First-in-US Varicose Vein VEINRESET Trial Seeking Patients

Englewood Health is the first and only facility in North America to enroll patients in this trial.

November 14, 2023 — The Center for Vein Disease at Englewood Health, part of Englewood Health’s Vascular Surgery department, is seeking patients with symptomatic varicose veins for a new clinical trial called the Sonovein VEINRESET Trial.

The Sonovein device used for the trial employs HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) to target and seal abnormal veins. This is the next evolution of a completely in-office, non-invasive, through-the-skin method of treating vein disease. For patients whose veins are conducive to this form of treatment, there may be advantages, including no incisions, guidewires, chemicals, or scars, and patients can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.

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Englewood Health Receives Leapfrog ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade

One of five hospitals in New Jersey to have achieved an ‘A’ grade consecutively since fall 2019.

November 7, 2023 — Englewood Health has received an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for fall 2023. The ‘A’ rating is a national distinction that Englewood Health has achieved 21 times since The Leapfrog Group—an independent nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety, and transparency in the U.S. health system—established the safety grade in 2012. The grade is released twice a year.

Englewood Health is among 30% of hospitals nationwide to achieve an ‘A’ for fall 2023, and among just five hospitals in New Jersey to have received an ‘A’ consecutively since fall 2019.

“We are honored to receive another ‘A’ rating from The Leapfrog Group,” stated Kathleen Kaminsky, MS, RN, NE-BC, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Englewood Health. “Our team consistently places patient safety at the forefront of our priorities. It is this unwavering commitment to providing safe, high-quality, and effective care that has led to our continued recognition with a top safety grade.”

Tina Bloemer, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPHRM, FASHRM, vice president for quality at Englewood Health, emphasized, “Each member of our dedicated team, spanning every department, plays a pivotal role in upholding patient safety. Englewood Health remains committed to consistently developing and enhancing systems to safeguard our patients. Our team members work tirelessly to maintain these systems, and we are pleased to see that important work recognized with an ‘A’ grade.”

“Earning an ‘A’ Grade means Englewood Health made a true commitment to put patients first,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We congratulate the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff and volunteers that all had a role to play in this achievement.”

The Leapfrog Group updates hospital safety grades twice annually, in the spring and fall. To see Englewood Health’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in hospitals, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Englewood Health Earns 2023 Digital Health Most Wired Recognition for 10th Year in a Row

October 27, 2023 — Englewood Health has been named a Most Wired Hospital in the 2023 Digital Health Most Wired Survey, marking the tenth consecutive year Englewood Health has achieved this honor.

The annual survey—conducted by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME)—functions as a comprehensive “Digital Health Check-up” for healthcare organizations across the world.

Englewood Health achieved a prestigious Level 9 out of 10 for both acute and ambulatory care. In doing so, Englewood Health also earned the Performance Excellence Award for these categories.

Among the more than 55,000 facilities surveyed, Englewood Health ranked in the top 20th percentile compared to its peers, with notable achievements in the following areas:

•  Clinical Quality and Safety

•  Cyber Security program maturity

•  Patient engagement. 

“We take great pride in our robust technological infrastructure, and our incredible team of professionals who propel the seamless integration of digital healthcare across our acute and ambulatory services,” said Inderpal Kohli, vice president and chief information officer at Englewood Health. “The recent CHIME survey underscores the pivotal role that technology plays in fostering a fully integrated healthcare experience for both patients and healthcare providers.”

“Technology lends crucial support to various facets of our clinical care. With the help of technology, we’re able to improve the safety and quality of the care we deliver using predictive, real-time, and retrospective analytics. We’re also able to greatly improve the experiences of our team members by offering them better ways to communicate with patients and each other,” said Hillary Cohen, MD, MPH, senior vice president of medical affairs. “As we venture into the realm of AI, we stand on the threshold of incredible opportunities to further enhance the quality of care we provide.”

As success in digital health increasingly influences the quality of patient care, the scope of the Digital Health Most Wired survey reflects the progress of leading healthcare providers reinventing healthcare for a new era. The survey assessed the adoption, integration, and impact of technologies in healthcare organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry leading.

“We are proud to recognize Englewood Health’s exceptional dedication to digital health excellence,” said CHIME President and CEO Russell P. Branzell.  “Englewood Health’s pioneering performance in the industry not only inspires other organizations by example, but also provides patients around the world with better care.”

Englewood Health Named Among America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic and Spine Surgery

Among the top 2% in the nation for orthopedic and spine surgery, according to Healthgrades.

October 27, 2023 — Englewood Health is one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for orthopedic and spine surgery, according to new research released by Healthgrades, a leading resource for Americans researching doctors and hospitals. 

