Graf Center for Integrative Medicine Opens

Posted on by Cody

 

November 30, 2015 – Englewood Hospital and Medical Center  is embracing a new, growing trend among hospitals nationwide of integrative medicine – incorporating complementary therapies into traditional care – through the opening of its brand new Graf Center for Integrative Medicine.

As healthcare moves away from treatment-focused care toward more preventive care, EHMC has recognized the importance of caring for people not only when they are sick but when they are well, partnering with them to bring multiple approaches to healing and wellness.

Led by a physician, the Graf Center is housed within the medical center’s outpatient facility and is open to everyone. The Graf Center’s medical director, Despina Psillides, MD, is board certified in internal and geriatric medicine, finished integrative medicine pro­grams in several institutions, and completed the Harvard Structural Acupuncture Course for Physicians.

Under Dr. Psillides’ direction, the Graf Center offers safe, evidence-based services, including acupuncture, therapeutic massage, wellness coaching, nutritional counseling, yoga, Reiki, and stress management. These therapies have been shown to help minimize nausea, reduce pain, and relieve stress and anxiety. The center’s team of licensed and/or certified practitioners work closely with a patient’s doctor to establish a wellness plan.

“There’s a growing demand for integrative medicine,” said Dr. Psillides. “This is a new way of promoting healthy behaviors and managing chronic conditions by integrating traditional medicine with other practices, such as acupuncture, yoga, and therapeutic massage. People want to feel better and take control of their health. And as these practices have become more mainstream, it is important that they are provided in a safe environment and involve medical experts, especially for people with cancer, heart disease, or other serious conditions.”

To promote tranquility and relaxation, the Graf Center was designed with natural materials and Zen-like elements, such as a decorative water wall and soft lighting, to feel like a luxury spa. The Graf Center also offers a variety of wellness prod­ucts, available for sale in a boutique, and will host educational workshops.

The new Graf Center is focused on the principles of treating patients and clients with humanistic care in a comfortable environment, supported by evidence-based services. Whether you have a medical condition or just want to be as healthy as possible, this new space offers a menu of services led by clinical professionals to meet your wellness needs.

Dr. Thomas Bernik Named Chief of Vascular Surgery

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January 4, 2016 — Englewood Hospital and Medical Center has named Thomas R. Bernik, MD, FACS, as its new chief of vascular surgery.

A vascular and endovascular surgeon, Dr. Bernik specializes in complex open surgery and minimally invasive surgery for aortic aneurysms, carotid disease, peripheral vascular disease, dialysis access, and complex venous thrombosis. In his new position, Dr. Bernik will continue to expand vascular surgery services and will oversee the leadership of the Wound Care/Limb Salvage Center and the Non-Invasive Peripheral Vascular Laboratory.

“Dr. Bernik’s vast experience and expertise will be critical to our expansion of vascular and cardiac care, using state-of-the-art diagnosis, early intervention, and treatment techniques to detect and treat a range of disorders,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. “The appointment of Dr. Bernik builds on the legacy of longtime vascular surgery chief Dr. Herbert Dardik, who will continue to serve us in an emeritus role.”

Most recently Dr. Bernik was associate professor of surgery and chief of vascular surgery at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Prior to that, he was chief of endovascular surgery at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center.

Dr. Bernik received his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine and completed his surgical residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center and New York Medical College. He completed a fellowship in vascular surgery at North Shore University Medical Center, as well as additional training in the endovascular/interventional fellowship at Strong Memorial Hospital. He has been included in New York Magazine Best Doctors, New York Superdoctors, and Castle Connolly New York Metro Area Top Doctors for vascular surgery.

Dr. Bernik is a member of the physician network of Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, and can be reached at 201-894-3689.

 

New Family Birth Place Opens

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December 15, 2014 – Englewood Hospital and Medical Center is now among the growing number of hospitals nationwide adopting hospitality trends into the design of patient spaces, creating a more contemporary, relaxing experience. EHMC debuted the latest completed phase of its $90 million expansion plan, with the opening of its modernized labor and delivery unit in the new Family Birth Place on December 10, 2014.

Our new Family Birth Place was designed with mothers and their families in mind, providing the comforts of home with the safety and security expected in a hospital setting.  One added benefit includes whirlpool tubs that can be used for hydrotherapy, so patients can have more choices for labor support and pain relief.

The new space offers warm design elements, including wood floors, soothing paint colors, and chic lighting fixtures. The modern style is incorporated into eight labor and delivery rooms with private bathrooms and 75 percent more space than existing rooms. A triage area allows those rooms to remain reserved for laboring mothers. The upgrades also include a step-down unit for monitoring of high-risk cases and two operating rooms equipped with the latest technology to be used for planned or emergency C sections.

The Family Birth Place was redesigned to meet the needs of patients during their labor experience and to bring the level of aesthetics up to the high level of the quality of our medical care.

“Our goal is to deliver a 5-star experience every step of the way,” said Jackie Gonzalez, MSN, RNC-MNN, Patient Care Director of the Labor and Delivery unit at EHMC. “This is the final phase of pregnancy – it’s all about the moms and what they need. We have thought of every single amenity and convenience to ensure that their experience is nothing short of perfect.”

Similar strategies are underway at hospitals across the country, as providers move to transform outdated facilities into luxury accommodations typically associated with highly rated hotels.

“People now have more choices when it comes to selecting the type of care that best fits their lifestyle,” said Warren Geller, President and CEO of EHMC. “It is our duty to provide the ultimate patient experience – not only with compassionate, quality care, but in an environment where patients can feel at home. Our hospital is constantly evolving to deliver that experience. EHMC’s new Family Birth Place is a reflection of our commitment to bringing the best of both worlds – clinical expertise and comfort – to the bedside of our patients. ”

Posted June 8, 2016