Career Pulse

Smith Tapped to Lead HMC Stroke Program

HOLYOKE — Angela Smith, RN, has been named clinical manager of the stroke program at Holyoke Medical Center, according to an announcement by the facility’s medical director, Dr. Karen Ferroni.

Smith has worked at Holyoke Medical Center since 1998, most recently as manager of Case Management. She has been a nurse for more than 20 years, and had previously worked with Mass. Easter Seals Home Healthcare in West Springfield, Interim Healthcare in Springfield, the East Longmeadow Public Schools, and Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

Smith is a magna cum laude graduate of Elms College in Chicopee, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Nursing. In addition, she is a member of the American Stroke Association, the National Stroke Association, and Mass. SCORE (Stroke Collaborative Reaching for Excellence).

In her new position, she will be responsible for coordinating daily operations of the stroke service, including program development, staff and community education, and quality assurance related to the stroke program.

Providence Appoints Hubert to Engineering Manager Post

HOLYOKE — David Hubert has been named engineering manager for Providence Behavioral Health Hospital. He is responsible for the inspection, evaluation, and maintenance of all facilities at the hospital’s campus. His duties also include adherence to JCAHO, federal, state, local, and other agency requirements.

Hubert received his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology from Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I.

Providence Behavioral Health Hospital, located on Main Street, offers inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services and alcohol and drug treatment programs for children, adolescents, and adults.

Bouffard to Direct SPHS Quality, Safety, and Service

SPRINGFIELD — Diane Bouffard, RN, has been named Executive Director of Quality, Safety, and Service for the Sisters of Providence Health System.

In this new position, she is responsible for improving and maintaining a systematic approach to quality and service within the system. She also coordinates all activities of the Quality and Risk Management Department.

Bouffard received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of New Mexico and her master’s degree in Health Care Administration from Kennedy Western University.

Beith Earns Certification as Menopause Practitioner

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Ob/Gyn Group announced that Dr. Kathleen Beith has earned her certification as a credentialed menopause practitioner through the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). Beith is one of only three practitioners in Western Mass. to hold this certification.

Founded in 1989, NAMS is North America’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to improving health and quality of life through an understanding of menopause. Practitioners who hold the NAMS credential have demonstrated special competency in the field of menopause.

“Although there is no subspecialty for menopause in women’s health,” Beith said, “earning the credential of menopause practitioner was an important milestone for me in my career. Menopause is an important stage of life for women today, and as an Ob/Gyn physician, I can further empower my patients to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices throughout the menopausal years.”

Baystate Franklin Physicians Recognized for Leadership

GREENFIELD — Five Baystate Franklin Medical Center physicians were honored with leadership awards at the first annual Medical Staff and Allied Health Professional Recognition Dinner.

Nominated by their colleagues, Dr. Jeffrey Blomstedt, Dr. Sarah Kemble, Dr. Angela Martagon-Vallamil, Dr. Howard B. Natenshon, and Dr. Jancie Sypek were cited for their accomplishments and contributions to medical staff culture.

Blomstedt was recognized for his leadership in developing the role of director of Medical Affairs at BFMC, serving as the liaison between medical staff and administrative leadership at both Baystate Franklin Medical Center and Baystate Health. Kemble was honored for her leadership as chair of the Department of Medicine, and for her continuing work as an advocate for health insurance reform.

Martagon-Villamil was recognized for expanding continuing education offerings to physicians through her leadership in organizing and overseeing the weekly Grand Rounds programs. These sessions feature speakers who address topics of clinical interest to medical staff and employees.

Natenshon was cited for his leadership in fostering a supportive environment for physicians and staff. Sypek was nominated by fellow psychiatrists for her leadership and support of the psychiatry staff and mental health services at BFMC.

Holyoke VNA’s Poole, Orciari Elected to Boards

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Visiting Nurse Association has announced that vice president of Finance and CFO Diane Poole was elected to the board of the Hospice and Pal-liative Care Feder-ation of Massa-chusetts. Because of her detailed background, she was asked to serve as treasurer of the Board of Directors.

The Holyoke VNA has also announced that Director of Home Care Christina Orciari was elected to the board of directors of the Home Care Alliance as a member-at large. She is the only member of that board representing Western Mass.

 

Matteson Named Administrator of TCC at Holyoke Medical Center

HOLYOKE — Mark Matteson of Longmeadow has been named administrator of the Transitional Care Center at Holyoke Medical Center. The announcement was made by the facility’s vice president of Inpatient Services, James Keefe.

Matteson has worked more than 25 years in hospital settings, including four years as manager of Performance Improvement and Program Evaluation Analysis at Weldon Rehabilitation, five years in hospital-based transitional care units for Hallmark Health and Cambridge Health Alliance, and four years as director of the Spaulding Rehabilitation Program at Park View Hospital in Springfield.

He earned his master’s degree in Business Administration from Western New England College, and obtained his nursing home administrator’s license in 1996.

Kankanan Gamage Joins Mary Lane Adult Medicine

WARE — Baystate Medical Practices has announced that Dr. Thoranage Harini Kankanam Gamage is the newest provider for BMP – Mary Lane Adult Medicine. She joined the Baystate-affiliated practice organization in July.
Kankanam Gamage joins BMP – Mary Lane Adult Medicine after completing her residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in Bronx, N.Y. “Working at the 400-bed hospital provided me a great deal of exposure and training for both the inpatient setting, along with a busy outpatient clinic,” she said.

During her three years as a resident at St. Barnabas Hospital, Kankanam Gamage received the Best Resident of the Year Award for excellence in medical knowledge in 2004, and Best Resident Award in 2006. Prior to that she received her medical degree from the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Mary Lane Adult Medicine provides physicals, immunizations, routine gynecological care, premarital exams, illness and hospital care, minor injury care, and minor surgical care. Kankanam Gamage is on staff at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, and she has access to specialists at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

“What patients can expect from me as their provider is to address their medical needs, from the simple to the highly complex,” she said. “The most important thing to me is good communication and relationship with my patients so that they feel comfortable to discuss with me any concerns they have.”

Fishbein Honored by National Psychiatry Organization

PITTSFIELD — The American Psychiatric Association has honored Dr. Leslie Fishbein for her achievements as a teacher in Berkshire Medical Center’s medical residency program. Dr. Fishbein has been awarded the 2006-2007 Nancy A. Roeske, M.D. Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Medical Student Education.

Fishbein was presented with the award at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association, held recently in San Diego. The APA and its Committee on Medical Student Education recognized Fishbein for outstanding contributions made as a faculty member at UMass Medical School, of which Berkshire Medical Center is a teaching affiliate.

“Dr. Fishbein clearly understands the importance of educating and inspiring the next generation of physicians,” said Dr. Deborah Field, assistant professor of Psychiatry and Psychiatry Clerkship co-director for UMass Medical School. “She embodies the dedication, enthusiasm and talent that define a great teacher.”

Fishbein joined the BMC medical staff in 1997 as an attending physician with the Primary Care Outreach Team. She received her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed her adult Psychiatry training at Yale University and served a fellowship in Consult-Liaison Psychiatry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. She is currently the medical director of the Primary Care Outreach Team, and she is also an assistant professor of Psychiatry at UMass Medical School.