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.
Robotic Bronchoscopy Aims to Help Enable Earlier Access to Lung Nodules
WATERTOWN, NY – For lung cancer patients, getting an earlier diagnosis is crucial in creating the opportunity for accelerating treatment discussions. Johnson & Johnson MedTech’s MONARCHTM Platform, a robotically assisted bronchoscopy system enhanced with advanced computer-guided technology, is improving how physicians reach and biopsy lung lesions1.
The facts:
Nearly every 2 ½ minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with lung cancer, and every day, lung cancer takes the lives of more than 356 people2.
The 5-year relative survival is 61% in Stage 1 (localized), but when diagnosed at a late stage (distant) there is a 7% 5-year relative survival3.
Over 70% of U.S. lung cancer patients are not diagnosed until stages III-IV4.
Transthoracic Needle Aspirations have an approximate 20% pneumothorax rate; 7.3% of patients require a chest tube and 2.8% – 9% experience significant bleeding5,6.
We at Samaritan want to enable physicians to provide patients and their families quicker answers, especially around earlier diagnosis and treatment options.
The MONARCHTM Platform is now in use at Samaritan Medical Center enhancing the work of the skilled pulmonologists at Samaritan Pulmonology – Dr. Rory Sears, Dr. David Rechlin, Dr. Lawrence Kramer, Dr. Aaliya Burza, and Dr. Marco Campitelli. The technology effectively integrates bronchoscopes, instruments, navigation, and robotics into one easy-to-use platform that provides the physician with a full suite of possible endoscopic intervention capabilities. The MONARCHTM Bronchoscope is designed for continuous vision throughout the procedure7,8*†. The latest advancement in the platform’s navigation technology, MONARCHTM QUEST, combines next-generation navigation software with the GE HealthCare OEC 3D Imaging System to speed up algorithm and data processing. It is designed to travel deep into the lungs and precisely guide a biopsy instrument into even the most difficult nodules, while maintaining vision during the most critical segment of the procedure, the biopsy9‡.
As of April 2024, physicians throughout the country have used the MONARCHTM Platform on over 40,000 patients10.
With MONARCHTM for Bronchoscopy, physicians have demonstrated a 15% improvement in overall diagnostic yield compared to traditional ENB bronchoscopy11.
Samaritan continues to invest in our community and with the help of the MONARCHTM
Platform will change the future of lung care. “The Monarch Platform is transforming the way we approach lung procedures,” said Dr. Rory Sears, Pulmonary and Critical Care specialist at Samaritan. “Its advanced robotic precision allows us to reach and biopsy lung nodules with greater accuracy and safety, which ultimately means better outcomes and peace of mind for our patients.”
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.
Bronchoscopy Indications for Use: The MONARCHTM Bronchoscope and the MONARCHTM Platform and its accessories are intended to provide bronchoscopic visualization of and access to patient airways for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Bronchoscopy Important Safety Statement: Complications from bronchoscopy may include breathing difficulty, vocal cord spasm, hoarseness, slight fever, vomiting, dizziness, bronchial spasm, infection, low blood oxygen, bleeding from biopsied site, or an allergic reaction to medications. More serious complications from bronchoscopy may include collapsed lung, respiratory failure, hemorrhage, burns, heart attack or cardiac arrhythmia.
References
Retrospective Chart Review of Monarch Diagnostic Bronchoscopy Outcomes in Real-world Clinical Practice. Internal Data 103-000810-00 Rev A
AURIS, 104-002610-01 MONARCH Platform System Design Verification Report B2.0, Dec. 2019, Validation Test Report
Internal Report: Monthly Utilization by Hospital
Vachani A, et al. Diagnostic Yield Of Technologies For Biopsy Of Lung Lesions: Using An Advanced Optimization Approach To Compare Single-Arm Bronchoscopy Trials. CHEST 2022;162(4), Supp.: A2118-A2119. https:doi.org_10.1016_j.chest.2022.08.1749. Accessed 3 April 2024.
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Photographed above, left to right, is Dr. Rory Sears using the MONARCH, a group photo of Dr. Marco Campitelli, Dr. Lawrence Kramer, and Dr. Rory Sears, and a photo of Dr. Aaliya Burza and Dr. Lawrence Kramer using the equipment together.
WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan is proud to announce the integration of the EnVisio® Surgical Navigation System into its breast surgery program at Women’s Wellness and Breast Care. This state-of-the-art technology provides real-time, image-guided navigation, allowing surgeons to perform breast-conserving procedures with greater precision and confidence.
The EnVisio system, by Elucent, acts like a GPS for surgeons. It allows them to locate and remove breast lesions with pinpoint accuracy, often through smaller incisions and with less disruption to surrounding healthy tissue.
“This technology represents a significant advancement in breast surgery,” said Michael Peyser, MD, Breast Surgeon. “We are one of the first hospitals in Central NY and the North Country to utilize the EnVisio system which makes breast surgery more precise and efficient. The technology provides 3-D surgical awareness and uses real-time data on the location of the cancer to be removed.”
