Author: Eli Anderson

Although the events of 2020 prevented Samaritan from welcoming and celebrating its new physicians at the annual New Physician Reception, we are proud to introduce the following doctors to our community.

Nineteen physicians chose to move to the area and care for our community in 2020. A few are returning to the region after working elsewhere, others are brand new to the North Country, and some bring their talents to our area through our close relationships with Fort Drum.

Please join us in welcoming the following physicians to our community, medical facilities, and social circles. Click on any physician to learn more.

New Physicians 2020

Opoku Adjapong, MD

Honeylee Agustin, MD

Florence P. Arnold, MD

Griffin M. Biedron, MD

Justin D. Budnik, MD

Leilani M. Garcia, MD

Ingrid M. Hall, MD

Ihsan U. Haq, MD

Diane Keating Jones, DO

Asim A. Kichloo, MD

Diane I. Shumbusho, MD

Shikhar Vyas, MD

Andro A. Yousef, MD

Watertown, N.Y. – Samaritan Medical Center recently began offering outpatient monoclonal antibody therapy to help COVID-19-positive patients recovering at home and to meet the increased demand for this therapy type. This treatment has shown to work well at minimizing symptoms and shortening recovery time for COVID-19-positive patients.

The therapy is being offered in a dedicated section of the hospital, separate from other patient populations, utilizing equipment and staff expertise from the existing outpatient Infusion Unit. The clinic is open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Monoclonal antibodies are used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 in non-hospitalized adults and adolescents (12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds [40 kg]) who are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. The goal is to treat patients quickly and prevent symptoms from progressing to severe illness. Monoclonal antibody therapy is not a new treatment and has been given emergency use authorization for treatment of COVID-19 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to the FDA, a recent clinical trial of patients with COVID-19 at high risk for disease progression found that a single intravenous infusion of two monoclonal antibodies (bamlanivimab and etesevimab) administered together significantly reduced COVID-19-related hospitalization and death during 29 days of follow-up compared to placebo.

“With COVID-19 cases on the decline and vaccine distribution broadening, monoclonal antibody therapy will decrease the risk of progression to severe disease and help patients recover faster,” said Dr. Marylene Duah, Infectious Disease Physician at Samaritan. “Samaritan is proud to offer any service possible that can speed recovery and prevent further COVID-19-related deaths in our community, and it is encouraging to see this therapy producing positive results for COVID-19-positive patients.”

Monoclonal antibody therapy has also been offered to residents of Samaritan’s long-term care facilities who meet criteria, both at the outpatient clinic and in residences.

“Residents at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home benefited early on from this therapy,” said Dr. Collins F. Kellogg, Jr., Samaritan Long-Term Care Medical Director. “Since many of our residents are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms, and some have mobility restrictions, being able to offer monoclonal antibody therapy on-site has been incredibly helpful. We have been very pleased with the results.”

Currently, only physicians on the Samaritan Medical Center Medical Staff are able to refer their patients for this therapy. Patients should speak to their primary care provider about this therapy if they are interested.

This press release was first issued by Jefferson County Public Health on February 12, 2021.

Watertown, NY — On February 5th, Governor Cuomo announced a list of comorbidities and underlying conditions that New York State will use to determine eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. New Yorkers who have one of these conditions will be eligible for the vaccine beginning February 15th. The Jefferson County Public Health Service and area providers are preparing for this expansion in vaccine distribution.

Adults of any age (over 18 years old) with the following conditions due to increased risk of moderate or severe illness or death from the virus that causes COVID-19 are eligible for the vaccine:

• Cancer (current or in remission, including 9/11-related cancers)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Pulmonary Disease, including but not limited to, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-to-severe), pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and 9/11 related pulmonary diseases
• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities including Down Syndrome
• Heart conditions, including but not limited to heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, or hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) including but not limited to solid organ transplant or from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, use of other immune weakening medicines, or other causes
• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher) or Severe Obesity (BMI 40 kg/m2)
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease or Thalassemia
• Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus
• Cerebrovascular disease (conditions affecting blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
• Neurologic conditions including but not limited to Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia
• Liver disease

Individuals who have one of these conditions will need to verify their eligibility by signing a personal attestation found at www.jcphs.org. Print and sign the attestation from, and bring it with you to your clinic appointment.

