Englewood Hospital Distinguished as One of the Best Cardiac Hospitals in America

July 25, 2024 — Englewood Hospital is among America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals according to Newsweek’s inaugural list, America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals 2024. This prestigious accolade was presented to Englewood Hospital by Newsweek and consumer data company, Statista Inc., following a rigorous evaluation process.

“We are proud to be among this elite group of heart hospitals across the U.S. that are recognized for their superior cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and vascular/cardiothoracic surgery programs,” said Joseph De Gregorio, MD, executive director of cardiovascular services at Englewood Hospital. “Patients can rely on Englewood Hospital for safe, high-quality, innovative cardiac care and this is a special recognition of our team’s ranking among the best in the country.”

Only 175 of the leading hospitals in the field of cardiac care in the U.S. were included in the America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals 2024 rankings.

“Being nationally recognized on Newsweek’s first list of America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals is an exceptional honor,” said Adam Arnofsky, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Englewood Hospital. “As a leader in tertiary-level heart care, for all types of cardiac conditions, Englewood Hospital is using the latest technology and evidence-based practices, combined with surgical and interventional expertise to save lives and improve health.”

“Our outstanding team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiac electrophysiologists, and interventional cardiologists are top experts in treating the most complex cases and are pushing boundaries to deliver exceptional outcomes for our patients,” said Dennis Katechis, DO, chief of non-invasive cardiology at Englewood Hospital.

To compile the top cardiac hospitals list, Newsweek relied on the following sources:

  • A nationwide online survey: Health care professionals and hospital managers with knowledge about cardiology, e.g., cardiologists, cardiac/thoracic surgeons, and cardiac nurses, were asked to recommend leading cardiology hospitals in the U.S. The survey was also promoted on newsweek.com.
  • Hospital quality metrics: Hospital quality metrics with a focus on indicators relevant to cardiology care were considered.
  • Patient outcome data and results from patient experience surveys.

For more information about the rankings and methodology of Newsweek’s America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals list, visit newsweek.com/rankings.

American Hospital Association Honors Englewood for Community Service

July 23, 2024 — Englewood Health has received a distinguished recognition from the American Hospital Association (AHA), being named a finalist for the Foster G. McGaw Prize for excellence in community service. This prestigious, national honor recognizes Englewood Health’s leadership in driving improvements in community health through innovative programs, strong community partnerships, and increased access to high-quality, safe, and equitable health care. 

More than 100 hospitals nationwide apply each year, and Englewood Health soared to the top, being named a finalist alongside New York-Presbyterian. While Boston Medical Center was awarded the top prize, Englewood Health’s selection as a finalist in its first year of participating underscores the extraordinary impact of its initiatives and relentless dedication to the communities it serves.

“This acknowledgment is a powerful testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team and our dedicated community partners. Together, we have made significant strides in ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the vital services and support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “To be recognized as a finalist in our very first year of participation is an incredible honor and a moment of immense pride for all of us.”

Englewood Health was chosen after a comprehensive application and review process, followed by an immersive day-long site visit by the AHA, which reviewed the health system’s extensive health equity and community health initiatives. Five key programs were highlighted:

Englewood Health Center for Korean Health and Wellness
Englewood Health Center for Korean Health and Wellness

Comprehensive Health Equity: Empowering Korean Patients with Accessible Healthcare

Englewood Health’s Center for Korean Health and Wellness, established in 2012, addresses healthcare barriers faced by the Korean community. With Korean patient volume growing by 10% annually, the center collaborates with trusted Korean organizations and maintains an active presence on Kakao Talk, a popular Korean text-messaging service. The center’s YouTube channel, with over 2 million views and nearly 15,000 subscribers, further engages the community by providing accessible health information.

The Shirvan Family Live Well Center
The Shirvan Family Live Well Center

Community Outreach: Health E Englewood and the Shirvan Family Live Well Center.

Health E Englewood began in 2018 as a four-week workshop, available in both Spanish and English, focusing on physical, emotional, and nutritional wellness. The initial program included fitness education and the incorporation of wearable tech monitoring devices, practical and budget-friendly nutrition education, cooking lessons, grocery shopping techniques, and stress management tools. 

In 2023, the program expanded with the opening of the Shirvan Family Live Well Center, a space focused on improving the health of the community by providing free health education and hands-on programs to support the development of healthy lifestyle skills for all ages. To date, the center has served thousands of families facing barriers to preventive care due to social, educational, cultural, or financial obstacles.

The Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center at Englewood Hospital
The Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center at Englewood Hospital

Innovative Mental Health Support: Transforming Behavioral Health Services in the Community

In response to high rates of behavioral health disorders and a lack of available services, Englewood Health opened the Gregory P. Shadek Behavioral Care Center in 2018. This comprehensive outpatient program integrates psychotherapists into primary care practices. All providers are credentialed to take insurance, reducing financial barriers to seeking care. By working with regional partners, the center provides front-line clinical, educational, preventative, and navigation services with a focus on mental health and substance use disorders.

