pleased that the event will return to downtown Watertown. “A Winter Wonderland” is this year’s theme, and everyone – young and old is sure to enjoy this magical holiday event.

A North Country Festival of Trees supports the construction of a new Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Samaritan Medical Center and children’s scholarships at the Watertown Family YMCA. The festival schedule is as follows:

Public Viewing: Trees and wreaths will be on display for public viewing at the Dulles State Office Building starting Friday, November 28 at 11 a.m. The online auction will open on Friday, November 28 at 10 a.m.

Public (in-person) Viewing Schedule at the Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington Street, in downtown Watertown:

Friday, November 28: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, November 29: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Sunday, November 30: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Closed for in-person public viewing Monday, December 1 – Wednesday, December 3
- Thursday, December 4: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Friday, December 5: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Saturday, December 6: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 7: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

There are multiple free kids’ events and special performances throughout the festival, please visit our website for the full schedule.

Online Tree Auction: From November 28 to December 7, all trees and wreathes will be up for bid on our online tree auction site – samaritanhealth.com/festivaloftrees.

Gala and Live Tree Auction: December 5 – Join us for an evening of delicious food catered by the Clipper Inn, music by DJ Johnny Spezzano and the popular live tree auction. Tickets for the Gala are available at samaritanhealth.com/festivaloftrees. The deadline for ticket reservations is Tuesday, December 2.

For more details of the event, visit us at samaritanhealth.com/festivaloftrees or call 315-785-5745.

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November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Samaritan Medical Center Welcomes Interventional Radiologist Dr. Russell Reeves

Dr. Russell Reeves, Samaritan Interventional Radiologist

WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to welcome Interventional Radiologist Russell Reeves, MD, MBA, MS, RPVI, to its medical staff.

Dr. Reeves specializes in using minimally invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases- including cancers and cancer-related problems- in nearly every organ system. He completed his medical degree at Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine, in Hanover, N.H., followed by a diagnostic radiology residency at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, and a fellowship in Interventional Radiology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles. He is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology in Diagnostic Radiology with subspecialty certification in Interventional Radiology.

Dr. Reeves also holds a Master of Science in Bioengineering from Clemson University and a Master of Business Administration from the Kanbar College of Commerce at Thomas Jefferson University.

He offers comprehensive services to treat conditions in many areas, including:

Pain

Vertebral compression fractures (from osteoporosis or injury)
Degenerative disc disease causing chronic lower back pain
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Knee, hip and sacroiliac joint pain

Women’s Health

Uterine fibroids causing heavy periods, pain, or pressure
Pelvic congestion syndrome (chronic pelvic pain from vein reflux)

Men’s Health

Varicocele (swollen scrotal veins causing pain or fertility issues)
Enlarged prostate (BPH) causing difficulty urinating

Cancer

Liver tumors (primary or metastatic)
Other solid tumors in the lungs, kidneys, bones, or soft tissues

Liver Disease

Cirrhosis
Ascites
Jaundice or bile duct blockage from stones, strictures, or tumors

Arterial (Artery) Conditions

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causing leg pain when walking
Critical limb ischemia (severe blockages threatening limb loss)

Venous (Vein) Conditions

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – blood clots in deep leg or arm veins
Pulmonary embolism (clot traveling to the lungs)
Varicose veins or superficial vein reflux causing leg swelling/pain
Chronic venous insufficiency with leg ulcers

Urinary Tract Issues

Kidney or ureteral stones causing pain, infection, or blockage
Ureteral strictures or obstructions needing drainage

“I’m honored to join a team that shares my commitment to compassionate, high-quality care,” said Dr. Reeves. “Interventional radiology is a powerful tool for diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, from varicose veins to cancer. My goal is to ensure North Country patients have access to the same cutting-edge procedures available in major medical centers without having to leave the local area.”