The counties in the North Country Region collaborated with others in the Capital Region on the documentation required for this expanded eligibility group to ensure the process is as easy as possible and does not create a barrier to receiving the vaccine. Completing the attestation form is sufficient documentation in confirming eligibility. A doctor’s letter is not necessary. However, if individuals have questions about whether their medical condition qualifies as a co-morbid condition, they should contact their primary care provider to discuss this.

The comorbidity and underlying conditions population is a high percentage of our Jefferson County population and, as with all eligible populations, vaccine availability is limited at this time. Please be patient.

Operational changes to family health centers necessitated by financial impact of the coronavirus and reduced patient volumes

Watertown, N.Y. – Samaritan Health announced today the Cape Vincent Family Health Center will reopen to patients April 1, while the Sackets Harbor and Lacona clinics will remain closed due to financial constraints brought on by the COVID-19 crisis and the impact of lower patient volumes.

Samaritan will continue to provide care to former Sackets Harbor and Lacona clinic patients at the Adams, LeRay and Watertown family health centers, as these clinic locations have the capability and resources to accommodate Samaritan’s entire patient base in the area. All providers and staff from Sackets Harbor and Lacona have been transferred to the larger clinics.

The temporary closing of the Cape Vincent clinic, and the previous consolidation of the Sackets Harbor and Lacona family health centers into other existing, larger clinics was first announced in April 2020. Samaritan leadership reassessed the consolidation measures following the close of the 2020 fiscal year and determined permanent consolidation of Sackets Harbor and Lacona remained essential due to the  ongoing negative impact of COVID-19 on finances in 2021. In 2020, Samaritan faced a significant revenue shortfall.

Cape Vincent patients, who previously were asked to travel to the nearby Clayton Family Health Center, are able to make appointments in advance of the clinic’s reopening by calling 315-654-2530.

“We are pleased to reopen the Cape Vincent Family Health Center and remain committed to the community and thankful for its support,” said Thomas H. Carman, president and chief executive officer of Samaritan Health. “It’s unfortunate the pandemic forced us to close the clinic temporarily, but we’re looking forward to resuming the local services the community has grown accustomed to.”

“While the closure of the Sackets Harbor and Lacona clinics is unfortunate, and we recognize the inconvenience this may cause, current patients have adapted well to traveling to Adams, Watertown or LeRay for primary care and to be seen by their trusted care team,” he said. “We’re pleased to continue to serve those communities at our other locations.”

All Samaritan family health center locations, including Cape Vincent, Adams, LeRay, Clayton and Watertown are accepting new patients. Prospective patients can call the center of their choice for more information and to make an appointment. Clinic addresses and phone numbers can be found here: https://samaritanhealth.com/location/family-health-centers/.

WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is piloting a program that allows patients with less severe cases of COVID-19 to recover at home with the help of remote monitoring and follow-up care.

When patients arrive at Samaritan’s Emergency Department and they are COVID-19 positive, they are assessed according to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) severity scale. The goal of the pilot program, which began January 10, is to treat patients on the low end of this scale at home, obviating the need for hospital admission.

Patients who qualify for the program are discharged home with a medical-grade pulse oximeter – which monitors oxygen saturation levels – as well as detailed instructions and a follow-up appointment with a physician within 48 hours. As of January 27th, at-home COVID-19 monitored patients are referred to the Samaritan Home Health COVID program. This program includes a robust Samaritan Home Health team, including nurses and therapists, who provide full home health benefits and direct access to a registered nurse (RN) for these COVID-positive patients. Samaritan Home Health attempts to begin services for these patients the day after the initial Emergency Department visit and, depending on symptoms, the team may see the patient daily until they begin follow-up telehealth visits with a provider.

Patients also receive a number to call in case their symptoms worsen or if they receive a low pulse oximeter reading. A real person is always available to answer this call and, depending on the time of day and nature of the call, the patient will receive a STAT telemedicine visit or a referral to the Emergency Department.

So far, at least 23 patients have taken part in the pilot program and just 3 have called with worsening symptoms and been readmitted to the hospital. Dr. Benjamin Rudd, Family Medicine Program Director, said these results are very encouraging.

“This means that a majority of patients who might have been taking up hospital beds were effectively able to stay home and recover from COVID-19,” he said. “Not only does this take pressure off the hospital to ensure it has enough bed capacity for more severe cases, but it also allows the patient to stay in a more familiar, comfortable setting.”

