Short Hills Surgery Center Rallies Together During Winter Storms

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Winter storms have impacted the Northeastern region of the country, including the patients and staff at the Short Hills Surgery Center (SHSC) in Millburn, New Jersey. In the midst of a storm this winter, the SHSC staff went above and beyond for its patients and each other.

Due to road conditions, some patients were not picked up until after 10 p.m. The staff sprang into action to make the best of a bad situation, playing board games (courtesy of the PACU manager) and entertaining the patients while they waited.

A half dozen of the staff stayed overnight at the facility due to the treacherous road conditions. As the contracted housekeeping staff could not make it to the center, the team worked together to clean the clinical areas as well as take out the trash and dirty linen. After an uncomfortable night’s sleep, the staff was up early to prepare for the first patients of the day.

To assist the overnighters, a member of the staff brought in hot breakfast sandwiches with bagels, donuts, orange juice and, most importantly, toothbrushes and toothpaste. The center was open and ready for business the next day with all of the staff members in place. Although this was a difficult situation for all, there was good interdepartmental comradery and teamwork to help each other and the center through the storm.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this group of caring and devoted individuals,” said Claudette Fox, SHSC Center Leader.

AMSURG Center Leader Celebrates 30 Years of Dedicated Service

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Cindy SeaseIt is not common these days to meet an individual who has worked with the same company for 30 years. Cindy Sease, registered nurse, is not your common center leader. She has worked at the Columbia Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center since the doors first opened in November 1988. “Working for the same center has allowed me the opportunity to master my job. That doesn’t mean I don’t make mistakes. It means that I have had the time to learn, experience and continue to grow in my field, which makes me enjoy and appreciate the work I do.”

Cindy has been a mainstay at the Columbia GI Center, working with a variety of physicians and staff throughout the years. This includes AMSURG’s Medical Director John Popp, Jr. M.D. “When I attended center leader orientation, I was amazed at the number of roles, sometimes duties outside the scope of their work; they play to keep our centers operating efficiently. Our center has been incredibly fortunate to have Cindy at the helm since the day we opened. Cindy has demonstrated a level of professionalism and commitment throughout her years at Columbia and Lake Murray and has been an integral part of the success of the centers,” said Popp. “I congratulate and applaud Cindy on 30 years of dedicated service. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do.”

Cindy began her nursing career in 1981 at a large teaching hospital in Columbia South Carolina, Richland Memorial Hospital. “I began working on a Medical-Surgical floor which was also the cancer treatment and dialysis floor,” explained Cindy. “The patients were very sick. But, the nursing staff was very caring and took me in as a new nurse. After some training, I was on my own. I loved the job.”

Two years later, Cindy transferred to the GI lab. “Back in 1983 screening colonoscopies were not being performed routinely, so we found a lot of cancers; colon cancer and gastric cancers. It felt good to know I was a part of a team that was helping those with cancer,” Cindy said. “With my oncology background, I felt I was able to offer some hope and comfort to those receiving such a diagnosis. Cancer treatment was making great advancements during this time.”

In 1988, Columbia Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center opened and was one of the first ambulatory surgical centers in South Carolina.  “I was proud to assist in the very first procedure. I remember everyone being somewhat nervous, but we broke the ice and here we are 30 years later,” Cindy exclaimed.

When asked about the most memorable changes she has seen over her 30-year career, Cindy replied, “The biggest improvements over the years have been in reprocessing and infection control. When I began in GI, we reprocessed using betadine solution and alcohol. The scopes were fiber optic and the doctor looked through an eye piece. Some of the scopes had a joy stick knob, not the customary turn dial like today. Stretchers were hand-cranked, not hydraulic, and wheelchairs were wooden, but rolled like a dream! I was in my 20s and living a dream.”

Just as the center grew and changed, so did Cindy’s personal life. “There have been many changes over the 30 years.  During this time, I married my husband of 35 years, Robby, and we had two boys, Bobby and David,” Cindy said. “We also had many changes in the center. There were three small remodels at Columbia Main as we grew.  In 2003, we completed a remodel of the Columbia Center and we opened our second facility, Lake Murray Endoscopy Center. I’ve seen many doctors come and go and staff members too.”

Cindy credits the dedicated staff at Columbia GI as one of the main reasons she has and many others have stayed at the center. “I have several long term employees… Sandra Russell our clinical manager at Lake Murray Endoscopy Center has been with us for 24 years. Marianne Hill, past RN manager at Columbia, has been with us for 20 years. Margaret Danko, RN, has 16 years at Columbia. Debbie Braxton, Cynthia Green and Cheri Foster have been with us for 15+ years,” explained Cindy. “We have always tried to be upbeat and have a good time at work; I think this says a lot about our Center, our team, and its culture.”

Managing two centers, Cindy’s responsibilities have increased over the years. “From assisting with procedures, which I still do when needed, to training, payroll, anesthesia coordination and accounts payable, risk management, human resources and much, much more, can be quite a feat. But the one that has evolved the most, is QAPI [Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement],” Cindy said.

