Samaritan Welcomes Three New Physicians

Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to welcome Sima Banerjee, MD, Holden Heitner, MD and Jason Lulejian, DO to our hospital medical staff.

Sima Banerjee, MD, is our new Director of Interventional Radiology & Interventional Oncology. Interventional radiology is a medical sub-specialty of radiology utilizing minimally-invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. Interventional oncology is a subspecialty field of interventional radiology that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and cancer-related problems using targeted minimally invasive procedures performed under image guidance

Dr. Banerjee will be offering comprehensive services to treat many conditions in many respective areas including:

Women’s Health:

  • Osteoporosis Kyphoplasty
  • Uterine Fibroid Embolization
  • Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Men’s Health:

  • Varicocele Embolization

Cancer Care:

  • Tumor Ablation
  • Chemoembolization for liver tumors and liver metastasis
  • Ports – Vascular access for Chemotherapy

Liver Disease:

  • Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt or TIPS
  • Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO)
  • Portal Hypertension
  • Biliary Obstruction/Jaundice

Urinary Issues:

  • Stone Disease/Ureteral Stenting

Dr. Banerjee completed her medical degree at Kings College London School of Medicine, London. She completed her radiology residency training at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, followed by fellowship training in interventional radiology at University of Alabama Hospital, Birmingham, AL. 

Dr. Banerjee is located at Samaritan Medical Center, 830 Washington St. Watertown and is accepting new patients.  Her office can be reached by calling (315) 785-4230.

Holden Heitner, MD, specializes in Orthopaedic Surgery. Orthopaedic surgeons are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. 

Dr. Heitner completed his medical degree followed by residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY.  Dr. Heitner is in process for certification with the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. Heitner is part of the North Country Orthopaedics Group located at 1571 Washington St. in Watertown and is accepting new patients.  Their office can be reached at (315) 782-1650.

Jason Lulejian, DO specializes in Psychiatry. A psychiatrist is dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, study, and treatment of mental disorders. Dr. Lulejian is offering comprehensive inpatient mental health services to Samaritan’s Inpatient Mental Health Unit patients at the Medical Center.

In addition, he will offer limited outpatient addiction services through our Outpatient Addiction Services at 1575 Washington St. in Watertown. This is a much needed service for the community and Samaritan is pleased to offer this limited expansion of service.

Dr. Lulejian completed his medical degree at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona, California, followed by residency training in psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY.  Dr. Lulejian did inpatient and outpatient rotations at Samaritan during his residency training in Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate.

Dr. Lulejian is in process for certification with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.  

Ameritas® Awards Grant to Samaritan’s Walker Center for Cancer Care

The Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York is pleased to announce a donation to the Walker Center for Cancer Care from Ameritas® through Watertown native, Kim G. Allen, managing partner of United Professional Advisors, LLC and co-founder of United Wealth Advisors Group, LLC. Mr. Allen was awarded the Lester A. Rosen Humanitarian and Achievement Award and chose the Walker Center for Cancer Care as the non-profit recipient in memory of his mother, Linda Allen.
For the full press release and to view the video about this incredible donation please visit this link to the Ameritas® website.

From left to right: Tom Carman, President & CEO of Samaritan Medical Center; Kim Allen, Rosen Award Recipient and United Professional Advisors, LLC and co-founder of United Wealth Advisors Group, LLC; Christine & Rex Allen, sister-in-law and brother to Kim Allen, and Jerry Allen, father of Kim Allen.

SMC Hosting Certified Lactation Course in July

Join us as we host a nationally accredited trainer to our region and educate interested community members in becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor. This certification is highly sought after and important to many healthcare agencies across New York State, as we are a breastfeeding-friendly state.

The class will be July 22 – 26, 2019 from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Samaritan Medical Center, Conference Room 2A, located on the 2nd floor of the Pratt Building. Once the course is complete there will be a certification test on Friday, July 26th and when passed the participant will be certified as a Certified Lactation Counselor for three years. This course is also 45 credit hours towards a higher certification of International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC).

All registration and payments for the course will be done through the Center for Breastfeeding website.

The early bird registration cost is $575 for the course or if four or more from the same agency register it is $525 per person if registered before June 24, 2019.
After June 24th the cost of the course is $625 per person or if four or more from the same agency register it is $575 per person. The certifying exam is $120 extra per person.

Samaritan offers an incentive each year for a Registered Nurse to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC). We encourage interested participants to ask their employer for payment assistance or incentives for this course since it is a unique and important credential.

Other information:
There is a supplemental textbook you can buy from the Healthy Children Project, or Amazon.com.
Please note that you must bring your own lunch each day, or it can be purchased in the hospital cafeteria.

