Caregivers Archives

October 2, 2025October 2, 2025

June 2025 OWL Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the June 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, Dietary Supervisor Clay Wilcox was recognized for his hard work and dedication. Staff members acknowledged his positive attitude and continued care for residents and fellow Samaritan Caregivers.

At Samaritan Keep Home, Randi Jo Young, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), was honored for her outstanding service. Justyne Mynch of Samaritan’s Nursing Assistant Training Program (NATP) stated, “She consistently goes above and beyond because she cares. She doesn’t hesitate to stop what she is doing to help staff or residents. Randi Jo is such an asset to the unit helpers, making sure she is always available to them. She is a key part of what makes our team stronger.”

Both honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held 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 patients, 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 June 2025 OWL awardees Clay Wilcox and Randi Jo Young.

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.

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025

Samaritan’s Walker Center for Cancer Care Welcomes New Medical Oncologist Dr. Maksim Liaukovich

WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to welcome Medical Oncologist Maksim Liaukovich, MD, to the team at the Walker Center for Cancer Care.

Dr. Liaukovich brings years of clinical experience and advanced training to the Walker Center. He received his medical degree from Grodno State Medical University in Belarus and later completed both his internal medicine residency and hematology/medical oncology fellowship at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Medical oncology services at the Walker Center are provided through an affiliation with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY, as part of the Roswell Park Care Network. Dr. Liaukovich joins Roswell Park-affiliated medical oncologists Florence Arnold, MD, and Ihsan Haq, MD, in providing exceptional cancer care to North Country patients through this partnership. Services offered include:

Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Anticoagulation therapy
Bone marrow aspirate & biopsy
Transfusions
Diagnose and treat oncology and hematology disorders

“I am excited and honored to work with the teams at the Walker Center for Cancer Care and Roswell Park Care Network,” Dr. Liaukovich said, “Most importantly, I am grateful to use my expertise to help families here in the North Country. My colleagues and I are committed to serving our community with the best possible quality of cancer care.”

“Dr. Liaukovich is a welcome addition to the Walker Center’s medical oncology team,” said Dr. Mario Victoria, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Samaritan Medical Center. “His extensive training in medical oncology, hematology and internal medicine will enhance care for our patients and support our goal to stay at the forefront of cancer treatment. We are pleased to bring a full-time permanent position to the patients at the Walker Center.”

Dr. Liaukovich comes to Samaritan from AR Gould Northern Light Health Hospital in Presque Isle, ME. His wife, Dr. Volha Liaukovich, will join the medical staff in October, working for Samaritan’s contracted hospitalist group, Apogee Physicians.

For more information about medical oncology at the Walker Center for Cancer Care, visit samaritanhealth.com/cancer-care/.

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Pictured above is Dr. Liaukovich, image courtesy of Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

September 26, 2025September 26, 2025

August 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for August 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.

Gabrielle Wynne, Registered Nurse (RN), received the August DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by the daughter of a patient under Wynne’s care in the Progressive Care Unit said:

“My mom arrived at Samaritan and was placed on the 3rd floor. She was in bad condition with several things wrong. We were blessed with Gabby as our nurse for the first three days of our stay. Her bedside manner to my Mom was exceptional. She was patient, kind, and so gentle. Her tone when she spoke was so sweet as well. As I sat and watched Gabby work, she continuously went above and beyond for my mother.”

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Wynne 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.

MRI Technologist Andrea Beattie was honored with the August BEE Award. Her nomination was submitted by Patient Advocate Kristy Graveline after a conversation with a patient’s family, where Beattie was praised for her compassionate interactions with an adult patient. Kristy said:

“The family member shared that every time they see Andrea, her own anxiety lifts because she knows her son will be treated with kindness, respect, and genuine care. What sets Andrea apart is that she doesn’t just focus on treating the patient—she understands the importance of caring for the whole person and their family.”

Beattie 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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Photo of Gabrielle Wynne, RN, winner of the August 2025 DAISY Award

Photo of Andrea Beattie, MRI Technologist, winner of the August 2025 BEE Award

Samaritan’s August 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Gabrielle Wynne, RN, (left), and August 2025 BEE Award recipient, Andrea Beattie, MRI Technologist (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.

