Samaritan Health Archives

August 14, 2025August 14, 2025

Samaritan to Use Innovative Advanced Technology to Improve Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Photo of Samaritan's Surgical Monarch Team

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 MONARCH^TM 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 bleeding^5,6.

We at Samaritan want to enable physicians to provide patients and their families quicker answers, especially around earlier diagnosis and treatment options.

The MONARCH^TM 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 MONARCH^TM Bronchoscope is designed for continuous vision throughout the procedure^7,8*†. The latest advancement in the platform’s navigation technology, MONARCH^TM 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 biopsy^9‡.

Samaritan is currently the only hospital in New York State utilizing the Monarch Platform with advanced technology. Since its launch, the team has already performed four successful procedures, setting a new standard for lung care in the region.

The outcomes:

As of April 2024, physicians throughout the country have used the MONARCH^TM Platform on over 40,000 patients¹⁰.
With MONARCH^TM 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 MONARCH^TM

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 MONARCH^TM Bronchoscope and the MONARCH^TM 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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Monarch Equipment photo with Dr. Rory Sears

Monarch Equipment photo with Dr. Burza and Dr. Kramer

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.

August 13, 2025August 13, 2025

June 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

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

June 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for June 2025. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.

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

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

The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Lockwood received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture—hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

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

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

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

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

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.

August 11, 2025August 11, 2025

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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August 7, 2025August 7, 2025

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

Samaritan Home Health Occupational Therapy Tammy Perez

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

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

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

The Quality of Patient Care Star Rating is based on:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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August 1, 2025August 8, 2025

SUSAN PETERS NURSE PRACTITIONER SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED

Photo of Susan Peters Scholarship Winners 2025

Watertown, New York — Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Susan Peters Scholarship: Olivia Marra and Courtney Sartwell.

Olivia Marra, a Registered Nurse in Samaritan’s Interventional Radiology, Progressive Care Unit (PCU), and Infusion Departments, is pursuing her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. Courtney Sartwell, also a Registered Nurse at Samaritan in the PCU, is continuing her education to become a Nurse Practitioner.

The Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship was established in 2018 to assist with the education costs for Registered Nurses who are continuing their education, specifically to pursue Nurse Practitioner degrees. Two scholarships of $2,000 are awarded each year.

Mrs. Peters graduated from the former House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing and retired from Samaritan Medical Center as a Certified Oncology Nurse; prior to that, she had served as a staff RN and for more than 20 years as a Nurse Manager of Medical/Surgical, Orthopedic and Alternate Level of Care Units. Susan Passed away in 2020.

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

For more information, please contact the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation at 315-785-4584, visit samaritanhealth.com/scholarships, or email [email protected].

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Pictured from left are Mary Dawley, Olivia Marra, Beth Fipps, Courtney Sartwell, Marie Hess.

July 25, 2025July 25, 2025

Samaritan Medical Center is Nationally Recognized for its Commitment to Providing High-Quality Stroke Care

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 Plus quality 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.”

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July 24, 2025July 24, 2025

Samaritan Welcomes Dedicated Breast Surgeon Dr. Michael Peyser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information visit samaritanhealth.com/breast-care

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Dr. Michael Peyser, Breast Surgical Oncologist

July 23, 2025July 23, 2025

May 2025 DAISY®, and BEE Award Recipients

Graphic of DAISY and BEE Winners for May 2025

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

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

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

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Mascoll and Roche were presented with certificates commending them as extraordinary nurses. They each received a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

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

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

Sutton was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

These awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and patients, families, or colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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

About Samaritan Medical Center

About The DAISY Foundation

June 26, 2025June 26, 2025

Samaritan Graduate Medical Education 2025 Resident Physician Graduation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 23, 2025June 23, 2025

March and April 2025 OWL Award Recipients

Graphic of March 2025 Owl Winners Gary Montondo and Ashley Evans

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its outstanding workers in long term care (OWL) Award recipients for March and April 2025.

At Samaritan Summit Village, Gary Montondo, Assisted Living Activities Coordinator, won the OWL Award for March. Sherry Birdslow, Assisted Living Housekeeper, won the OWL Award for April.

At Samaritan Keep Home, Ashley Evans, Hospitality Aide, won the OWL Award for March. Skyler Hatch, Central Scheduler, won the OWL Award for April.

Montondo was nominated for the OWL Award by fellow caregiver Rose Busler who said:

“Our Elvis impersonator was unable to come in for our activity of celebrating Elvis Presley’s 90^th birthday. Knowing that the residents were looking forward to the entertaining activity, Gary dressed up and performed for the residents. Everyone had a great time.”

Birdslow was nominated for the OWL Award by a resident who expressed how impressed they are with her willingness to go the extra mile and attention to detail. The resident said Sherry has a great personality, and goes above and beyond without being asked when cleaning their apartment and they have such a good rapport.

Evans was nominated by fellow caregiver Katrina Johnson who said:

“Ashley makes an impact with her attitude every day and it is contagious. She seeks her coworkers out just to ask about their day and see how they are doing. She creates a team atmosphere.”

Hatch was nominated by two fellow caregivers, Megan Larkins and Kerri Pellam, who said:

“Skyler’s willingness to always assist with staffing or department needs does not go unnoticed. You always have a positive attitude and greet everyone with a smiling face even when you have had a tough day.”

The awardees received certificates and appreciation tokens during recognition ceremonies at their respective facilities.

These awards will be presented throughout the year. Patients, families, and colleagues can submit nominations at any time. To nominate someone or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY, BEE, and OWL Awards, please visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

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Graphic of April 2025 OWL Winners Sherry Birdslow and Skyler Hatch

Pictured here, from left to right, are March 2025 OWL awardees Gary Montondo and Ashley Evans, and April 2025 OWL awardees Sherry Birdslow and Skyler Hatch.

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.

References

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