“Samaritan is fortunate to have Dr. Reeves on its medical staff,” said Dr. Mario Victoria, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Samaritan Medical Center. “With his expertise in advanced, minimally invasive procedures, he is a great addition to our hospital and a tremendous benefit for the health and well-being of our community.”

Dr. Reeves is accepting new patients. To refer a patient or schedule an appointment, please contact Samaritan Interventional Radiology at 315-786-4879.

For more information, visit samaritanhealth.com/interventional-radiology/.

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Dr. Russell Reeves smiles at a patient receiving Interventional Radiology treatment.

November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

September 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for September 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.

Mollie Guyette, a Registered Nurse (RN) in the intensive care unit, received the September DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by a nursing supervisor, said:

“Mollie exemplifies compassionate care, remarkable leadership, and a steadfast commitment to creating a safe and positive environment for both patients and staff. Mollie is more than just a skilled clinician; she is a true leader and mentor. She embodies the spirit of nursing excellence and elevates everyone around her. She deserves this recognition for her extraordinary dedication and for reminding us of what it means to be a compassionate and courageous nurse.”

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Guyette received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

IT Desktop Support Technician Trevor Schuch was honored with the September BEE Award. His nomination was submitted by a caregiver in Samaritan’s Cardiology clinic who said:

“When Trevor comes to the office, he is always delightful, knowledgeable, professional, personable, and friendly. He makes sure he understands the issue(s), then works quickly to correct it. We are grateful for his hard work and dedication to diligently working to correct any IT issues as they arise allowing us to provide better patient care.”

Schuch received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.

These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Samaritan’s September 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Mollie Guyette, RN, (left), and September 2025 BEE Award recipient, Trevor Schuch (right).

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.

November 17, 2025November 18, 2025

Annual CMN Radiothon Celebrates 25 Years of Helping Local Kids

CMN kid Finley smiles with a balloon in his lap during the Radiothon

Watertown, NY — The 25th Annual Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Radiothon raised $127,526 during this year’s three-day event, hosted by Community Broadcasters stations The Border 106.7 and 94 Rock.

All donations to CMN stay local to purchase pediatric medical equipment and support child-centered projects at Samaritan Medical Center, and to provide financial assistance to families in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties who have a child facing a medical crisis.

During the annual event, radio DJs Johnny Spezzano and Lance Hale asked listeners to donate to help sick and injured children. “It is so gratifying to have raised funds for CMN again, this time in the milestone 25th year for both Johnny Spezzano and the CMN Radiothon,” Jim Leven, president of Community Broadcasters, said. “I’m proud of the Community Broadcasters team who helped make this amazing fundraiser possible, and I’m in awe of the North Country for caring so deeply, as always.”

CMN is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of children across the North Country. “For 25 years, the Radiothon has given families the opportunity to share their child’s story and express their gratitude to all who donate to CMN,” said Angie VanWormer, Children’s Miracle Network director, Samaritan Medical Center. “It’s truly incredible to see our community come together for local kids, and we are so thankful for all who helped make this event a success.”

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

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November 14, 2025November 14, 2025

Inaugural 2025 ELM Award Recipient Announced

Graphic shows Donna Edwards, LPN, winner of the ELM Award

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to build upon its employee recognition program with the addition of the ELM award for Exceptional Leaders and Managers, celebrating leaders throughout the organization. The inaugural recipient of the quarterly award is Donna Edwards, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Edwards has served in various roles and clinics throughout the organization. She recently accepted duties to serve as the operations manager of Samaritan’s orthopedic clinic in Watertown, while maintaining roles as operations manager in the Adams Family Health Center. She was nominated for the award by multiple colleagues, one of whom said:

“Donna knows the potential and strength of every single employee she oversees, and she nurtures it. People thrive under her guidance because of this. When someone does need support, she isn’t afraid to use out-of-the-box thinking to find a solution. She will find a way for every one of her employees to be their best selves in the workplace.”