Nurse Practitioner Scholarships Applications Available

Watertown, New York — Applications are now being accepted for the 2nd Annual Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship. A retired nurse from Samaritan Medical Center has established a scholarship through the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation for Registered Nurses (RNs) looking to advance their careers as Nurse Practitioners.

The Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship was established in 2018 to assist with the education costs for an RN who is continuing his/her education, specifically to pursue a Nurse Practitioner degree. Two scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded each year.

Mrs. Peters graduated from the former House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing and retired from Samaritan Medical Center as a Certified Oncology Nurse; prior to that she had served as a staff RN and more than 20 years as a Nurse Manager of Medical/Surgical, Orthopedic and ALC Units.

Mrs. Peters explained that “she wanted to have some impact on the future of nursing in our community, and set up this particular scholarship to promote the Nurse Practitioner profession because she felt there is an increasing need for such due to the nationwide shortage of physicians.”

The first recipients of the Susan Peters Scholarship were awarded in 2018 – Shellie Greene and Erin Phinney both RN’s at Samaritan Medical Center.

Nurse Practitioners are able to provide many of the same services as physicians, including developing treatment plans for their patients, ordering tests, performing minor procedures and prescribing medication.

The application period for the Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship opens on May 28, 2019 and concludes July 19, 2019 with scholarship award announcement in August 2019.

To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a registered nurse (RN) with a minimum of two full years’ working experience. RNs currently working for Samaritan Medical Center preferred, but not mandatory.
  • Medical/Surgical experience preferred but not necessary.
  • Must be a resident of either Jefferson or Lewis County, New York.
  • Eligible to apply after successful completion of first semester in a Nurse Practitioner program with at least a B average.

As part of the application, Registered Nurses must describe why they are pursuing their Nurse Practitioner degree and where, as well as whether or not they have a financial need. Two letters of recommendation and a transcript must be submitted with the application to support the RNs pursuit of a Nurse Practitioner degree.

For more information, or to obtain a scholarship application, please contact the SMC Foundation at 315-785-5745 or visit samaritanhealth.com/scholarships. Completed forms can be emailed or mailed to the SMC Foundation at info@shsny.com or 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

SMC Hosts Drug Take-Back Event

Samaritan Medical Center (SMC) is hosting a community “Shed the Meds” Drug Take-Back event on Tuesday, June 4th. While prescription drugs are a necessity for people, many homes have medicine cabinets full of prescriptions that are expired or no longer used. They can be a danger to people – especially children – and the environment, if they are not properly disposed. Samaritan is pleased to offer an event that helps remove these drugs from the home environment.

Medical Center staff from the Pharmacy and Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies will be collecting old or unused medications to ensure they are appropriately disposed.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the SMC main lobby.

Community members can also bring in their used or unused sharps for disposal since we offer this service year-round. Please remember to bring all sharps in a safe container.

The event is free and open to the public.

In April 2019, there were several national drug take events across the country resulting in:
• total law enforcement participation: 4,969
• total collection sites: 6,258
• total weight collected: 937,443 lbs. (468.72 tons)

For specific questions about the event please contact the SMC Pharmacy at 315-785-4248.

Eight Samaritan Nurses Receive Recognition Awards

Event Celebrates National Nurses’ Week

Watertown, New York —– As part of its National Nurses’ Week celebration activities, Samaritan Medical Center and its Medical Staff hosted a reception and award presentation on Thursday, May 9th to recognize outstanding achievements by nursing professionals.

For this year’s recognition awards, qualified medical providers from Samaritan were invited to nominate nurses based on their outstanding contributions to the professional practice of nursing in the areas of: Quality and Safety, Education and Mentorship, Leadership, Excellence in Nursing Practice, Innovation and Leading Change, and Rookie of the Year. A total of 46 nurses were nominated for awards in six different categories. Eight nurses were chosen by the selection committee as the 2019 recipients.

“We have an incredibly gifted, committed, wonderful nursing staff at Samaritan, and National Nurses’ Week is the ideal time to celebrate their service to our patients and residents,” states Dr. Collins Kellogg, Jr., Internal Medicine, SMC Department of Medicine. “As physicians, we know full well the kinds of connections that are formed and how valuable all of our nurses are to Samaritan and to our patients.”