Englewood Health food insecurity response initiative
Englewood Health Food Insecurity Response Initiative

Nutrition and Wellness Programs: Fighting Food Insecurity and Promoting Healthy Eating

Englewood Health’s Food Insecurity Response Initiative (FIRI), launched in 2019, screens all patients for food insecurity and refers them to local food banks. The initiative also provides guidance to food pantry recipients on how to prepare healthy meals with the ingredients distributed by most pantries. Budget-conscious education materials, cookbooks, and portion plates were also developed and distributed.

A 2021 survey of nearly 300 patients revealed that three-quarters of participants suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, heart problems, and cancer, suggesting that FIRI not only addresses immediate food insecurity needs but also potentially improves long-term health outcomes.

The Institute for Patient Blood Management and Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at Englewood Health
The Institute for Patient Blood Management and Bloodless Medicine and Surgery at Englewood Health

Partnerships with Local Organizations: Pioneering Bloodless Medicine for Improved Patient Outcomes

Three decades ago, members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses community asked Englewood Health to provide care for its members without using blood transfusions and the health system embraced the challenge. Englewood Health is now a leader in bloodless medicine and surgery, and the birthplace of patient blood management, a new clinical standard for all patients that reduces infection risk and speeds recovery times.

Today, more than 90% of Englewood Health’s cardiac surgeries utilize bloodless techniques, improving surgical outcomes for all patients. Leveraging the trust with this community to deliver necessary health information, the health system offers frequent educational seminars, with one virtual session attracting over 16,000 participants.


The Foster G. McGaw Prize was created to recognize hospitals that have distinguished themselves through efforts to improve the health and well-being of everyone in their communities. Being honored as a finalist acknowledges Englewood Health’s mission to transform lives through healthcare on a national level. It highlights their leadership in enhancing community health and well-being, and their lasting impact on the lives of those they have the privilege to serve.

Cardiothoracic Surgery Program at Englewood Hospital Receives Top Overall Quality Score from Society of Thoracic Surgeons

July 18, 2024 — The cardiothoracic surgery program at Englewood Hospital has again achieved a three-star rating from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, the top overall quality score.

The recently published data covers CABG cases from December 2020 through December 2023. In addition to the 3-star overall composite quality score, the team achieved near perfect scores for use of internal mammary artery for bypass grafting (99.88) and for medication use (99.77). Englewood Hospital performed better than the STS average score in all CABG Composite Quality Rating categories, once again.

“This quality score is a reflection of the commitment of our entire team to pursuing the best possible outcomes for every patient,” said Adam Arnofsky, MD, chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Englewood Hospital. “Englewood Hospital is a leader in delivering quality cardiac surgery in a safe and caring environment, using advanced techniques and technologies and the latest evidence-based procedures, to improve the lives of patients with heart disease. Congratulations to the entire team on achieving this well-respected recognition, once again.”

The STS National Database is the premier cardiothoracic surgery clinical outcomes registry. The STS helps hospitals and CT surgeons assess and benchmark their performance to improve quality, safety, and patient outcomes. Englewood Hospital voluntarily submits CABG surgery clinical data to the STS. The STS calculates performance scores and star ratings for isolated CABG using 3-year analytic data windows.

Englewood Health Appoints Cherif Boutros, MD, Medical Director of The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center

July 10, 2024Cherif Boutros, MD, has joined Englewood Health as medical director of The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center. Dr. Boutros is a highly respected leader, clinician, and researcher, known for his expertise in gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic cancers, with a particular emphasis on minimally invasive surgical techniques. He has authored numerous publications and book chapters and presented his innovative techniques at national and international conferences.

Dr. Boutros brings a wealth of experience to Englewood Health, having previously served as medical director of the Tate Cancer Center at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center from 2013 until last year. In addition to his clinical roles, he is a professor of surgical oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Boutros to Englewood Health. His extensive experience and dedication to cancer care will be invaluable as we continue to advance our cancer services. We are confident that under his leadership, The Lefcourt Family Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center will reach new heights in providing exceptional care to our patients,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health.

Dr. Boutros succeeds Steven T. Brower, MD, who has been instrumental in transforming Englewood Health’s cancer services over the past decade. Dr. Brower will continue to be a key member of the leadership team in his new role as regional medical director of the cancer center. In this capacity, he will further Englewood Health’s mission of expanding access to cancer expertise and services within communities throughout northern New Jersey.

Englewood Health Named One of the Best Hospitals in the U.S. for Maternity Care

June 20, 2024 — Englewood Health has been named one of the best hospitals in the U.S. for maternity care for the third year in a row by Newsweek in their 2024 Best Maternity Hospitals list.

