Samaritan Health Archives

October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Samaritan’s Plaza Imaging & Lab Center Recognized for Excellence in Computed Tomography

WATERTOWN — Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce that its Imaging & Lab Center at the Samaritan Health & Wellness Plaza, 1575 Washington St., has been awarded three-year accreditation in Computed Tomography (CT) by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

ACR accreditation is a significant achievement that reflects the highest level of image quality and patient safety. To earn this voluntary accreditation, the Plaza Imaging & Lab Center underwent a rigorous peer-review evaluation by board-certified radiologists and medical physicists, who assessed image quality, personnel qualifications, equipment performance, quality control, and quality assurance programs.

“This accreditation reinforces our ongoing commitment to providing the highest standard of diagnostic imaging for our community,” said Jennifer Lundy-Kalin, Samaritan Radiology Manager “We are proud to add CT to our list of accredited services at the Plaza, where patients have access to outpatient imaging, laboratory services and much more in a modern, patient-centered setting.”

In addition to its new CT accreditation, the Plaza Imaging & Lab Center is already ACR accredited in mammography and ultrasound. It is located under the same roof as Samaritan’s Watertown Family Health Center, Women’s Wellness and Breast Care, and Addiction and Behavioral Health Services, improving access to care and streamlines diagnostic testing for patients throughout the region.

CT scanning — sometimes called CAT scanning — is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions. Samaritan Medical Center performed nearly 140,000 imaging tests in 2024, including 31,440 CT scans total.

For more information about Imaging Services at Samaritan Medical Center, please visit samaritanhealth.com/imaging.

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About the American College of Radiology

The American College of Radiology® (ACR®), founded in 1924, is a 42,000-member medical association that advances patient care, medical practice and collaborative results through advocacy, quality standards, research and education. More at www.acr.org.

About Samaritan Medical Center

Samaritan Medical Center is a not-for-profit, community-based healthcare provider committed to delivering quality, compassionate care to the residents of Northern New York. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, and outpatient care, with a focus on providing personalized care to all our patients.

October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Samaritan Welcomes New OB/GYN, Dr. Emma Marquez

WATERTOWN, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to welcome OB/GYN Emma Marquez, MD, MPH, to its medical staff.

She will care for patients at Samaritan’s Women’s Wellness and Breast Care, 1575 Washington St., and Samaritan’s Car-Freshner Center for Women and Children, 830 Washington St. The Center for Women and Children is the region’s only Level II Perinatal and Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the only local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Dr. Marquez specializes in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care, as well as female reproductive health for women of all ages. She completed her medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City, followed by an OB/GYN residency at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. She is board eligible with the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Dr. Marquez joins fellow Samaritan OB/GYNs John P. Barrett, MD; Kenya Cain, MD; Jonathan R. Oliva, MD; and Diane I. Shumbusho, MD. Together, with a team of nurses, advanced practice providers and other caregivers, they deliver approximately 1,500 babies per year — more than any hospital in the local area.

Historically, Samaritan’s OB/GYN physicians and providers have been assisted by military physicians at Fort Drum OB/GYN, a clinic located in the Samaritan Medical Office Building. On October 7, 2025, this clinic closed as the Defense Health Agency has decided to stop all obstetric care for Fort Drum soldiers and dependents. This ends a longstanding maternity care partnership between Fort Drum and Samaritan. Only gynecological services will be provided at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic on Fort Drum.

Dr. Marquez helps fill a vital need for OB/GYN care for military families at Samaritan, and other new providers will soon join the Samaritan team to meet the community’s needs. Samaritan is actively recruiting, and current physicians are here to ensure all Fort Drum families have maternity care.

“I am thrilled to join such an experienced and caring team of OB/GYNs here at Samaritan,” said Dr. Marquez. “The opportunity to care for women and families in the North Country, including active-duty service members and their spouses, brings me great pride.”

On average, more than one-third of the babies born each year at Samaritan are from Fort Drum families.

For more information about maternity services at the Samaritan Medical Center, visit samaritanhealth.com/maternity/. To learn more about women’s health services available at the Women’s Wellness and Breast Care office, visit samaritanhealth.com/womens-wellness/ or call 315-785-4155.

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Pictured above is Dr. Emma Marquez, MD, MPH

October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

July 2025 OWL Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the July 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, the long term care Admissions Coordinator, Dawn Johnson, was recognized by multiple family members for her dedication to residents and those seeking care options in the community. One nominator mentioned how Dawn took time to answer calls and provide answers to questions in a friendly and timely manner. Another mentioned how she guided the family patiently through every step of the admissions process.

At Samaritan Keep Home, Marybeth Davis, a Unit Clerk, was honored for her outstanding service. Melissa Elmer, a Nurse Manager, stated, “Marybeth keeps the unit running smoothly by staying on top of our very busy appointment book, phone calls, paperwork, and making sure lab work and imaging are done on time. Thanks to her, our residents get to where they need to be with minimal delay, and things on the unit stay organized.”

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 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 July 2025 OWL awardees Dawn Johnson and Marybeth Davis.

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.

October 9, 2025October 9, 2025

Samaritan Now Offering Advanced Treatments for Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction

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

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.

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

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 12, 2025September 12, 2025

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.

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

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