The 2019 award categories and recipients are as follows:

Leadership Award – One who consistently promotes the mission and vision of Samaritan; demonstrates commitment to organizational goals, priorities and strategies; promotes a culture in which employees are positive, challenged and involved; works collaboratively with other departments within the organization, and; positively promotes Samaritan within the community

Recipient: Donna MacPherson, Nurse Manager – Samaritan Keep Home 8th Floor

Education & Mentorship – One who actively shapes and promotes the career of a nurse; participates in mentorship of students or orientation of new graduates, nurses, nursing assistants, and other members of the healthcare team in supporting the provision of exceptional patient care; role models behaviors of exemplary nursing practice in an effort to improve patient care, and; advances own professional development and encourages peers.

Recipient: Jacqueline Queen, RN – Intensive Care Unit

Innovation & Leading Change – One who participates in advocacy for change of policy/procedure/standard on an organizational or unit level; introduces innovative ideas in patient care; is viewed as a formal or informal leader by staff; actively participates in the successful implementation of a new program/procedures, and; works collaboratively with other departments within the organization.

Recipient: Paulina Quay, RN – Emergency Department

Quality & Safety – One who leads and encourages shared decision-making when dealing with issues of quality, cost and patients/staff satisfaction; promotes patients and staff safety first in all activities, and; demonstrates a strong sense of inquiry and participates in/promotes evidence-based nursing practice and quality outcomes.

Recipient: Amanda Rosen, RN – Progressive Care Unit

Excellence in Nursing Practice (SMC, LTC, Clinics) – One who provides direct patient care at least 50% of the time; promotes flexibility and adaptability to situations; provides a positive work environment; serves as a role model to staff; utilizes current research and professional literature in practice; promotes change in the healthcare environment for improvement of healthcare; collaborates with nursing colleagues and other health-related professionals to facilitate quality care, and; promotes a professional image of nursing.

Recipients:
Samaritan Medical Center: ShyLeigh Gushlaw, RN – Surgical Services/OR
Long Term Care: Shanin Maitland, LPN – Samaritan Keep Home 8th Floor
Clinics: Santina LaVancha, LPN – Samaritan Family Health Network – Plaza

Rookie of the Year – One who has entered into practice within the past two years; consistently demonstrates excellence in his/her professional practice as a new nurse; demonstrates responsibility for own professional development, and; displays strong interpersonal relationships and communication skills.

Recipient: Carol Lynn Reichert, RN – Inpatient Mental Health Unit

Front row L to R: ShyLeigh Gushlaw, RN – Surgical Services/OR, Amanda Rosen, RN – PCU, Carol “Lynn” Reichert, RN – IMHU, Shanin Maitland, LPN – SKH 8th Floor
Back row L to R: Donna MacPherson, Nurse Manager – SKH 8th Floor, Paulina Quay, RN – Emergency Department, Jacqueline Queen, RN – ICU, Santina LaVancha, LPN – SFHN Clinic – Plaza

Thousand Islands Golf Classic

August 9th, 2021

Thousand Islands Country Club
Wellesley Island

Online Auction

New this year!

See below for a schedule of events and sponsorship opportunities.

Please join us for the Samaritan Foundation’s 24th Annual Thousand Islands Golf Classic!

Enjoy 18 holes of golf while supporting the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation. We will accept up to 36 teams and will be using both the old and lake courses to allow for social distancing and compliance with safety protocols.

You can make a difference by joining local businesses and community leaders who have already made the choice to support local healthcare, which impacts their family, friends and neighbors, all while enjoying a round of golf!

For any questions or more information, please call 315-785-5785 or email donations@shsny.com.

Schedule of Events

  • Thursday, June 4th Close

    Dinner & Auction
    Click here to RSVP
    Rob Reddick Residence
    22419 Aerie Cove Road
    Alexandria Bay, NY

    6:00 – 7:00 pm
    Cocktails & Hors d’Oeuvres

    7:00 pm
    Dinner & Live Auction
    Silent Auction throughout the evening

  • Friday, June 5th Close

    Thousand Islands Golf Classic
    Thousand Islands Country Club
    Wellesley Island, NY

    8:00 – 9:00 am
    Tournament Registration & Continental Breakfast

    9:00 am
    18-Hole Golf Tournament Shotgun Start

    Immediately Following
    Tournament Awards at Hackers

Become a Sponsor

To become a sponsor, please submit our Online Sponsorship Form or contact sbaker@shsny.com. Thank you for your interest and support!