As with any pilot program, Samaritan will continue to track results and patients outcomes, fine tuning how available staff can work together to help COVID-positive patients recover quickly in the comfort of their homes.

“Not only does this take pressure off the hospital to ensure it has enough bed capacity for more severe cases, but it also allows the patient to stay in a more familiar, comfortable setting.”

Dr. Benjamin Rudd, Samaritan Family Medicine Program Director

Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for January 2021. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff at the hospital, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care.

Jill Rice, RN, a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Samaritan’s ICU/PCU, received the DAISY Award and Crystal DeWitt, Purchasing Assistant, was honored with the BEE Award. Both honorees were nominated by fellow staff members and selected by a committee.

Rice was nominated by colleague Hannah Sherrill, RN, for her empathy, positivity, and tireless efforts over the past few months:

“Jill works toward ensuring that patients receive genuine care and instills ethics in her training of new orientees and other staff members,” Sherrill writes in her nomination. “She is frequently called on by nurses to help, and she models empathy and care for patients with the utmost positive attitude. She is always professional and works tirelessly to ensure her staff has what they need to feel successful.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Rice was presented 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 is on display in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

DeWitt was nominated for the BEE Award by an anonymous colleague for her professionalism, trustworthiness, and “team player” mentality:

“Crystal gives 110% every day,” the nomination reads. “She is trustworthy and follows through on any additional projects or tasks assigned to her because she knows how important it is to our patients…She is always upbeat, professional and smiles even when it’s busy. She helps others when she can and is a team player every day!”

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

Both 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 DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

Local Region Will Join Forces to Administer Vaccines at Jefferson Community College

Joint press release on behalf of: Carthage Area Hospital, Jefferson Community College, Jefferson County Public Health Service, North Country Family Health Center, River Hospital, Samaritan Medical Center, and the Volunteer Transportation Center

With approval from the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH), Carthage Area Hospital, Jefferson Community College (JCC), Jefferson County Public Health Service (JCPHS), North Country Family Health Center, River Hospital, Samaritan Medical Center and the Volunteer Transportation Center will work collaboratively to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to groups 1a and 1b, once vaccine arrives in Jefferson County. The preparation and planning is complete and could be up and running as early as next week if supply is available.

The partners submitted a plan to the state to combine allotments of the vaccine and run a mass vaccination POD at Jefferson Community College. The plan was approved and touted as a potential model other areas may be able to use. JCC was chosen as a premier location because its large gymnasium allows for social distancing and provides space to vaccinate and observe hundreds of people. Volunteer Transportation Center will provide needed transportation services for those community members who cannot easily access the vaccination POD.

“I want to thank the people of Jefferson County for their patience as we take on the most significant undertaking in public health’s modern history,” said Director of Jefferson County Public Health, Ginger B. Hall. “We have a plan to vaccinate every eligible resident, but it will take time. Your turn will come. Please continue to wear your mask, keep six feet between you and others and wash your hands frequently.”

“Jefferson Community College is inextricably linked to the community we serve, and we are grateful and excited to have our campus approved as a vaccination site,” said JCC President Dr. Ty A. Stone. “This important collaboration with our local agencies demonstrates our commitment to working together to beat this pandemic.”

The plan outlines that, once vaccines become available, the clinics will run Thursdays and Saturdays and will be targeted to specific groups. Thursdays will be for those over 65 years of age and Saturdays will be for essential frontline workers, both in group 1b for vaccine distribution. Healthcare personnel and first responders in medical roles that make up priority group 1a will continue to be vaccinated in local healthcare facilities. Please click here to see the state’s website for an outline of eligible groups.

The COVID-19 vaccination POD will be able to flex up or down in capacity depending on the weekly allocation from the state to each partner. The POD will also be able to accommodate and plan for timely second doses, since this is critical to vaccination efficacy.

Healthcare personnel from all partnering agencies will work together to help operationalize the POD, ensuring that a large pool of staff is available including registered nurses, pharmacists, nursing students from JCC and others.

Once vaccine availability is secured, appointments will made online and a phone number will be provided to assist those who are not able to make an appointment online. This information will be released once the vaccine is secured for Jefferson County.

Walk-ins will not be accepted; appointments must be made. Community members will need to provide proof of their eligibility status. As per NYS, this may include an employee ID card, a letter from an employer or affiliated organization, or a pay stub, depending on the specific priority status. If you are eligible due to age, you should bring a form of ID (like a Driver’s License or passport) that includes your date of birth.