Cindy may not be planning for another 30 years but she expects to remain a part of the center for a few more years before retirement. In the meantime, she is continuing to enjoy her work as well as her hobbies outside of the center—knitting, crocheting and gardening. She loves spending quality time with her family and friends at the lake or beach, and especially the time with her three grandsons, Cooper, Tanner and Waylon.

Congratulations and thank you for 30 years of service, Cindy.

AMSURG Represented in Nashville Technology Council’s Emerging Leaders in IT Program

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ELITE Pic Andy Sisco and Rusty StrangeAndy Sisco, Vice President of Information Technology, and Rusty Strange, Vice President of IT Infrastructure and Operations, recently completed the Nashville Technology Council’s Emerging Leaders in IT Program (ELITE), as mentor and participant respectively. ELITE is a leadership development resource focused on building, attracting and retaining technology talent for the Nashville community, particularly focusing on the talented individuals already residing in Nashville.

Andy and Rusty had tough competition to gain acceptance into the six-month leadership program. Each committed to biweekly meetings that focused on training, peer-to-peer learning and executive mentorship. “During the program, leadership styles and principles were the themes that I enjoyed and resonated with me,” Rusty said. “Several guest speakers and mentors shared different perspectives from their experience and environments that helped to shape their approach to leadership, which I found very helpful.”

Both Andy and Rusty explained that the program provided a great experience and each gained new insights, resources and information. “I gained an appreciation for the value of mentoring. Mentoring is a great learning experience. Not only do you learn a great deal from others, you learn a great deal about yourself in the process,” Andy explained. “I would recommend everyone find a mentor to help them in their careers. I would also recommend that everyone find someone who is less experienced to mentor. Sharing your experiences with others is a great way to incorporate them into your own narrative.”

Rusty’s main take away from ELITE centered on the growth of the city. “Nashville is a thriving tech community that continues to grow, adapt and innovate with the growth of the city,” he said. “The city is committed to nurturing the next generation of leadership through programs like this one. The willingness to embrace technology, recognize the role it will play in the future of Nashville and invest in attracting and developing talent is exciting for me.”

Both Andy and Rusty are a part of the Nashville Technology Council and Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Andy is also a member of the Nashville Healthcare Council, Leadership Healthcare and the Information System Security Association.

AMSURG’s Jade Sampson Selected as Nashville Emerging Leader Award Recipient

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On July 26, Jade Sampson, MBA, M.Ed., Director of Talent Management for AMSURG, received a Nashville Emerging Leader Award (NELA) in the HR category.

The NELAs, hosted by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville, honor Nashville’s young professionals for significant accomplishments in their career fields as well as their commitment and contributions to the community. More than 900 applicants were nominated for the awards, and those applicants were then narrowed down to 75 finalists with five in each category. Jade was selected out of five HR professionals from companies such as TechnologyAdvice and Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

In addition to her role at AMSURG, Jade serves in leadership positions with Junior League of Nashville and Young Leaders Council. She also founded her own nonprofit, Dressed for the Test, which provides school uniforms to children in need.

“Being recognized as one of Nashville’s Emerging Leaders is a true honor, and I still cannot believe I was among the incredibly talented young professionals that were part of this group,” Jade said. “I cannot adequately express my profound gratitude for the leaders in our professional and philanthropic communities here in Nashville.”

When reflecting on the positive impact Jade has had on AMSURG and the Nashville community, Katie Lamb, Vice President of Human Resources, said, “We all know how fantastic Jade is and it is wonderful to see her receive this prestigious recognition.”

Congratulations Jade on your accomplishment!

AMSURG and Make-A-Wish Join Forces to Make Child’s Dream a Reality

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Gabe's Make-A-Wish[2]_colorcorrectedOn Friday, July 13, superheroes descended on the AMSURG headquarters in honor of a very special child. Make-A-Wish of Middle Tennessee teamed up with AMSURG to treat 7-year-old Gabe to a morning filled with all his favorite things and to make his special wish – taking a cruise with his mother, father and sister – come true.

Gabe has congenital heart disease, a condition that was diagnosed when his mother was pregnant with him. He has undergone two open heart surgeries, with the first procedure performed when he was a mere five days old. In total, he has bravely faced five surgeries.

Despite everything Gabe has endured, his aunt said that he always has a smile on his face.

The Make-A-Wish event aimed to take Gabe’s mind off his health challenges and give him a rare opportunity be a carefree kid. His mother said, “We want him to live life as normally as possible.”

The celebration allowed him to do just that.

During the event, Gabe feasted on his favorite food – corndogs – along with an assortment of snacks. He also posed for photos with superheroes such as Iron Man and Black Widow.

Superhero decorations adorned the walls throughout the space while football-themed games kept him entertained.

Gabe and his family began their Disney cruise to Castaway Cay in the Bahamas July 15, just two days after the celebration. When asked what he was most looking forward to about the cruise, he said the waterslides He was also excited about how large their room would be.

It was a privilege to partner with Make-A-Wish to bring some much-needed happiness to a young child whose life has been filled with so much adversity and hardship. We hope Gabe and his family will make lifelong memories on their cruise and that those memories will help carry them through future challenges.

