Career Pulse

SPRINGFIELD — Nancy Anderson, a clinical dietitian in Food and Nutrition Services at Baystate Children’s Hospital, has achieved board recertification as a specialist in pediatric nutrition.

Among approximately 2,000 registered dietitians in Massachusetts, she is one of 10 in the state holding advanced certification, and is currently the only specialist in pediatric nutrition in Western Mass. In order to become board-certified by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a registered dietitian must successfully meet rigorous specialty practice requirements and pass a nationally administered examination.

Board-certified specialists in pediatric nutrition work directly with healthy and ill children from newborns to teens 18 years of age, as well as children with special healthcare needs. They practice in a variety of settings, including homes, hospitals, community-based and family-centered programs, and education programs, or indirectly in management, education, or research practice linked specifically to pediatric nutrition.

Anderson, who joined Baystate Health in 1989, earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Boston College and her master’s degree in Nutrition from UMass Amherst. She is past chair and current vice chair of the Massachusetts State Board of Licensed Dietitians/Nutritionists.

The mission of the Commission on Dietetic Registration is to protect the nutritional health and welfare of the public through dietetics certification. CDR currently awards seven separate and distinct credentials.

NORTHAMPTON — What Dr. Barrett Newsome enjoys most about his job is helping people diagnosed with cancer. “My goal as a medical oncologist is to have an impact on patients’ lives during a difficult time. I treat the whole person and address the physical and emotional impact of their disease.”

 Newsome, a medical oncologist/hematologist who recently joined Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s medical staff, said the field of oncology is always changing, as researchers find more targeted treatments that offer fewer side effects. “Working with the patient as an integral part of his or her care team, we are able to tailor treatments based on individual cancers.

He received his doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at Baystate Medical Center/Tufts University Internal Medicine Residence Program and the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. He earned board certification in internal medicine and medical oncology from the American Board of Internal Medicine. Prior to joining CDH, Newsome was in practice in York, Maine.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (413) 341-8115.

GREENFIELD – Laura Pearson-Smith has joined Baystate Franklin Medical Center as the new Laboratory manager. She will oversee staff and lab operations at both Baystate Franklin and Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware.

Pearson-Smith graduated from Springfield Technical Community College with an associate’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science. She continued her education at Westfield State College, where she received a BS in Biology, and Western New England College, where she received an MS in Accounting.

Pearson-Smith comes to BFMC from Baystate Medical Center, where she has worked in various capacities since 1980.  Starting as a medical laboratory technician, she advanced to a medical technologist and, in 2003, was appointed supervisor of the Immunology Laboratory.

Pearson-Smith admitted that her new role as manager has been challenging. “There’s a lot involved in running two labs, keeping two budgets balanced, managing employees in two different hospitals,” she explained.  She acknowledged both Lynda Zukowski, assistant director of Clinical Services, and Bill Patten, whom she replaced as manager, for helping her adjust to her new position. “I still am in contact with Bill, and am so grateful for his support as I find my way around in this new position,” said Pearson-Smith.  “And Lynda has been extremely supportive, offering me the tools I need to do my job well.”

Added Zukowski, “we are delighted to welcome Laura to our BFMC team. With her long history with Baystate and her extensive background in all aspects of the laboratory, she’s a perfect fit for us.”

HOLYOKE — Elvira Loncto, a service line manager of Geriatrics and Extended Care at VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, was recently honored at the 11th annual Excellence in Government Awards ceremonies luncheon, hosted by the Federal Executive Assoc. of Western Mass. (FEAWM) at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House.

The FEAWM recognizes top employees in federal service in the region in 15 categories. Loncto supervises staff in seven community-care programs, is the local administrator of the Community Living Center, and oversees a substantial budget, which impacts older enrolled veterans from Berkshire County to Fitchburg.

SPRINGFIELD — Jody Gross has taken the helm as vice president of Sales at Health New England. In that role, he will lead Health New England in developing and executing its sales and retention strategy for its commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid lines of business. In addition, he is HNE’s key contact for government regulators from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

Since 2004, Gross has served Health New England in various positions in finance and healthcare reform. First as finance manager and then as director of Finance, he provided strategic guidance for new products while ensuring profitability and marketability. From tracking cost-savings initiatives to creating and monitoring an extensive annual medical budget, he gained a perspective on all functional areas within Health New England.

Later, as director of Business Development, he used his analysis skills and instinct to lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of products, benefits, new business lines, and value-added programs. Prior to his promotion to VP of Sales, Gross served as director of Government Programs. In that role, he oversaw the implementation and operations of HNE’s fledgling Medicare and Medicaid lines of business, now entering their fifth and third years of service, respectively.

Gross holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Bryant College and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. He has participated in the Tuck Executive Education Program at Dartmouth College in leadership and strategy, and obtained his Lominger certification in interviewing and professional development. He also holds Health Insurance Producers licenses in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. Prior to joining Health New England, he worked for United Health Group and Oxford Health Plans.