Career Pulse – february 2016

Dr. Shevaughn Kealy Joins Amherst Medical Associates
AMHERST — Cooley Dickinson Medical Group welcomed Dr. Shevaughn Kealy to its team of experienced primary-care providers. Kealy joins Dr. Denise Spence and Dr. Yarima Santiago at Amherst Medical Associates, located at 170 University Dr.
Amherst Medical Associates combines two former Cooley Dickinson practices: Amherst Family Practice, which was located at 29 Cottage St., and Amherst Internal Medicine, which occupied the new practice’s University Drive space. At this newly renovated, centralized location, patients of all ages have access to on-site lab and imaging services in addition to comprehensive primary care.
Kealy earned her medical degree at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. She completed a pathology residency at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y., and a family-medicine residency at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers, N.Y. She is board-certified in family medicine.
“As a family practitioner, my medical interests are varied; I love everything from pediatrics to age-related medicine,” Kealy said. “I strive to include nutrition and wellness promotion into my practice, and am open-minded if a patient wants to incorporate integrative medicine into his or her treatment plan.”
For more information or to make an appointment, call (413) 549-7080.

Baystate Announces Leadership Changes in Eastern Region
PALMER, WARE — Baystate Health announced changes and consolidations in leadership positions in its Eastern Region.
Michael Moran is now the interim president and chief administrative officer for the Baystate Health Eastern Region. Moran has been at Baystate Health for 14 years and currently serves as the organization’s vice president for Clinical, Facilities and Guest Services.
Moran’s new role combines the responsibilities of two current positions in the region, the president and the chief operating officer. The region’s current president, Dr. Charles Cavagnaro III, will depart Baystate Health to pursue other opportunities. Before joining Baystate Health, Cavagnaro served as president and CEO of Wing Memorial Hospital and Medical Centers for 15 years.
The region’s current chief operating officer, Dr. M. Shafeeq Ahmed, will return to practicing medicine full-time at Baystate Health. Ahmed has been a physician-leader at Baystate Health since 2003. Dr. David McGuire will become the region’s chief medical officer.
“Our goal, in considering these changes, is to ensure that our Eastern Region can successfully deliver care that matters to the community in a responsible and sustainable way,” said Nancy Shendell-Falik, senior vice president of Hospital Operations for Baystate Health. “To survive and thrive in the contemporary world of healthcare, we continue to make changes that ensure long-term stabilization, system integration, and a consistent model for delivering quality, safety, patient experience, and value.”
Added Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health, “Drs. Cavagnaro and Ahmed have made major contributions to the integration of Wing into Baystate Health and to our organization as a whole. We thank them for their leadership, and we wish them the very best.”
Three other management positions in the region are being eliminated and their work consolidated into other positions.
“As we continue our efforts to integrate our Eastern Region for the greatest safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in care, these changes in leadership structure keep us aligned with national best practices,” said Shendell-Falik.
At Baystate Health, Moran has been responsible for a broad spectrum of services including cancer, behavioral health, neurosciences and rehabilitation, food and nutrition, facilities, and more. Moran is known for building high-performing teams, fostering engagement, and serving as executive leader for Baystate Medical Center’s complex heart and vascular and emergency-room expansion projects. He led the building of the orthopedic surgery and cancer centers in Springfield and the surgical center under construction at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. He has co-led the health system’s largest and most complex Lean project, which saved more than $5 million and improved patient flow at Baystate Medical Center.
Moran brings 27 years of experience in multiple industries, including the military, recreation, hospitality, education, and healthcare. His community involvement includes service to several boards and committees throughout Western Mass.
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to lead our team in the Eastern Region,” said Moran. “I’m looking forward to engaging with our caregivers and with our community as we take on the challenges of the current healthcare environment, and continue our efforts to further improve the quality and value of our care across the Eastern Region.”

Spectrum Home Health & Hospice Care Welcomes Deborah Attia
LONGMEADOW — JGS Lifecare has named Deborah Attia director of Hospice Services for Spectrum Home Health & Hospice Care. She is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the hospice program, including supervision of the team, financial performance, and delivery of quality care, as well as providing direct care.
Attia brings 13 years of clinical experience in healthcare to this position. A registered nurse and experienced counselor, she previously served as assistant director of clinical operations and RN case manager for Solamor/Life Choice Hospice/Hospice Compassus. In these roles, she oversaw quality initiatives, staff education, and hospice admissions and discharges.
Prior to that, she served as a Rehab Unit manager for Calvin Coolidge Nursing and Rehab in Northampton. She was also a skilled nursing director at the Village at Waterman Lake in Greenville, R.I., and gained experience in the Geri-Psych Unit at UMMC Clinton in Clinton.
Attia earned an associate degree in nursing from Mt. Wachusett Community College and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Worcester State College.