Edwards was presented with the award on November 4 and was celebrated by her co-workers.

The ELM Award honors exceptional Samaritan leaders and managers who exemplify the organization’s HEART values—honesty, empathy, accountability, respectfulness, and trustworthiness. Unlike the DAISY, BEE, or OWL Awards, which recognize those in direct patient or resident care roles, the ELM Award celebrates leaders who support care indirectly through their leadership.

These individuals foster safe, supportive environments for staff, uphold quality standards, manage resources responsibly, and cultivate teamwork, resilience, and recognition. They create settings where compassion thrives, enabling staff to treat patients, residents, and families with dignity and respect. Nominated by staff or peers, ELM Award recipients have served Samaritan for at least one year and, like the strong and adaptable elm tree, demonstrate resilience, growth, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning. The ELM is a quarterly award.

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Pictured on the left is Donna Edwards, Operations Manager of the Adams Family Health Center and Samaritan Orthopedics. Photos on the right showcase Donna’s team at the Adams Family Health Center celebrating her achievement.

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 serve the medical needs of our civilian and military communities. Quality, compassion and safety are the basic principles that guide the exceptional care delivered at Samaritan.

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Samaritan’s Plaza Imaging & Lab Center Recognized for Excellence in Computed Tomography

WATERTOWN — Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce that its Imaging & Lab Center at the Samaritan Health & Wellness Plaza, 1575 Washington St., has been awarded three-year accreditation in Computed Tomography (CT) by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

ACR accreditation is a significant achievement that reflects the highest level of image quality and patient safety. To earn this voluntary accreditation, the Plaza Imaging & Lab Center underwent a rigorous peer-review evaluation by board-certified radiologists and medical physicists, who assessed image quality, personnel qualifications, equipment performance, quality control, and quality assurance programs.

“This accreditation reinforces our ongoing commitment to providing the highest standard of diagnostic imaging for our community,” said Jennifer Lundy-Kalin, Samaritan Radiology Manager “We are proud to add CT to our list of accredited services at the Plaza, where patients have access to outpatient imaging, laboratory services and much more in a modern, patient-centered setting.”

In addition to its new CT accreditation, the Plaza Imaging & Lab Center is already ACR accredited in mammography and ultrasound. It is located under the same roof as Samaritan’s Watertown Family Health Center, Women’s Wellness and Breast Care, and Addiction and Behavioral Health Services, improving access to care and streamlines diagnostic testing for patients throughout the region.

CT scanning — sometimes called CAT scanning — is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions. Samaritan Medical Center performed nearly 140,000 imaging tests in 2024, including 31,440 CT scans total.

For more information about Imaging Services at Samaritan Medical Center, please visit samaritanhealth.com/imaging.

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About the American College of Radiology

The American College of Radiology® (ACR®), founded in 1924, is a 42,000-member medical association that advances patient care, medical practice and collaborative results through advocacy, quality standards, research and education. More at www.acr.org.

About Samaritan Medical Center

Samaritan Medical Center is a not-for-profit, community-based healthcare provider committed to delivering quality, compassionate care to the residents of Northern New York. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and outpatient care, with a focus on providing personalized care to all our patients.

October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

Samaritan Medical Center to Host Lung Cancer Awareness Event Featuring Advanced Robotic Technology

Photo of Samaritan's Surgical Monarch Team

Watertown, N.Y. – In recognition of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Samaritan Medical Center invites community members to a free Lung Cancer Awareness Event on Wednesday, November 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Walker Center for Cancer Care, 830 Washington Street, Watertown (Woodruff Street entrance).

This educational and interactive event will highlight the importance of early detection and introduce the community to the MONARCH™ QUEST Robotic Bronchoscopy Platform – the first flexible, robotically assisted bronchoscopy system designed to help physicians access and visualize lung airways for the biopsy of suspicious nodules.

Samaritan is currently the only hospital in New York State utilizing this advanced MONARCH™ QUEST technology.