September 5, 2025September 5, 2025

Samaritan Medical Center Partners with River Hospital to expand access to Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) care in the Region

Dr. Gordon, Otolaryngologist, ENT, sees a pediatric female patient

Samaritan Medical Center is proud to partner with River Hospital to expand access to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care in the Thousand Islands region. Beginning in late September 2025, Dr. David C. Gordon, board certified Otolaryngologist, will see patients and perform surgical procedures at River Hospital.

Dr. Gordon, who has more than 20 years of ENT experience, currently practices at Samaritan’s Ear, Nose & Throat clinic in Watertown. His role at River Hospital is in addition to his ongoing practice at Samaritan ENT.

The collaboration reflects both hospitals’ commitment to ensuring patients across the North Country have timely access to high-quality specialty care.

To view River Hospital’s press release, please click here: https://www.riverhospital.org/news/current-news/river-hospital-welcomes-ear-nose-and-throat-specialist-dr-david-c-gordon

August 26, 2025August 26, 2025

July 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

A graphic shows the JULY DAISY and BEE Winners Laura Cooley and Kathy Montgomery

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for July 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.

Laura Cooley, Registered Nurse (RN), received the July DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by co-worker Rodney Dobson, RN, highlighted Cooley’s patient care saying:

“Laura consistently goes above and beyond for her patients treating each one as a special individual while providing compassionate care and always advocating for what is best for the patient. Laura’s dedication and genuine kindness uplifts everyone around her and reminds us all why we chose this profession in the first place. It is an honor and privilege to work alongside Laura. She is an inspiration and true role model for what nursing should be.”

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Cooley 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.

Marketing Specialist Kathy Montgomery was honored with the July BEE Award. Her nomination, submitted by multiple co-workers, described her commitment to Samaritan’s mission saying:

“Kathy puts the good of the team before herself. She is eager to lend a hand, encourages others with kindness, and efficiently completes her many responsibilities. She adapts to unexpected change and is unmatched in her resourcefulness. She has unique ideas and creative solutions. She enjoys giving back and always offers to help others.”

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

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Samaritan’s July 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Laura Cooley, RN, (left), and July 2025 BEE Award recipient, Kathy Montgomery, Marketing Specialist (right).

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

August 13, 2025August 13, 2025

June 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of the June 2025 DAISY and BEE Award Winners Sarah Lockwood, RN and Emily McNulty, Clinical Pharmacist

June 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for June 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.

Sarah Lockwood, Registered Nurse (RN), received the June DAISY Award. Her nomination, submitted by fellow RN Haley DelSanto, praised Lockwood’s professionalism and leadership:

“Sarah demonstrates a calm, clear-headed presence even in the most critical situations, providing steady leadership when it is needed most. Her ability to remain composed and focused is a tremendous asset to the team. In addition, she serves as an invaluable mentor to newer nurses, generously sharing her expertise and offering support with patience and kindness.”

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Lockwood 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.

Emily McNulty, Clinical Pharmacist, was honored with the June BEE Award. Her nomination, submitted by Tina O’Neil, Director of Mental Health Services, highlighted her dedication:

“Whenever I reach out with a question, a request, or any kind of need, Emily is always ready to help—going above and beyond, and always with a smile. Even when it’s not part of her regular duties, she steps in without hesitation. Emily truly embodies our HEART (Honesty, Empathy, Accountability, Respectfulness, Trustworthiness) values.”

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

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Samaritan’s June 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Sarah Lockwood, RN (left), and June 2025 BEE Award recipient, Emily McNulty, Clinical Pharmacist (right).

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

August 7, 2025August 7, 2025

Samaritan Home Health Achieves High Quality Rating in Latest Medicare Care Compare Report

Samaritan Home Health Occupational Therapy Tammy Perez

WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Home Health Agency, a leading provider of home health services in Jefferson County is proud to announce its recent performance in the latest Medicare Care Compare Quality of Patient Care Star Ratings, reaffirming its commitment to delivering exceptional care to patients in the comfort of their homes.