“We are thrilled to be named one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals for the third year running,” says Valerie M. French, MBA, BSN, RNC-LRN, senior director of nursing for maternal/child health at Englewood Hospital. “Being among just 404 hospitals selected nationwide is a special honor that highlights our team’s dedication to providing exceptional maternity care throughout pregnancy, delivery, and post-partum.”

“At Englewood Hospital, quality, safety, and exceptional patient care are our top priorities,” says Arthur Gross, MD, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Englewood Hospital. “We deliver approximately 3000 babies each year, and whether it’s a standard delivery or a high-risk pregnancy, our team is devoted to achieving the best outcomes for every mother and baby.”

This accolade was given by Newsweek, in partnership with consumer data company Statista Inc., following a rigorous evaluation process in which three data sources were considered.

Those sources are:

  1. A nationwide online survey of healthcare professionals and hospital managers with knowledge about maternity processes.
  2. Results from patient experience surveys.
  3. Hospital quality metrics with a focus on indicators relevant to maternity care.

At Englewood Hospital’s Karen and Gary Singer Family Family Birth Place, moms and babies receive expert care and attention, and a full spectrum of services including prenatal care, high-risk testing and monitoring, childbirth education, and post-pregnancy resources and support.

The newly constructed facility offers entirely private rooms. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists are available on-site to care for high-risk mothers and newborns and provide timely, high-quality care in a modern neonatal intensive care unit.

For more information about the rankings and methodology of Newsweek’s America’s Best Maternity Hospitals list, visit: newsweek.com.

Englewood Hospital First in Northern NJ to Offer New Device for Detection of Precancerous Anal Lesions

June 13, 2024 — Englewood Hospital is the first hospital in northern New Jersey, and one of just 80 in the nation, to offer patients access to the THD® HRStation. This state-of-the-art system is the first and only designed specifically for the detection and treatment of precancerous lesions of the anus.

“This technology allows us to provide immediate and effective treatment, significantly reducing the risk of progression to anal cancer. We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, offering our patients the highest standard of care,” said Peter Kaye, MD, colorectal surgeon at Englewood Hospital.

The THD® HRStation supplies high-resolution videos and images of the anal canal to detect dysplasia, abnormal changes in the cells lining the canal that, if left untreated, can progress into anal cancer.

After detecting anal dysplasia, the all-in-one THD® HRStation allows physicians to treat the lesions immediately by cauterizing and thermally closing the blood vessels connected to them, thereby preventing their progression into cancer.

“Screening for anal dysplasia is recommended for individuals at higher risk of anal cancer, including those with HIV or HPV, men who have sex with men (MSM), women with history of cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer, transgender individuals (especially transgender women), and individuals with a history of anal warts,” said Dr. Kaye.

“We want to get the word out to everyone but especially those disproportionately affected, including some members of our LGBTQ+ community. By providing this service at the highest level of care, we can make strides in reducing health disparities we see in our diverse communities,” said Anita Ramsetty, MD, director of health equity at Englewood Health.

Screening for anal cancer is not recommended for everyone. Patients should discuss anal cancer screening with their healthcare provider to decide if it’s right for them. If you are considering getting screened, the first step is an anal Pap smear. This simple swab test checks for abnormal cells that could indicate cancer.

To schedule your screening, contact Dr. Kaye’s office of Colon and Rectal Surgery by calling: 201-608-2800.

Englewood Health Receives “Equality Builder” Designation for LGBTQ+ Inclusion Efforts

June 3, 2024 — Englewood Health has received the Equality Builder designation from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2024 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI). This accolade recognizes Englewood Health’s commitment to establishing foundational policies that ensure LGBTQ+ inclusion across all areas of service.

The HEI is the nation’s foremost benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and best practices in healthcare facilities. In its 16th iteration, the HEI evaluated 1,065 healthcare facilities across the United States, with fewer than 50 facilities in New Jersey participating, including Englewood Health.

Englewood Health was assessed on several key criteria, including patient non-discrimination, employee non-discrimination, and staff training in LGBTQ+ culturally competent care. Englewood Health demonstrated that foundational policies in these areas are not only in place but are also publicly communicated.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Equality Builder designation and to be recognized for our efforts in fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and staff,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to compassionate, comprehensive healthcare that acknowledges and addresses the specific needs of the diverse communities we serve.”

“We are committed to not just meeting but exceeding the standards for LGBTQ+ inclusion. This recognition from the HRC Foundation is a testament to our ongoing efforts to provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone who steps through our doors,” said Anita Ramsetty, MD, director of health equity at Englewood Health.

The HEI’s rigorous evaluation process also includes criteria on patient services and support, employee benefits and policies, and patient and community engagement. Englewood Health’s achievement signifies its early and impactful steps towards full LGBTQ+ inclusion.