AMSURG Broadens Ophthalmology Portfolio With Strategic Physician Practice Partnership

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – AMSURG, an Envision Healthcare solution, today announced the acquisition of Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center, an Arizona-based ophthalmology practice, which includes four practice locations, an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) and three optical centers. For AMSURG, a national leader in the strategic and operational management of ASCs, this introduces a new practice partnership model designed for long-term growth.

“The alignment marks a significant milestone for AMSURG and, in particular, our ophthalmology division,” said John Grant, President of Ophthalmology for AMSURG. “Strategic partnerships like this are crucial to improving the delivery of consistent quality eye care and being a provider patients can trust. Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center embodies our commitment to delivering patient-centered care and upholding high clinical standards. We are thrilled to welcome its expert team of physicians, optometrists and administrative staff to the AMSURG family.”

Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center includes four locations in the metro area, the Eye Surgery Center at the Biltmore and the Sharona Optical Centers in the Phoenix metro area. The group’s seven physicians and six optometrists provide an array of services, including LASIK eye surgery, cataract surgery, multifocal intraocular lenses and comprehensive eye care.

“We are thrilled to join AMSURG, a nationally recognized leader in ophthalmic care,” said Robert McCulloch, M.D., Medical Director and Senior Cataract Surgeon for Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center. “The partnership will provide us with the support, expertise and resources we need to position our practice for long-term growth and success as we continue to expand our footprint within the Phoenix area and provide our patients with the high-quality care they have come to expect.”

“For more than 30 years, we have partnered with physician practices to build comprehensive outpatient surgical solutions, drive utilization, improve quality measures and expand their breadth and scale of service,” said Phillip Clendenin, President of AMSURG. “In a rapidly changing environment, we seek to be the physician-centric strategic alternative of choice for the entrepreneurial and independent physician practice. Partnering with Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center was a natural fit given our existing presence in the Phoenix area and our common operational philosophy. We strongly believe our shared equity partnership model differentiates us from our competitors and will allow Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center to continue to recruit top clinical talent for years to come.”

As an industry leader in outpatient care, AMSURG supports physicians in providing quality patient care through the management and operation of their ASCs. While AMSURG specializes in many areas of care, the organization has particular expertise in eye health. Its network of providers consists of more than 700 ophthalmologists and optometrists, as well as the staff members, at more than 75 surgery centers. In 2017, centers affiliated with AMSURG performed nearly 225,000 eye procedures.

With the addition of Horizon Eye Specialists & LASIK Center, the organization is building on its commitment to improve care coordination between practices, hospitals and surgery centers and enhance the overall delivery of care.

AMSURG Partner R. Bruce Wallace, M.D., Recognized at ASCRS Annual Meeting

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R. Bruce Wallace, M.D., was recently honored at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery’s Annual Meeting for his contributions to ophthalmology. Dr. Wallace is the founder and medical director of Wallace Eye Associates in Alexandria, Louisiana, and is an AMSURG physician partner at Wallace Laser and Surgery Center. He is also a clinical professor of ophthalmology at Tulane School of Medicine and at Louisiana State University Medical School. Named one of the 50 Most Influential Ophthalmologists by Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today, Dr. Wallace is a member of numerous professional organizations and was president of the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society, the Society for Excellence in Eye are and the American College of Eye Surgeons. He has served as a primary investigator and consultant for a number of investigational IOLs, including nine multifocal IOLs. He has also organized numerous courses for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, ASCRS, the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology and the American College of Eye Surgeons.

AMSURG Partner Discusses Increase in Colon Cancer in Young Adults

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Antonio Serna, M.D., gastroenterologist at San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates and Endoscopy Center, recently appeared on FOX San Antonio to discuss the increase of colon cancer in young adults. According to a 2017 study, people born in 1990 are twice as likely as those born in 1950 to be diagnosed with colon cancer and four times as likely to be diagnosed with rectal cancer. The cause isn’t known, but physicians suspect diet and sedentary lifestyles may be to blame.

In the video, Dr. Serna urges young adults not to ignore symptoms and to talk to family members to learn whether they have a family history of colorectal cancer. Symptoms include blood in the stool, a change in bowel pattern, abdominal discomfort and unintentional weight loss.

Dr. Serna stresses that a referral from a primary care physician is not needed to be screened for colorectal cancer and early detection is often a lifesaver. The full video can be viewed here.

AMSURG Vice President Joins ASCA’s Board of Directors

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Mark Wainner, AMSURG’s Vice President of Corporate Services, has been elected to the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association’s Board of Directors. Wainner has been with AMSURG for 20 years and has held various positions with the company, ranging from business development to financial analysis. His current role encompasses revenue management, supply chain, physician recruiting and more.

Congratulations to Mark!

Kendall Endoscopy Center’s Creative Cake Promotes Colonoscopy Screenings

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In honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Kendall Endoscopy and Surgery Center in Miami, Florida created a cake to encourage colon screenings. The cake features multiple tools used to perform routine home repairs and urges patients to “know when to call an expert.” The pamphlet featured on the cake then directs patients to StopColonCancerNow.com. The cake can be seen here.