The addition of EnVisio to Samaritan’s surgical suite brings several patient benefits:
Greater accuracy in locating tumors and abnormalities
Smaller incisions, leading to faster healing and better cosmetic outcomes
Improved surgical confidence, especially in complex or non-palpable cases
Streamlined coordination with radiology and pathology teams
“We are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation in breast care,” said Dr. Mario Victoria, Vice President for Medical Affairs/Chief Medical Officer. “EnVisio is part of our investment in providing patients with the safest, most advanced surgical options available.”
This cutting-edge technology supports the hospital’s broader mission to deliver 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.
For more information about breast surgery and treatment options at Women’s Wellness and Breast Care, visit samaritanhealth.com/breast-care.
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.
“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
The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® – Gold Plus award for proven dedication to ensuring all stroke patients have access to best practices and life-saving care
WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plusquality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.
Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
“Samaritan is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Dr. Mario Victoria, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Samaritan Medical Center. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in the North Country can experience longer, healthier lives.”
Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Samaritan Medical Center for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
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.
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).
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for April 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.
Roxane Christopher and Alexandra Lillie, Registered Nurses (RN) in the Labor and Delivery unit of Samaritan’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children, received the DAISY Award for April. Toni Rodriguez, a Screening and Visitation Specialist at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award for April.
The DAISY nomination was provided by a patient, Tifany Gill, who stated, “Roxane and Alexendra both deserve the DAISY award. Although they didn’t physically deliver my baby, they made the most traumatic and fearful experience I’ve had in nearly a decade feel like I was experiencing it with support. Both nurses made me feel like I was safe and cared for.”
For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Christopher and Lillie 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.
Rodriguez was nominated by Cindy Oster, a visitor who expressed that Toni’s sincerity and empathy, as well as warm personality make a world of difference to her, and to all visitors and patients of Samaritan Medical Center.
Rodriguez 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 DAISY winners for April 2025, pictured on the left, from left to right, are Registered Nurses Alexandra Lillie and Roxane Christopher. The next photo shows the nurses with the nominating family. The BEE winner, pictured next, is Toni Rodriguez, Screening and Visitation Specialist.The final photo shows her with her nominator, Cindy Oster.
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.
It’s no secret that there is a shortage in the workforce, and now – more than ever – is the time for jobseekers to consider caring for their community while improving their career. Investing in dedicated healthcare professionals is critical when it comes to the future of providing quality care to those who need it, and Samaritan strives to do just that.
“Caring is at the heart of everything we do,” says Tom Carman, president and CEO of Samaritan. “Our caregivers are proud to care for our community. We proudly support the education and development of our caregivers who aspire to continue to deliver compassionate and quality care.”
Samaritan offers dedicated candidates rewarding career opportunities, excellent benefits and professional development, and the ability to make a real difference in healthcare throughout our surrounding communities.
Breanna Knapp, a medical-surgical registered nurse (RN) at Samaritan Medical Center, said, “I started working at Samaritan when I was 17-years-old working in the kitchen. While I was delivering trays, I noticed the patients were happy to see us, especially when we brought the food. That made me feel good, so I decided to become a nursing assistant (NA) and continued working while attending school for my RN degree.”
Knapp is just one of many healthcare professionals who utilized her benefits through Samaritan like flexible scheduling and loan forgiveness to climb the career ladder.
Expanded opportunities for learning – nurse residency
Participating in a well-structured nurse residency program is a good way to help recent nursing graduates transition into a range of clinical practices. Samaritan’s program encompasses organization orientation, preceptor-led practice-based experience, and supplemental activities to promote nursing competencies and interprofessional collaboration.
At Samaritan Medical Center, we provide the comprehensive resources and support necessary for success. We offer nurse residency programs in the ED, ICU, PCU, Medical-Surgical, peri-OP, and maternity and pediatrics units. These programs are specifically designed to monitor and mentor new graduate nurses during their first year.
Sarah Wallace, RN, completed Samaritan’s Emergency Department Nurse Residency Program in 2023. She said, “It’s a great opportunity and educational experience. You learn different things about different areas and floors of the hospital, and how patient care starting in the Emergency Department can help those floors or areas. I love that I can take what I learn and then educate the patients.”
Setting the tone and leading the way
Whether taking advantage of educational benefits, or maintaining their current career path, our team of caregivers are supported by an organization whose ongoing strategic planning drives Samaritan forward, sets the tone for future growth and development, and offers stable, market rate paying jobs with guaranteed hours —all while providing a high quality of care for the community.
“We’re looking for employees who not only want to contribute to Samaritan’s growth, but grow with us,” says Cynthia Cassell, nursing recruiter for Samaritan. “This is a place of collaboration, driven by a team togetherness that translates across all departments. People love to be a part of this, even in the bustling world of healthcare.”
Supported by superior benefits
Samaritan and its affiliates offer a robust and competitive benefits package to its employees. These packages are the finest among Northern New York businesses; and with their combination of sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, comprehensive health insurance, retirement support, paid time off (PTO) and community discount programs, each are a clear reflection of how much Samaritan cares about its employees, their health and their families.
“Each benefits package was developed with our employees in mind and how best to support them both inside and outside of work,” says Chris Rowe, executive director of human resources at Samaritan. “Our caregivers are what make our care exceptional, and their well-being means everything.”