In the most recent update, Samaritan Home Health received a 4-star quality rating, placing it above average compared to other home health agencies across the country and in the region. This score is based on seven key measures of care quality that assess both processes of care and patient health outcomes. This rating represents an improvement from a consistent 3.5-star rating, reflecting the team’s continued efforts to enhance care and patient outcomes.

“This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of our team to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that improves the lives of our patients every day,” said Mariah Sech, RN, BSN, Administrator and Director of Patient Services for Samaritan Home Health.

The Quality of Patient Care Star Rating is based on:

How quickly care is initiated
Improvement in patients’ ability to:
- Take oral medications correctly
- Walk or move around
- Get in and out of bed
- Bathe independently
- Breathe with less difficulty
Rates of preventable hospital admissions

These quality measures fall into broader categories that matter most to patients and families: managing daily activities, treating symptoms, preventing harm, preventing unplanned hospital care, and value of care delivered.

Across the nation, most agencies receive a 3 or 3.5-star rating, making Samaritan Home Health performance notably strong. These scores are updated quarterly based on the most current available data.

Patients and families can compare agencies using the Medicare Care Compare tool:
https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/#search

“We are honored by the trust our patients place in us and remain focused on continuous improvement to ensure safe, effective, and personalized care at home,” added Sech.

While the ratings help consumers make informed decisions, it is important to note that a high rating does not imply federal endorsement but rather indicates strong comparative performance based on publicly reported data.

For more information about our services or to speak with an intake coordinator, please contact:
315-782-0415.
www.samaritanhealth.com/homehealth

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July 24, 2025July 24, 2025

Samaritan Welcomes Dedicated Breast Surgeon Dr. Michael Peyser

WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to welcome Dr. Peyser, a breast surgical oncologist, to the team at Samaritan’s Women’s Wellness and Breast Care (WWBC), located at 1575 Washington Street in Watertown.

WWBC offers comprehensive breast care through a collaborative team approach that includes breast surgery and genetics, radiology, medical and radiation oncology, and plastic surgery—ensuring patients receive seamless, compassionate, and state-of-the-art care.

Dr. Peyser brings advanced training and experience to the team. He received his medical degree and completed his surgical residency at Eastern Virginia Medical School, followed by a Fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.

Dr. Peyser is committed to delivering the most progressive breast cancer treatment using the latest surgical innovations and a multi-modality approach to care. He specializes in:

Hidden scar lumpectomies and mastectomies
Nipple-sparing mastectomies
Nerve reinnervation for improved nipple sensation
Other advanced techniques in breast surgery

“I am honored to be part of a program that takes such a comprehensive and patient-focused approach to breast care,” said Dr. Peyser. “My priority is to offer leading-edge surgical treatment while fostering a compassionate environment where patients feel informed, supported, and confident in their care.”

He also holds a Certificate of Performance in Oncoplastic Surgery from the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC), awarded in 2024. His oncoplastic techniques focus on both effective cancer treatment and preserving the natural appearance of the breast.

“We are proud to welcome Dr. Peyser to our Women’s Wellness and Breast Care team,” said Dr. Mario Victoria, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Samaritan Medical Center. “His advanced training in surgical oncology and commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care will further strengthen our ability to provide high-quality breast care within the North Country community.”

Dr. Peyser is now accepting referrals. To refer a patient or schedule an appointment, please contact Samaritan’s Women’s Wellness and Breast Care at 315-785-4155.

For more information visit samaritanhealth.com/breast-care

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Dr. Michael Peyser, Breast Surgical Oncologist

July 23, 2025July 23, 2025

May 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of DAISY and BEE Winners for May 2025

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for May 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who are excellent every day, both at the hospital and outpatient clinics.

Nigel Mascoll and Joseph Roche, Registered Nurses (RN) at Samaritan Medical Center, received the DAISY Award for May. Crystal Sutton, a Home Health Aide with Samaritan Home Health, received the BEE Award for May.

The DAISY nomination was provided by the family of a patient who highlighted the compassionate care, patience, and calming approach these nurses took while caring for their loved one.

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Mascoll and Roche were presented with certificates commending them as extraordinary nurses. They each received 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.