This progress has been significantly shaped by the dedicated efforts of Englewood Health’s Diversity & Inclusion Education Council and Population Health team, both of which have been instrumental in integrating LGBTQ+ inclusive practices across employee training, clinical care, and community outreach initiatives.

For more information about the HEI and to view the full 2024 report, please visit reports.hrc.org/hei-2024.

Englewood Health Secures Top Rating in New Jersey for Electronic Medical Record Maturity

HIMSS designation group photo
IT and clinical leaders paved the way for Englewood Health’s HIMSS designation.

May 23, 2024 — Englewood Health has earned a Stage 6 designation, the highest rating for a New Jersey health system, from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM™), recognizing the healthcare system’s clinical use of electronic medical records (EMR) as approaching the top level at both Englewood Hospital and throughout the Englewood Health Physician Network.

EMRAM is a maturity model assessment designed to measure clinical outcomes, patient engagement, and use of EMR technology to strengthen organizational performance and health outcomes across patient populations. With eight stages from 0 through 7, HIMSS EMRAM provides a proven roadmap toward expert-level EMR usage.

“Attaining HIMSS EMRAM Stage 6 is a testament to Englewood Health’s dedication to adopting leading-edge technology and seamlessly integrating it into our clinical processes to drive better patient outcomes,” says Inderpal Kohli, vice president and chief information officer at Englewood Health. “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional patient care through the strategic deployment of advanced EMR capabilities across our healthcare system.”

To arrive at Stage 6, the second highest level, Englewood Health has implemented advanced EMR capabilities across patient care service areas, including full physician documentation (charting) integrated into the EMR, and deployment across all practice settings; computerized physician order entry for all orderable services; closed-loop medication administration (using technology to prevent medication errors); and advanced clinical decision-making support and evidence-based protocols.

As a Stage 6 organization, Englewood Health has also accomplished advanced interchange and wearable device integration. For example, in some specialty areas, Englewood Health Physician Network patients use wearable devices or implants supported by remote monitoring and allow for remote patient care.

Englewood Hospital Named a Top Hospital in New Jersey by Jersey’s Best Magazine

Among the top 82 hospitals ranked in New Jersey, Englewood Hospital was the highest-ranking hospital in Bergen County.

May 9, 2024 — Englewood Hospital has been named a top hospital in New Jersey by Jersey’s Best magazine.

In partnership with Castle Connolly Top Doctors, Jersey’s Best magazine awarded Top Hospital designations for hospitals with more than 350 beds, and for those with 350 beds or fewer. All told, 82 hospitals across New Jersey were ranked and Englewood Hospital was the highest-ranking hospital in Bergen County in the category of 350+ beds.

Englewood Hospital was also named a top hospital for the treatment of specific medical conditions and ranked third in the state for the treatment of high-risk pregnancy and childbirth; prostate cancer; breast cancer; knee and hip replacement; congestive heart failure; neurological disorders; coronary artery bypass surgery; pain management; and stroke. Patient reviews of Englewood Hospital also elicited high satisfaction rates and special mentions of cleanliness and excellent communication with patients and their families.

“Being recognized as the premier hospital in Bergen County is a tremendous honor,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “This accolade underscores the exceptional expertise, empathy, and unwavering commitment of our healthcare team at Englewood Hospital.”

The top hospitals list was compiled following a rigorous vetting process in which Jersey’s Best magazine and Castle Connolly performed analytics on patients’ post-discharge evaluations and a nation-wide physician survey.

For the complete list and more information about the rankings and methodology, visit Jersey’s Best Hospitals List.

Englewood Hospital Receives Leapfrog ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade for Spring ‘24

Hospital Has Achieved Top Safety Grade for 22 Rating Periods

May 1, 2024 — Englewood Hospital has received an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for spring 2024. The ‘A’ rating is a national distinction that Englewood Hospital has achieved for 22 rating periods 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.

“We are honored to receive an ‘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 Hospital. “Patient safety is a top priority at Englewood Hospital—one that we emphasize must always be at the forefront of our minds when delivering care. Thank you to our entire team whose commitment to the safety of our patients is evident in this top safety grade.”

Tina Bloemer, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPHRM, FASHRM, vice president for quality at Englewood Health, said “Englewood Hospital is committed to safeguarding our patients and ensuring consistent, high-quality care. Safety is everyone’s job, and our team members are earnest in their personal commitment to prioritizing patient safety. Receiving this ‘A’ grade, once again, is a national recognition of the entire team’s dedication to delivering quality care day in and day out.”

“Everyone who works at Englewood Hospital should be proud of this ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “It takes complete dedication at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank Englewood Hospital, its leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for its patients and their safety.”

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