AFC Doctors Express Taps Dr. Vincent Meoli
WEST SPRINGFIELD — AFC Doctors Express announced the appointment of Dr. Vincent Meoli as regional medical director.
“We are very excited to welcome Vinny to AFC Doctors Express,” said Jim Brennan, CEO of Medvest, LLC. “With his background in delivering patient care and developing teaching programs for medical staff, he will be an important addition to our management team.”
With 10 years of experience, Meoli will be responsible for developing clinical guidelines for treatment of patients, assisting in recruitment of new medical staff, coordinating patient care with administrators and medical assistants, and developing ongoing teaching programs for all medical staff.
“I am thrilled to join AFC Doctors Express as the new regional medical director,” Meoli said. “I have seen the company develop over the past few years as a leading healthcare resource, and I am excited to bring my passion for patient-oriented healthcare to this emerging source of collaborative medicine.”
Meoli completed his emergency-medicine residency program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2006 and received his doctor of medicine degree from Boston University School of Medicine in 2002. He is an active member in the American College of Emergency Physicians, an organization that works to promote high-quality emergency care and continuing-education opportunities. Meoli is also involved in the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, a program that promotes access to superior emergency care by emergency-care specialists.
“Our mission is to deliver high-quality healthcare and provide an exceptional experience for patients who are sick, injured, or who just need to see a doctor,” said Rick Crews, president of Medvest, LLC. “After a long search, we have found the best candidate that not only shares in our dedication to patients, but is also talented.”

Dr. Joseph Emrich Joins Berkshire Health Systems
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Health Systems announced the appointment of Dr. Joseph Emrich, a board-certified and fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, to the medical staff of Berkshire Medical Center and the physician staff of Neurosurgery Professional Services of BMC. He is accepting new patients in need of brain and spinal care and provides both surgical and non-surgical treatments. He is partnered with Dr. Steven Will at Neurosurgery Professional Services of BMC.
Emrich most recently served as director of Functional Neurosurgery at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes Barre, Pa. He is familiar with the Berkshire region, having served previously as a neurosurgeon at Albany Medical Center for 20 years. He received his medical degree from McGill University and completed his residency in neurosurgery at Montreal Neurological Hospital, McGill University. He was fellowship-trained in neuro-oncology and brain-tumor imaging at the Montreal Neurological Institute, also affiliated with McGill University.
In addition to providing comprehensive neurosurgical care, Emrich’s clinical interests include neurosurgical oncology, epilepsy treatment, surgical care for Parkinson’s disease, and focused radiosurgery. He will provide general neurosurgical care for back and neck problems, brain and spinal-cord trauma, and brain and spinal tumors.
For an appointment with Emrich or Will, ask a physician for a referral, or call Neurosurgery Professional Services of BMC at (413) 447-2870.

Community Enterprises Welcomes Gary Daniele
GREENFIELD — Richard Venne, president and CEO of Community Enterprises Inc., announced the appointment of Gary Daniele as director of Greenfield Community Employment and Training Programs. He is responsible for the effective management of all aspects of employment and training services in Greenfield, and will implement the organization’s mission and values by supporting individuals to make positive changes in their lives.
Daniele was previously employed by the state of Oregon as a branch manager for vocational rehabilitation. He has more than 25 years of experience in employment, vocational, and residential supports for individuals with disabilities, and was awarded the Department of Human Services Director’s Excellence Award in 2014. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Roger Williams University.
Community Enterprises is a human-service organization that provides employment, education, housing supports, and day supports for people with disabilities. Headquartered in Northampton, it maintains 27 service locations throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Kentucky. The Massachusetts offices include Springfield, Holyoke, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Worcester, Salem, Gloucester, and Somerville. The nonprofit organization, which started as a small program at Northampton State Hospital, has grown to a $22.5 million business.

Dr. Colleen Chambers Joins EMA Dental Staff
EAST LONGMEADOW — EMA Dental announced that Dr. Colleen Chambers has joined the practice as its newest associate.
Chambers completed her undergraduate degree in biological sciences at the University of Connecticut and went on to earn her DMD at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She was awarded the School of Dental Medicine Alumni Research Fellowship for her research with alveolar bone and implant integration using rh-PDGF-BB. She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she focused on esthetics, general dentistry, and complex implant dental treatment.
Chambers is proud to have had the opportunity to provide dental care to underserved communities at the CT Mission of Mercy, Remote Area Medical Services in Wise County, Va., and as part of a dental service trip to Honduras. She is a member of the American Dental Assoc., the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the Valley District Society.