Latara Antwine, a Clinical Liaison with Samaritan Home Health, nominated Sutton saying:

“Crystal cares for patients and uplifts her team and strengthens our agency’s mission. She works collaboratively with both nursing and administrative staff to maintain compliance and quality, never hesitating to take on additional work if it means helping the team succeed.”

Sutton 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 patients, families, or colleagues can submit nominations 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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Samaritan’s BEE winner for May 2025, pictured on the left, is Home Health Aide Crystal Sutton. Samaritan’s DAISY Winners for May 2025 are Registered Nurses Joseph Roche and Nigel Mascoll, pictured left to right.

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

June 26, 2025June 26, 2025

Samaritan Graduate Medical Education 2025 Resident Physician Graduation

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Graduate Medical Education proudly celebrated the graduation of its 2025 Internal Medicine and Family Medicine resident physicians during a ceremony held June 20 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Watertown. Family members, friends, physician faculty, and Samaritan leadership gathered to honor the accomplishments of the graduates.

Family Medicine Residency Program
Directed by Dr. Benjamin Rudd
• Joseph Connor, DO – Chief Resident
• Caleb Atkins, MD

Internal Medicine Residency Program
Directed by Dr. Asim Kichloo
• Sandip Chattopadhyay, DO – Chief Resident
• Sameera Quraishi, MD

Two of the four doctors will remain in the North Country to continue their medical careers, while the other two will pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Dr. Joseph Connor has accepted a position with Prima Medical in Fairfax, VA, as a Family Medicine Physician. And Dr. Sandip Chattopadhyay will practice Internal Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse, NY.

Dr. Caleb Atkins, originally from Carthage, NY, will join the Samaritan Family Health Network and practice out of the Watertown clinic located in the Samaritan Health and Wellness Plaza at 1575 Washington Street. Dr. Atkins admits that he took the scenic route from graduating medical school in 2013 to beginning residency in 2022. During that time, he taught at the collegiate level, launched a data abstraction company, and founded a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting medical school graduates who did not match into residency. Dr. Atkins credits his success to the unwavering support of his parents, the encouragement and motivation of colleagues, and the sacrifice of his wife, who uprooted her life to help make this journey possible. He is excited to care for the community in the years ahead.

Dr. Sameera Quraishi has chosen to remain in the North Country to continue serving the community, accepting a position at a local nephrology practice. Although she once considered a career in education, Dr. Quraishi was ultimately drawn to medicine and earned her medical degree from one of Pakistan’s top medical colleges, where she also completed her internship. Her medical journey continued in the United States, where she completed a nephrology fellowship at New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens and an internal medicine residency here at Samaritan Medical Center. She is deeply thankful to her husband, Naeem, for moving their family to the U.S., and to her parents for their unwavering support.

Having resident physicians remain in the community after graduation is a tremendous asset to the region. These physicians have spent years training at Samaritan, becoming familiar with the unique healthcare needs of our population and forming strong connections with patients and colleagues alike. Their decision to continue practicing locally helps address the nationwide shortage of primary care, improves continuity of care for patients, and supports the long-term health and stability of the community. It is a testament to the strength of Samaritan’s Graduate Medical Education programs that many graduates choose to build their careers here, where they can make an immediate and lasting impact.

“The faculty and everyone involved in our graduate medical education programs are grateful for the chance to share knowledge from our own experiences,” said Dr. David Rechlin, Director of Graduate Medical Education at Samaritan. “These promising young physicians bring a remarkable energy and dedication to their work, both in the hospital and in outpatient settings. We congratulate them on this important milestone.”

Samaritan is the only academic teaching hospital in Northern New York, drawing medical students and residents from across the country for advanced clinical training. Residents benefit from a robust educational experience, including daily lectures, hands-on clinical rotations in various specialties, and participation in clinical research.

Samaritan’s residency programs are fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

To learn more about Graduate Medical Education at Samaritan, visit:
https://samaritanhealth.com/careers/careers-education/graduate-medical-education

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Pictured here are, from left to right, Caleb Atkins, MD, Sameera Quraishi, MD, Sandip Chattopadhyay, DO, and Joseph Connor, DO.

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