Cardiac Surgery Program Nationally Recognized for Quality

February 15, 2018 by Leave a comment

Dr. Walker heads the award-winning Cardiac Surgery Program.

Our Cardiac Surgery Program has achieved the highest three-star designation in three categories reported by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS): coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), mitral valve repair and replacement (MVRR) and CABG and aortic valve replacement (AVR) combined. The society’s comprehensive rating system allows for comparisons regarding the quality of cardiac surgery among hospitals across the country. There are 1,008 hospitals in the STS database with a small percentage achieving the highest designation. Our program has maintained the three-star rating since the launch of the STS rating program in 2006 for CABG and 2014 for CABG plus AVR.

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Day of Joy Brings Smiles to Our Pediatric Patients

February 15, 2018 by Leave a comment

The Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, hosted a “Day of Joy” at the Children’s Medical Center to make a special delivery of custom starlight gowns. The fun and colorful gowns depict superhero costumes that are inspired by the courage and bravery of pediatric patients everywhere, and remind kids that they are the real superheroes in our lives. During the event, children were also treated to a visit by Worcester Railers’ hockey players and mascot, Trax. Since 2017, the Joy in Childhood Foundation has delivered nearly 10,000 starlight gowns to children’s hospitals nationwide.

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Dr. Pavao Discusses Pain Management Alternatives to Opiates

February 15, 2018 by Leave a comment

Dr. Pavao

Doctors at the Medical Center’s Interventional Pain Clinic want to offer patients nonopioid management for chronic pain whenever possible. The starting point for these efforts is listening to the patient and understanding what the symptoms are. “This is to hone in on a diagnosis and embark on a multifaceted approach to manage pain without a focus on opiates,” said Richard Pavao, MD, chief, Division of Pain Medicine. In a recent interview with the Telegram & Gazette, Dr. Pavao said some of the approaches at the Interventional Pain Clinic include physical therapy, massage, chiropractic and anti-inflammatory injections. Read story.

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Educational Opportunities Available with Pathway to College Program

February 15, 2018 by Leave a comment

Are you thinking about taking classes, or even going back to school for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree? Pathway to College is a partnership between our Medical Center and Worcester State University, providing on-site classes in a convenient, affordable and supportive environment. Just one night per week for nine months, this program provides nine college credits, and the foundation needed to enter a wide variety of undergraduate degree programs including health education, nursing, business, psychology, occupational studies and sociology. Interested? Complete an inquiry form. For more information, read the flyer or email the organization and people development team.

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Cooking Can be Fun: Expectant Moms Invited to Cooking Class

February 15, 2018 by Leave a comment

Are you or do you know an expecting mom? Join a cooking demonstration developed for pregnant women with gestational diabetes Friday, February 16, noon, Center for Women and Children waiting room, West 4, Memorial Campus. Our chef will prepare a healthy menu of winter squash and portabello pasta to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Enjoy a delicious tasting and take home great recipes. Parking will be validated. Questions: Call 508-334-6206. Children are welcome.

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Does Inflammatory Arthritis Worsen in the Winter?

February 15, 2018 by Leave a comment

How do your joints feel today? Does your inflammatory arthritis pain worsen in the winter? There are a lot of people who claim their arthritis signals when bad weather is coming, but is there any fact to this myth? Find out by reading a recent Simply Well blog post to learn the facts behind inflammatory arthritis. Simply Well is a community wellness blog produced by the Marketing and Communications Department. Follow the blog today.

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Celebrate Black History Month; Pick Up Commemorative Bookmarks

February 15, 2018 by Leave a comment

The Diversity and Inclusion Office has created commemorative bookmarks in celebration of Black History Month with a poignant quote from Rosa Parks. They will be available the week of February 19 at a variety of locations including the Diversity and Inclusion Office, Room S1-710, University Campus, and in lobbies of University, Memorial and Hahnemann campuses. If you’d like bookmarks delivered to your department or unit, email the Diversity and Inclusion Office.

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Sign up for Medical Terminology Class and Enhance Your Skills

February 15, 2018 by Leave a comment

Medical Terminology is a course designed to prepare you to pronounce, recall and apply medical terminology in the workplace and to improve your overall medical communication skills. This is a noncredit course. The next session begins March 1, 4:30 to 7:30 pm, for 10 consecutive Thursdays at the Medical Center, University Campus. Space is limited, so speak with your manager today about signing up. To register, visit E Learning 4U or email us at mydevelopment@umassmemorial.org. Supervisor or manager authorization is required. Questions: Call 508-334-4462.

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Globetrotters Treat Pediatric Patients to Personal Show

February 15, 2018 by Leave a comment

The Original Harlem Globetrotters’ Buckets Blakes stopped by the Children’s Medical Center to teach our patients and staff at some of his signature moves before last weekend’s performance at the DCU. Patients enjoyed some laughs watching a few of our pediatric intensive care nurses attempt some globetrotter-inspired tricks! Pictured above are patients and staff as they test their basketball skills during the visit.

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