Daren Gray Joins Team at Baystate Franklin
GREENFIELD — Daren Gray has joined Baystate Franklin Medical Center (BFMC) as director of Support Services. He will provide leadership and oversight of key support services for Baystate Franklin, including Food and Nutrition Services, Materials, Reprography, Environmental Services, Engineering, Security, Safety, Emergency Management, and Transport Services.
A graduate of UMass with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Gray is a certified professional engineer in the state of Massachusetts. He joined Baystate Health in February 2013 as a project manager in Facilities, Planning, and Engineering. In his role, he was involved in major capital projects for Baystate Health, including reconstruction of the main entrance and patient parking areas at Baystate Medical Center, safety enhancements throughout the hospital, master-planning campus improvements throughout the network, several permitting approvals to support major Baystate Health facilities initiatives, and Baystate Franklin’s Surgery Modernization Project.
Prior to joining Baystate Health, Gray held positions in engineering, safety, and project management with Vermont Yankee in Vernon, Vt.; Hatch Mott MacDonald Inc. in Holyoke; and Doucet & Associates Inc. in Northampton.
“I am very enthusiastic about joining the Baystate Franklin family,” Gray said. “Having worked extensively up here helping to build the new Surgery Center for the past two years, I’ve found the BFMC community to be a very talented, caring, and professional group that I’m proud to be joining. This move into a team with a shared goal of improving the health of our Franklin County community is very rewarding and energizing.”

Berkshire Surgical Services of BMC Welcomes Dr. Clayton Peterson
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Health Systems announced the appointment of Dr. Clayton Peterson to the medical staff of Berkshire Medical Center and the physician staff of Berkshire Surgical Services of BMC. He is accepting new patients in need of general surgery and is partnered with Drs. Michael Cohn, Eugene Curletti, Michael DiSiena, Christian Galvez, Jose Heisecke, Andrew Lederman, and George Veinoglou at Berkshire Surgical Services of BMC.
Peterson received his medical degree from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed his residency in general surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
For an appointment with Peterson, ask a physician for a referral or call Berkshire Surgical Services of BMC at (413) 445-6420.

Theresa Cook to Direct Springfield Community Living
SPRINGFIELD — Richard Venne, president and CEO of Community Enterprises Inc., announced the appointment of Theresa Cook as director of Springfield Community Living. She is responsible for the effective management of all aspects of the program, and will implement the organization’s mission and values by supporting individuals to make positive changes in their lives.
Cook was previously the director of Holyoke Community Living at Community Enterprises. She has worked with Community Enterprises for 27 years, and has more than 34 years of experience in housing and supports for individuals with disabilities.
Cook received her bachelor’s degree from Assumption College in Worcester and her master’s degree in social work from Springfield College.
Community Enterprises is a human-service organization that provides employment, education, housing supports, and day supports for people with disabilities. Headquartered in Northampton, it maintains 27 service locations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Kentucky. The Massachusetts offices include Springfield, Holyoke, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Worcester, Salem, Gloucester, and Somerville. The nonprofit organization, which started as a small program at Northampton State Hospital, has grown to a $22.5 million business.

Jessica Collins Named Executive Director of Partners for a Healthier Community
SPRINGFIELD — Partners for a Healthier Community (PHC) has confirmed Jessica Collins as its executive director. Collins is a nine-year veteran of the Springfield-based nonprofit, where she previously served as interim executive director and deputy director. She will be leading the institute’s expansion of services in research and evaluation, coalition-building, and policy advocacy.
“Communities of color, members of the LGBT community, and people with disabilities face significant disparities in health in our region, Collins said. “Our mission is to address these inequities so that all people will have what they need to lead healthy lives.”
PHC was recently awarded the contract to lead the Community Health Needs Assessment for the 10 regional hospitals in Western Mass. in collaboration with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the Collaborative for Educational Services. “This assessment documents the existing health needs of each community and provides the data necessary to develop effective strategies to address health inequities,” Collins said.
Added Rev. Karen Rucks, PHC’s board chair, “having a local public-health institute to serve Western Mass. is invaluable. The staff of Partners for a Healthier Community bring an understanding of the context and communities in our region to their services. They are committed to building capacity in our region to better understand how to use data and to collect and report on specific issues that are worthy of collective attention.”
Prior to coming to PHC, Collins led community-based participatory research projects including the Shape Up Somerville program focused on the prevention of childhood obesity in Cambridge and Somerville. Other nationally recognized community-health initiatives led by Collins include efforts to address substance abuse and suicide prevention, as well as preschool oral health.
In addition, Collins announced the hiring of Jessica Payne as senior research associate. Payne brings 25 years of experience in program development, evaluation, and needs assessment. She has extensive knowledge of regional communities and public-health initiatives, and collaborates with partners and informants of varied backgrounds relative to age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, occupation, and region. Since 1988, her company, Jessica Payne Consulting, has provided research and evaluation services in the healthcare, education, community-development, marketing, and culture and arts industries.