BFMC Medical Staff Receive Leadership Awards
GREENFIELD — Four physicians on staff at Baystate Franklin Medical Center were nominated by their colleagues for Leadership Awards and presented with these at the hospital’s recent Medical Staff and Allied Health Recognition Dinner, held at the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland.
Recipients for the 2012 awards include Dr. Peter Halperin, medical director of Behavioral Health Services; Dr. Brian Hoffman of Baystate Medical Practices – Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine; Dr. Howard Natenshon of Greenfield Radiology Associates; and Dr. Linda Polonsky of Baystate Medical Practices – Pioneer Women’s Health.
Dr. Benjamin Liptzin, chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Baystate Medical Center, nominated Halperin, stating that “he has provided stability and a calming presence in the Partial Hospitalization Program as well as coverage to the inpatient Mental Health Unit.” Halperin has also worked to develop the psychiatric-consultation aspect of the bariatric surgery program at BFMC, consults on medical-surgical patients, and is an important resource to other physicians at BFMC.
Nominating Hoffman was Gina Campbell, director of Quality and Risk Management at BFMC. In December 2009, Hoffman accepted a leadership role in the hospital quality team. Campbell noted, “this new role required a considerable amount of learning about all things quality, new data, new acronyms, new regulations and requirements … Dr. Hoffman dedicated significant time to learn, ask questions, review materials, and study to become a knowledgeable physician leader in quality.” She concluded, “it is a pleasure to be a true collaborative partner of a physician who is passionate about quality.”
Chuck Gijanto, president of Baystate Regional Markets, nominated Natenshon, emphasizing his work with philanthropy as being “beyond what any hospital could hope for. His leadership on Wheeling for Healing is resulting in over $30,000 per year … In addition, several times a year he provides auction items for the Baystate Franklin Auxiliary to raffle, resulting in thousands of dollars more for BFMC.”
Gijanto added that Natenshon’s leadership “has led to the most united, team-oriented department in the hospital in Radiology, bar none … There is no bigger ambassador for BFMC and for the medical community.”
Nominating Polonsky were Dr. Julie Thompson and the midwifery group of Pioneer Women’s Health. Thompson stated that Dr. Polonsky “is a role model as a physician providing exceptional patient care … is positive and inspiring to all staff, and has changed the tone in our office to one of teamwork and motivation to improve practice and patient care.”
Speaking on behalf of the nurse midwives, Susan Peck recognized Polonsky for her achievements as medical director of Pioneer Women’s Health. Peck cited Polonsky’s “unsurpassed work ethic, her out-of-the-box creative approach to problem solving, her commitment to team building and collaborative practice, and her unwavering belief in patient-centered care.” Peck added, “Linda is approachable and humble in her leadership role, offering helpful suggestions and solving problems in a manner that brings others in and enhances teamwork.”