Hospitals included on Healthgrades 100 Best lists represent the top 2% of hospitals in their respective specialties. This distinction, along with numerous other accolades Englewood Health received from Healthgrades this year, reflects Englewood Health’s commitment to clinical excellence and distinguishes it as one of the country’s leading hospitals. 

“We are proud to be named one of the best hospitals in the nation for orthopedic and spine surgery,” said Kevin Yao, MD, chief of neurosurgery at Englewood Health. “This recognition reflects the commitment of our orthopedic and neurosurgery teams to delivering the highest quality care, ensuring good outcomes, and improving the lives of our patients. It is their skill, compassion, and tireless efforts that make our hospital a beacon of excellence in healthcare.” 

“Needing surgery for an orthopedic or spinal procedure can be a scary prospect for patients. At Englewood Health, our comprehensive clinical team understands these concerns and is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and expertise. Patients can be confident that they are in capable hands, receiving the best care possible. It is gratifying to witness this commitment being recognized by Healthgrades,” said Asit Shah, MD, PhD, chief of orthopedic surgery at Englewood Health. 

Englewood Health received additional recognitions from Healthgrades for orthopedic and spine care, including: 

  • The Healthgrades 2024 Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™ 
  • The Healthgrades 2024 Spine Surgery Excellence Award™ 
  • A Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment 
  • A Five-Star Recipient for Spinal Fusion Surgery  
  • Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services  
  • Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Spine Surgery  

Healthgrades evaluates hospitals solely on clinical outcomes. By focusing on what matters most, the Healthgrades ratings provide critical feedback for both patients and hospitals. The 2024 hospital assessment evaluated outcomes for 35 common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to identify the top performers.   

To learn more about Healthgrades’ methodology and to see Englewood Health’s full list of awards, visit Healthgrades.com

Englewood Health Receives Healthgrades Surgical Excellence Award

Among the top 10% of hospitals for surgical excellence and a Five-Star Recipient for gallbladder removal, abdominal aorta repair, and more.

October 27, 2023 — Englewood Health has been recognized with the 2024 Surgical Excellence Award™ by Healthgrades, a leading resource for Americans researching doctors and hospitals. 

Recipients of Healthgrades’ Specialty Excellence Award represent the top 10% of hospitals in the nation for their respective specialties. This distinction, along with numerous other accolades Englewood Health received from Healthgrades this year, reflects Englewood Health’s outstanding clinical performance, and distinguishes it as one of the nation’s leading hospitals. 

From 2020-2022, patients treated at hospitals receiving the Surgical Excellence Award™ had, on average, a 63.5% lower risk of experiencing a complication than if they were treated in hospitals that did not receive the award, Healthgrades reports. 

“This award is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our entire surgical team,” said James McGinty, MD, chief of surgery and surgical services at Englewood Health. “Great outcomes are only achievable through the collaborative efforts of a highly specialized, multidisciplinary team, and that is what we have here at Englewood Health. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide compassionate, state-of-the-art surgical care to our community.” 

“At Englewood Health, we believe in embracing the latest technology to ensure every patient receives the highest standard of care,” said Tina Bloemer, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPHRM, FASHRM, vice president for quality at Englewood Health. “Our early adoption of minimally invasive techniques and robotics has allowed us to offer patients shorter hospital stays, quicker recoveries, and the possibility of improved outcomes when they do require surgery.”  

  • Englewood Health received additional recognitions from Healthgrades this year, including: 
  • Five-Star Recipient for Repair of Abdominal Aorta for 3 Years in a Row (2022-2024) 
  • Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Pancreatitis for 2 Years in a Row (2023-2024) 
  • Five-Star Recipient for Gallbladder Removal Surgery for 6 Years in a Row (2019-2024) 
  • Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Diabetic Hospitalizations in 2024 

Healthgrades evaluates hospitals solely on clinical outcomes. By focusing on what matters most, the Healthgrades ratings provide critical feedback for both patients and hospitals. The 2024 hospital assessment evaluated outcomes for 35 common conditions and procedures at approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to identify the top performers.   

To learn more about Healthgrades’ methodology and to see Englewood Health’s full list of awards, visit Healthgrades.com

Englewood Health Named One of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek 

October 27, 2023 — Englewood Health has been named one of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek. This mark of distinction was awarded following a rigorous vetting process in which Newsweek—in partnership with consumer data company Statista—performed analytics on patient outcomes, safety, hygiene measures, and quality of care at hospitals nationwide. 