Guests will have the opportunity to:

Learn why early screening saves lives
Meet Samaritan’s pulmonology and oncology teams
See the MONARCH™ QUEST robot in action
Begin the screening process for lung cancer

The event is open and free to the community, and refreshments will be served. RSVPs are appreciated by calling 315-785-4584 or visiting samaritanhealth.com/lungcare.

Who Should Be Screened for Lung Cancer? You may qualify for a low-dose CT lung screening if you meet all three of the criteria below:

Are between 50 and 80 years old
Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history
Currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years

Early detection is key – lung cancer screenings can help find cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Join Samaritan Medical Center for this important community event and take the first step toward protecting your lung health.

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October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Samaritan Welcomes New OB/GYN, Dr. Emma Marquez

WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to welcome OB/GYN Emma Marquez, MD, MPH, to its medical staff.

She will care for patients at Samaritan’s Women’s Wellness and Breast Care, 1575 Washington St., and Samaritan’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children, 830 Washington St. The Center for Women and Children is the region’s only Level II Perinatal and Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the only local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Dr. Marquez specializes in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care, as well as female reproductive health for women of all ages. She completed her medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, followed by an OB/GYN residency at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. She is board eligible with the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Dr. Marquez joins fellow Samaritan OB/GYNs John P. Barrett, MD; Kenya Cain, MD; Jonathan R. Oliva, MD; and Diane I. Shumbusho, MD. Together, with a team of nurses, advanced practice providers and other caregivers, they deliver approximately 1,500 babies per year — more than any hospital in the local area.

Historically, Samaritan’s OB/GYN physicians and providers have been assisted by military physicians at Fort Drum OB/GYN, a clinic located in the Samaritan Medical Office Building. On October 7, 2025, this clinic closed as the Defense Health Agency has decided to stop all obstetric care for Fort Drum soldiers and dependents. This ends a longstanding maternity care partnership between Fort Drum and Samaritan. Only gynecological services will be provided at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic on Fort Drum.

Dr. Marquez helps fill a vital need for OB/GYN care for military families at Samaritan, and other new providers will soon join the Samaritan team to meet the community’s needs. Samaritan is actively recruiting, and current physicians are here to ensure all Fort Drum families have maternity care.

“I am thrilled to join such an experienced and caring team of OB/GYNs here at Samaritan,” said Dr. Marquez. “The opportunity to care for women and families in the North Country, including active-duty service members and their spouses, brings me great pride.”

On average, more than one-third of the babies born each year at Samaritan are from Fort Drum families.

For more information about maternity services at the Samaritan Medical Center, visit samaritanhealth.com/maternity/. To learn more about women’s health services available at the Women’s Wellness and Breast Care office, visit samaritanhealth.com/womens-wellness/ or call 315-785-4155.

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Pictured above is Dr. Emma Marquez, MD, MPH

October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

July 2025 OWL Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the July 2025 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award. These valued team members were so busy providing quality care that their award presentations were delayed a bit.

At Samaritan Summit Village, the long term care Admissions Coordinator, Dawn Johnson, was recognized by multiple family members for her dedication to residents and those seeking care options in the community. One nominator mentioned how Dawn took time to answer calls and provide answers to questions in a friendly and timely manner. Another mentioned how she guided the family patiently through every step of the admissions process.

At Samaritan Keep Home, Marybeth Davis, a Unit Clerk, was honored for her outstanding service. Melissa Elmer, a Nurse Manager, stated, “Marybeth keeps the unit running smoothly by staying on top of our very busy appointment book, phone calls, paperwork, and making sure lab work and imaging are done on time. Thanks to her, our residents get to where they need to be with minimal delay, and things on the unit stay organized.”

Both honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held at their respective facilities.

To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Pictured here, from left to right, are July 2025 OWL awardees Dawn Johnson and Marybeth Davis.

About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services

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