Community members who are unsure of their vaccination eligibility status should visit this state-run website: https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/ or call the NYS COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

As vaccine becomes available, the partner agencies will update their websites and inform the media so the public is kept up to date. Please check these resources before contacting any partner agency.

WATERTOWN, NY – Children’s Miracle Network of NNY is proud to announce Natalie Gondek as the 2021 Local CMN Champion at Samaritan Medical Center. Natalie is the daughter of Marci and Matthew Gondek, of Clayton, NY.  

“The Children’s Miracle Network Champion is an important ambassador,” said Bonnie Eppolito, Director of Major Gifts. “The champion helps raise awareness out in the community about the Children’s Miracle Network program and shares how every donation helps local kids get the best care when they need it.”

A few days before her 2nd birthday, Natalie was diagnosed with high-risk B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Spending an entire month in the hospital, Natalie could not walk, lost 20 percent of her body weight, and had lost all of her hair by the time she was discharged to go home.  Now 3 years old, she has been experiencing intense head and neck pain and was additionally diagnosed with a condition called Psuedotumor Cerebri, which increases production of cerebrospinal fluid and causes pressure around Natalie’s brain. She continues to take oral chemotherapy at home and travels monthly to the cancer clinic for lumbar punctures and chemotherapy infusions.   

Children’s Miracle Network of NNY helps kids like Natalie through the Direct Family Assistance Program, which provides reimbursement for travel expenses incurred for appointments with specialists and hospitalizations. It also assists with needed specialized medical devices and equipment. To learn more about Children’s Miracle Network of NNY, please visit samaritanhealth.com/cmn.

Donations to the program are accepted at any time and can be made online at samaritanhealth.com/give or by mail to: Children’s Miracle Network of NNY, 830 Washington Street, Watertown NY 13601.

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About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care.  Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity’s Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.

Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home are pleased to announce their Medical Director, Dr. Collins F. Kellogg Jr., has been credentialed as a Certified Medical Director in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine. This certification comes from the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (ABPLM).

According to the ABPLM, Dr. Kellogg is one of more than 4,000 physicians nationwide who have received this designation since the program’s inception in 1991. Dr. Kellogg is a private-practice internal medicine physician at Watertown Internists.

A study published in the Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (JAMDA) found that having a Certified Medical Director contributes positively to a nursing home’s quality of care. Specifically, data showed that facilities with a Certified Medical Director saw a 15% improvement in quality scores.

“Dr. Kellogg’s commitment to our residents’ care and their quality of life is outstanding,” said Barbara E. Morrow, Samaritan’s Vice President of Long-Term Care. “We are very fortunate to have a dedicated, local and long-standing physician caring for our residents. Dr. Kellogg truly goes above and beyond to stay current with research, trends and what he can do better for our residents. His relationship with our team of caregivers is excellent as well. During this pandemic, it has been paramount to have Dr. Kellogg as our Medical Director for his expertise, team approach and proactive care for our residents.”

“The time and hard work that went into earning this designation better enables me guide and oversee the care provided at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home, and also to lead our efforts toward continuous quality improvement,” Dr. Kellogg said. “I’m honored to be part of the team at both long-term care facilities and I am so very thankful for the dedication of all the employees caring for our residents during this pandemic.”

The Certified Medical Director (CMD) credential was established to enhance the profession of medical direction throughout post-acute and long-term care settings (e.g., nursing facilities, hospice, assisted living, home care, post-acute care) and to reinforce the leadership role of the medical director in providing quality care. Federal regulations and changes in the health care environment have established the role of the medical director as central to the delivery of quality care. The increased presence of managed care in post-acute and long-term care settings has emphasized credentialing, and CMD certification has taken on additional importance. The CMD designation provides an indicator of professional competence to post-acute and long-term care providers, government and other quality assurance agencies, consumers, and the public.

The ABPLM CMD certification program recognizes the dual clinical and management roles of the medical director and requires indicators of competence in both areas. The dual nature of the skills needed makes the position of medical director unique in medicine. The certification process is based on an experiential model that incorporates mechanisms such as fellowship programs, board certification in a medical specialty, comprehensive courses in medical direction, continuing medical education programs and administrative experience to fulfill certification requirements.

For further information about the CMD credential, visit https://www.abplm.org/certification-programs.