Four data sources were used for evaluation: 

  • Nationwide online survey: Over 10,000 medical professionals (doctors, hospital managers and healthcare workers) were asked to recommend the best hospitals (in and out of state) based on their expertise.  
  • Quality metrics data: Data from Medicare and Medicare Services available for mortality, safety, readmission, experience, and timely and effective care was considered. 
  • Patient experience: Cleanliness of the hospitals and quietness, communication of the nurses/doctors and staff responsiveness, care transition, medicine communication, and discharge information. 
  • PROMS Implementation survey: To account for the increasing importance of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). 

“We’re honored to be named one of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals by Newsweek,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “At Englewood Health, we continuously strive for excellence. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our exceptional team of healthcare professionals. We remain steadfast in our mission to serve our community with the utmost compassion and expertise, and we look forward to continuing to meet and exceed the expectations of our patients and their families.” 

For more information on Newsweek’s Best-In-State Hospitals List, visit: Newsweek.com

Englewood Health Opens The Shirvan Family Live Well Center in Englewood

Shirvan livewell center ribbon cutting
Shirvan Family Live Well Center ribbon cutting

October 26, 2023 — Englewood Health has opened The Shirvan Family Live Well Center in downtown Englewood. Located at 59 West Palisade Avenue, the center offers educational programs and hands-on activities that empower individuals and families to lead their healthiest lives.

With a focus on three pillars of health (nutritional, emotional, and physical wellness), the center crafts experiences designed to arm community members with the tools they need to make healthy choices.

These programs are designed to proactively prevent chronic disease among at-risk populations. The center offers unique programming for children, adults, and the elderly, and all programs are free. Many programs are offered in Spanish.

“At Englewood Health, we have always believed in the power of community-driven healthcare,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “The Shirvan Family Live Well Center represents a significant milestone in our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community. We understand that true healthcare extends beyond the walls of a hospital, and that’s why we’re excited to offer these preventative resources locally and at no cost to our community.”

“The philosophy of the Shirvan Family Live Well Center is simple: small healthy choices every day can lead to big health changes over time,” said Hillary Cohen, MD, MPH, senior vice president of medical affairs at Englewood Health. “Medically, we know this to be true. The choices we make today affect our health 10, 15 and 20 years down the line. Our goal with the opening of this center is to enable individuals and families to make informed choices that will support their long-term health, their family’s health, and the health of the larger communities we live in.”

“This dedicated location will allow us to further expand our community health initiatives,” said Jamie Ketas, vice president of population health at Englewood Health. “We will leverage this resource to increase our targeted Live Well programming, designed to reduce health disparities and help each individual achieve their best possible health outcome.”

The center houses a teaching kitchen, a student cooking space, an exercise area, and a quiet space for group discussion and emotional wellness practices. Events and classes have been crafted by a team of health educators, fitness professionals, nutritionists, chefs, art therapists, and meditation and yoga instructors. They include:

  • Cooking classes
  • Exercise classes
  • Nutrition workshops
  • Stress management programs
  • Emotional wellness classes
  • Programs on specific health issues, such as diabetes, cancer, weight management, heart health and more

Programs at The Shirvan Family Live Well Center are offered to all participants free of charge, thanks to The Amy and Mark Shirvan Family Foundation and The Stanley and Sylvia Shirvan Foundation and other generous benefactors. Their support enables Englewood Health to deliver on its commitment to advance health equity by making preventive health resources accessible to all community members.

To see the center’s calendar of upcoming classes and events, visit: https://www.englewoodhealth.org/service/shirvan-family-live-well-center or call 551-285-0800.

Englewood Health Appoints Anita Ramsetty, MD, as Director of Health Equity

October 23, 2023 — Englewood Health has appointed Anita Ramsetty, MD, as director of health equity. In this new role, Dr. Ramsetty is responsible for shaping the health system’s efforts to advance health equity. She will focus on developing programs and resources to address social determinants of health, remove barriers to care and education, and reduce health disparities across Englewood Health’s patient populations and the communities it serves.

“I found my calling in caring for underserved communities to ensure all of us have equal access to the care and resources we need to live a healthy life,” says Dr. Ramsetty. “Through education, medical practice, and community engagement, we will find new ways to keep moving forward together, healthfully.”

“Fostering diversity and inclusion in health care has never been a more pressing goal,” says Hillary Cohen, MD, senior vice president for medical affairs at Englewood Health. “Englewood Health is focusing on several initiatives to meet the needs of its diverse patient communities and to foster an inclusive workplace.”

She adds, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ramsetty to our team. As a clinical preceptor for students and residents, she has worked extensively with at-risk groups and is consistently recognized for her leadership in diversity. Under her guidance, Englewood Health will implement targeted interventions designed to improve health outcomes and health equity for our communities.”

Dr. Ramsetty is board certified in internal medicine and endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. She specializes in equity in medical education and her clinical focus comprises nutrition, lifestyle, and preventive health, especially as it relates to diabetes and heart disease.