Samaritan is proud to invest in the future of its employees by providing financial assistance and professional guidance to individuals interested in enhancing job knowledge or developing skills that foster growth in healthcare careers.
“One of the best ways we can support our employees is by encouraging their development,” says Rowe. “The more they can grow in their careers, the more they can accomplish for themselves, their families and our entire community. There are countless stories of employees that started in dietary and are now RNs and other roles. We helped them achieve their career goals.”
Some of the ways Samaritan helps its employees develop—and make an even bigger difference—include the following:
Tuition assistance or reimbursement – Some employees are eligible for tuition assistance or reimbursement. There are various requirements, and each case may differ. Potential employees or current employees are encouraged to contact Human Resources to see if there are options available to them.
Excellence through Collaboration Education and Leadership EXCEL Program – This program is designed to cultivate promising leaders within Samaritan who create and promote an engaged workforce and a culture of excellence; and focuses on such leadership competencies as delegating responsibility, communicating with impact, and building organizational talent. Upon completion, learning to lead the Samaritan Way will enable leaders to learn practical leadership skills; provide opportunities for personal and professional growth and development; and much more.
Medical imaging is a crucial aspect of healthcare. CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, X-rays and other technologies allow healthcare professionals to diagnose conditions accurately, plan surgeries effectively, and monitor the progress of treatments. Samaritan Health understands the power of medical imaging and has made significant investments to bring high-quality imaging talent and technology to the North Country.
Prioritizing easy access to exceptional imaging services, Samaritan offers walk-in X-rays at Samaritan Medical Center, Samaritan Health & Wellness Plaza, and Samaritan’s Coffeen Street Imaging & Lab Center in Watertown. X-rays are also accessible at Samaritan’s Adams and Clayton Family Health Centers, extending a valuable service to both ends of Jefferson County.
Patients can now self-schedule a screening mammogram at Samaritan in just a few minutes using a secure online scheduling tool. This resource displays available appointment dates and times up to three months in advance, empowering patients to make proactive healthcare choices without needing to call the scheduling office.
And, once images have been captured, Samaritan makes them easily accessible to patients and providers with Nuance PowerShare — a free and secure online service with convenient access to medical imaging, radiology scans and reports. PowerShare puts patients in charge of their images and scans, allowing them to quickly and conveniently grant access to the providers who also utilize the system.
With all of these points of access, it’s no surprise that the Samaritan Health System captures upwards of 130,000 medical images in a typical year. To be exact, 142,723 images were taken in 2023, which translates to about 390 images per day, or 16 every hour!
“Providing access to advanced medical imaging and radiology services is not only critical for our physicians to make accurate diagnoses,” said Samaritan President and CEO Thomas Carman, “but it’s also about empowering our patients with clarity, peace of mind, and the information they need to make the best possible healthcare decisions.”
Image-Guided Treatment
In addition to traditional radiology procedures, such as X-rays and MRIs, Samaritan Medical Center offers the North Country community a highly specialized imaging service — interventional radiology. This service utilizes minimally-invasive, image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system.
Some common Interventional radiology procedures include:
Embolization — using ultrasound and live X-ray for guidance, specialists block blood vessels to stop bleeding or reduce blood flow to certain areas of the body. This can be used to treat aneurysms, treat certain tumors, shrink the prostate gland in men with BPH, reduce knee pain and minimize uterine fibroids in women or varicoceles in men.
Angioplasty — uses a balloon catheter to widen narrowed or blocked arteries or veins, improving blood flow. This procedure relies on live X-ray to guide the catheter to the blockage. It is commonly used to treat atherosclerosis, a buildup of fats and cholesterol on the artery walls.
Kyphoplasty — also uses image guidance and a balloon catheter, but to treat compression fractures in the vertebrae, usually caused by osteoporosis or spinal tumors.
Ablation – uses image guidance and thermal energy to treat certain tumors located in the liver, kidneys, lungs and elsewhere.
As complex as these procedures are, they only require small incisions to be performed and are usually complete within a few hours. In most cases, patients experience fast symptom relief and are able to continue normal activities within days or even hours.
Samaritan Medical Center has one of few interventional radiology clinics in the North Country, staffed by a team of specialists. In July, Samaritan welcomed Russell A. Reeves, MD, MBA, MS, a fellowship-trained interventional radiologist, to lead the practice.
Dr. Reeves received his medical degree from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, and completed residencies in diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia, PA. He was an interventional radiology fellow at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and is certified by the American Board of Radiology.
He specializes in lymphatic interventions, using imaging guidance to both diagnose and treat lymphatic leaks in the abdomen and chest, as well as treatment of superficial and deep venous diseases, including varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Dr. Reeves is also trained in hepatic interventions, treating patients with advanced liver disease who suffer from recurrent ascites, difficulty thinking due to hepatic encephalopathy, or bleeding from the stomach due to abdominal varices.
“I’m excited to join the Samaritan team and look forward to serving the Northern New York and Fort Drum communities,” says Dr. Reeves. “With a fantastic interventional radiology staff and advanced imaging technology, we are able to provide life-changing treatment right here in Watertown.”
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