Presenting Sponsor: $7,500
  • Company logo on event publicity
  • Company logo on event website
  • Media highlight, as scheduled
  • Tee signage
  • Golf cart signage
  • Beverage cart signage
  • 8 reservations for Dinner & Auction
  • 2 foursomes in tournament
Gold Sponsor: $5,000
  • Company logo on event publicity
  • Listing on event website
  • Tee signage
  • Golf cart signage
  • 8 reservations for Dinner & Auction
  • 2 foursomes in tournament
Silver Sponsor: $3,000
  • Company logo on tournament day publicity
  • Listing on event website
  • Tee signage
  • Golf cart signage
  • 8 reservations for Dinner & Auction
  • 1 foursome in tournament
Bronze Sponsor: $2,000
  • Company logo on tournament day publicity
  • Listing on event website
  • 4 reservations for the Dinner & Auction
  • 1 foursome in tournament
Dinner & Auction Sponsor: $4,000
  • Prominent signage as Dinner & Auction sponsor
  • Listing on event website
  • Company logo on napkins
  • 8 reservations for Dinner & Auction
Lunch Sponsor: $2,500
  • Signage at food stations
  • Listing on event website
  • Company logo on napkins
Breakfast Sponsor: $1,000
  • Signage at breakfast station
  • Listing on event website
Beverage Cart Sponsor: $500
  • Signage on beverage carts
  • Listing on event website
Golf Cart Sponsor: $200
  • Signage on one golf cart
  • Listing on event website
Tee Sponsor: $150
  • Signage at one tee
  • Listing on event website
Auction Item Donation
  • Signage at auction table
  • Recognition in auction program
  • Listing on event website

Samaritan Medical Plaza Location Closed Today (5/2/19)

The Samaritan Medical Plaza building, located at 1575 Washington Street in Watertown, has encountered a water main break and will be closing all offices located here for the remainder of the day. All offices will be open tomorrow (Friday, May 3rd) as scheduled. The following offices and services located at the Samaritan Medical Plaza in Watertown will be closing to patients immediately:

Samaritan Family Health Center – Watertown
Addiction Services
Outpatient Behavioral Health
S.M.A.R.T Clinic
Rheumatology
Dermatology
Healthy Lifestyles
Infectious Disease
Woman to Woman

Samaritan Experiencing Phone & Data Outage

Samaritan is experiencing a major phone and data outage that is limiting inbound and outbound phone calls and data connection outside of the facilities.  We are working diligently with our local vendor to restore use and repair the issue. The outage is expected to last until tomorrow.

All phone issues have been restored at Samaritan Medical Center, Samaritan Keep Home, Medical Office Building, LeRay & Adams Family Health Centers & LeRay Urgent Care. Outbound internet services are also working at these locations.

The following locations are still impacted:

Samaritan Summit Village, Samaritan Medical Plaza (all offices/services), A Woman’s Perspective, Wound Care, Samaritan Business Office, Samaritan Home Health, Urology Clinic, and Samaritan Plastic Surgery. Other web-based services such as the patient portals are down, as well as external inbound email communication.

Staff and family members may contact Samaritan Summit Village by calling: 315-955-3908.

We appreciate your patience.  Thank you.

Samaritan Appoints New Vice President for Post-Acute Services

Samaritan Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert J. Baranello as the Vice President of Post-Acute Care Services.  This position is responsible for oversight of all the Post-Acute Care Services including Samaritan Keep Home, Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Home Health Care. Mr. Baranello is responsible for the executive management team at each organization as well as the strategic direction, clinic­­al and financial performance and organizational development. 

“Samaritan is pleased to have Bob join our team and lead our critical post-acute services,” states Thomas H. Carman, President and CEO of Samaritan Medical Center. “Bob has over 25 years of experience in healthcare administration and direct experience leading a large long term care facility. Bob has already engaged with our residents, patients and staff to begin to understand the unique needs of our system.”

Mr. Baranello comes to Samaritan from Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation where he served as Chief Executive Officer since 2011. He was responsible for a 606 bed skilled nursing facility, Adult Day Care and Home Health Care program with a combined operating budget of $85 Million and over 1000 employees.

“My few weeks into the position have enlightened me to how dedicated the Samaritan staff and leaders are to strengthening the quality, safety, care and compassion of the entire system,” states Robert Baranello, Vice President for Post-Acute Services.  “I enjoy being in the North Country region and I look forward to leading the post-acute services to help further this mission.”

Prior to his position at Cold Spring Hills, Mr. Baranello served as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Operations at Landmark in Boston, MA.  He was also Assistant Administrator for Professional Services at Central Suffolk Hospital in Rocky Point, NY.  Mr. Baranello is originally from Manhasset on Long Island, NY.

Mr. Baranello holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in Health Policy and Management from New York University. He is a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Administrators and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. While at Cold Spring Hills, he and his team were awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Workers Compensation and Disability Management Award, as well as a Bronze Quality Award from the American Health Care Association.

Mr. Baranello started at Samaritan on March 6, 2019.

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