Watertown, NY – Samaritan Urology is pleased to announce the availability of advanced, minimally invasive and long-lasting treatment for patients suffering from overactive bladder, urinary retention, stress urinary incontinence, and bowel incontinence.
Axonics Therapy® is an advanced treatment option that provides gentle electrical stimulation to the nerves that control the bladder and bowel, restoring normal communication and resulting in an improvement in symptoms. Axonics Therapy is clinically proven to regain bladder and bowel control and provide long-term symptom relief.
The Axonics System offers a long-lived miniaturized neurostimulator that is long-lasting in the body, eliminating the need for repeat surgeries over the patient’s lifetime. The device is implanted into the pelvic area during a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. Patients are provided with a discreet easy to use Remote Control that can be used to manage their therapy.
Benefits of Axonics Therapy
Clinically proven to help people regain urinary and bowel control2
93% of patients experiencing clinically significant symptom improvements at 2 years post-implant.2
Designed to provide patients with long-lasting relief
Allows patients to undergo Full-Body MRI safely without having to explant the device
High patient satisfaction at 2 years2
94% of patients were satisfied with their therapy2
Bulkamid is a minimally invasive and long-lasting treatment option for bladder leaks caused by stress urinary incontinence (SUI)1.
Bladder leakage is common in women, with 1 in 3 suffering from SUI at some point in their lives.2 SUI tends to develop as women get older, often during or after pregnancy. The leaks are caused by weakness in the pelvic floor, preventing the urethra from closing fully when sudden pressure is put on the bladder. This can allow urine to leak out during normal daily activities such as coughing, laughing, exercising or lifting an object. Women who experience bladder leaks because of SUI can have severely decreased quality of life.
Bulkamid is a soft, water-based gel delivered via a series of small injections into the urethral wall. Once it is injected, the volume of the gel adds bulk to the urethra, supporting the closing mechanism of the urethra and providing better control of urine. Similar to some facial fillers, it remains in the body over time without causing reactions in the surrounding tissue, resulting in durable, long-lasting relief.
Benefits of Bulkamid:
Safe and effective: In a clinical study, 92% of women reported being cured or improved3
Simple procedure: A series of 3 – 4 small injections that takes just 10 – 15 minutes3
Long-lasting symptom relief: Bulkamid is clinically proven to deliver symptom relief out to seven years4
A more appealing treatment option: A majority of women with SUI chose Bulkamid before other surgical treatment options in a 2020 clinical study5
“Millions of Americans struggle with bladder and bowel control problems, which can significantly disrupt their daily lives,” said Dr. Kevin Chandler, urologist at Samaritan Urology. ““With Axonics and Bulkamid, we can now offer effective options that are outpatient, low-risk, and proven to improve quality of life.”
Both treatments are FDA-approved and have shown high levels of patient satisfaction and sustained symptom relief. It offers an alternative to medications, which may have limited effectiveness or unwanted side effects.
Patients experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination, strong urges to urinate, urinary leakage, or accidental bowel leakage are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider or a specialist to find out if they are a candidate treatment.
For more information, visit samaritanhealth.com/urology.
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Axonics References:
Irwin DE, Kopp ZS, Agatep B, Milsom I, Abrams P. Worldwide prevalence estimates of lower urinary tract symptoms, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and bladder outlet obstruction. BJU Int. 2011;108(7):1132-1138.
Pezzella A, McCrery R, Lane F, et al. Two-year outcomes of the ARTISAN-SNM study for the treatment of urinary urgency incontinence using the Axonics rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system [in press]. Neurourol Urodyn. 2021.
Bulkamid References:
Bulkamid Patient Information Leaflet
Magon, N et al. Stress urinary incontinence: What, when, why, and then what? J Midlife Health. 2011 Jul-Dec; 2(2): 57–64.
Itkonen-Freitas AM et al. Tension Free Vaginal Tape Vs Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injection For Primary Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Urol. Vol 203, 372 – 378, 2020.
Brosche et al. Seven-Year Efficacy and Safety Outcomes of Bulkamid for the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence. Neurourol Urodyn. Vol 40(1):502-508, 2021.
Dwyer L et al. “Voice Your Choice”: A Study of Women’s Choice of Surgery For Primary Stress Urinary Incontinence. International Urogynecology Journal. 31:769–777, 2020
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.
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.
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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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.
Samaritan Keep Home Roof Construction
Watertown, NY – Please be advised that Samaritan Keep Home, our skilled nursing home connected to the Medical Center campus, will receive a new roof starting soon. There will be heavy equipment present and lots of work happening. There is no impact to resident and visitor traffic or parking, only to staff and vendors. We look forward to this project being completed before winter.
Samaritan Medical Center Partners with River Hospital to expand access to Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) care in the Region
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
July 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients
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.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Samaritan’s July 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Laura Cooley, RN, (left), and July 2025 BEE Award recipient, Kathy Montgomery, Marketing Specialist (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.
Samaritan to Use Innovative Advanced Technology to Improve Lung Cancer Diagnosis
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‡.
The outcomes:
- 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.”
Learn more at www.samaritanhealth.com/lung-care.
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.
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
- Key Findings. www.lung.org. https://www.lung.org/research/state-of-lung-cancer/key-findings
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2023. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2023. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2023/2023-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdf Cases diagnosed in the SEER 17 areas from 2012-2018, all followed through 2019.
- National Cancer Institute. Cancer of the Lung and Bronchus – Cancer Stat Facts. National Cancer Institute. Published 2018. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/lungb.html
- Ho, ATN. Et al. Solitary lung nodule: CT-Guided transthoracic biopsy vs Transbronchial Biopsy with Endobronchial Ultrasound and Flexible
- DiBardino, D. Transthoracic needle biopsy of the lung. Journal of Thoracic Disease. 2015
- AURIS, 104-002610-01 MONARCH Platform Design Verification Report B2.0, Dec. 2019, pgs 18-19
- AURIS, 104-002690-01 Bronch 2.0 Design Validation Report- Functionality, Dec. 2019, pg 18.
- 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.
June 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients
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.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Samaritan’s June 2025 DAISY Award recipient, Sarah Lockwood, RN (left), and June 2025 BEE Award recipient, Emily McNulty, Clinical Pharmacist (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.
Samaritan Enhances Breast Surgery Precision with EnVisio® Navigation System
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.
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