Dr. Ramsetty received her MD from the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL, where she completed an internal medicine residency. She then completed an endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, CA. Dr. Ramsetty is a member of the American Diabetes Association and the Endocrine Society.

Englewood Health Appoints Magdalena Spariosu, MD, as Director of Behavioral Health

October 23, 2023 — Englewood Health has appointed Magdalena Spariosu, MD, as its new director of behavioral health. In this new role, Dr. Spariosu will spearhead strategic planning and clinical oversight for both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services, with a central focus on expanding access to compassionate, patient-centered, evidence-based care across the communities served by Englewood Health.

“I believe each person’s story is valuable and deserves to be heard,” says Dr. Spariosu. “I am honored to assist behavioral health patients in their journey toward healing, wholeness, and mental well-being. As director of behavioral health at Englewood Health, I look forward to applying my expertise to improve mental health throughout our communities for individuals and families through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.”

“Behavioral health is a priority for Englewood Health,” says Hillary Cohen, MD, senior vice president for medical affairs at Englewood Health. “Over the past five years, we’ve made a significant commitment to expanding mental health services throughout the community.”

She adds, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Spariosu as director of behavioral health. She brings tremendous experience and outstanding clinical knowledge to evolve our program. Under her leadership, Englewood Health will build on its success and further meet the behavioral health needs of our communities.”

Dr. Spariosu specializes in addiction medicine, brain injury medicine, and consultation-liaison psychiatry. Her primary clinical focus revolves around meeting the psychiatric needs of patients confronting medical and neurological comorbidities, including those dealing with conditions such as cancer, traumatic brain injury, and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.

Dr. Spariosu received her MD from Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara, Romania. She completed a psychiatry residency and was chief resident at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, and completed a consultation-liaison psychiatry fellowship at Long Island Jewish Medical Center at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, NY. She is a fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and a member of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and the New Jersey Psychiatric Association. In addition to English, Dr. Spariosu is fluent in Romanian, Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian.

Englewood Health Appoints New Physician Leaders in Three Specialties

September 14, 2023 — Englewood Health has appointed new physician leaders to oversee pediatrics and newborn medicine, non-invasive cardiology, and infectious disease.

Howard S. Mazin, MD

Howard S. Mazin, MD

Chief of pediatrics and newborn medicine | Full profile

Howard S. Mazin, MD, has been named chief of pediatrics and newborn medicine. Dr. Mazin joined Englewood Health in 2011 and has served as associate chief of pediatrics and newborn medicine since 2016.

He is board certified in pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine by the American Board of Pediatrics and specializes in treating newborns, particularly those born prematurely. Dr. Mazin received his MD from New York Medical College and did his internship and residency in pediatrics at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Long Island. He subsequently completed a fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Mazin is an assistant professor at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics-Section on Perinatal Medicine. Dr. Mazin has lectured and presented his work on fetal and neonatal conditions and diseases at various conferences and conventions.

He has been named a Top Doctor by Bergen Magazine and New Jersey Monthly.

Dennis Katechis, DO

Dennis Katechis, DO

Chief of non-invasive cardiology | Full profile

Dennis Katechis, DO, has been named chief of non-invasive cardiology. Dr. Katechis joined Englewood Health in 2007. He is board certified in cardiology and internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and in echocardiography from the National Board of Echocardiography. He is a fellow of the American Society of Echocardiography.

Dr. Katechis received his DO from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his internal medicine and cardiovascular disease training at North Shore University Hospital (Northwell Health System), where he served as chief resident and chief cardiology fellow. He subsequently joined the faculty at NSUH-Northwell where he served as Director of the Coronary Care Unit and was a clinical investigator on multi-center clinical trials in acute coronary syndromes and heart failure.

At Englewood Health, Dr. Katechis participates in the training of residents through lectures and scholarly activity. He has received a number of teaching awards and serves as an assistant professor in the department of cardiology at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. He has been named a top doctor by Castle Connolly and Jersey’s Best Magazine.

Sabena K. Ramsetty, MD

Sabena K. Ramsetty, MD

Chief of infectious disease | Full profile

Sabena K. Ramsetty, MD, has been named chief of infectious disease. She joined Englewood Health in 2017 and is board certified in internal medicine and infectious disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Ramsetty specializes in providing care for patients with a wide range of illnesses including HIV/AIDS, MRSA, and postoperative infections. She received her MD from New York University School of Medicine and did her residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. She subsequently completed a fellowship in infectious disease at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Ramsetty has been named a top doctor by Castle Connolly, Bergen Magazine, and Jersey’s Best Magazine.