Category: Sponsored

The unique fundraising experience Oct. 15 will bring the community together while raising funds for Summit Health Cares’ Cancer Comfort Project, which offers programs and resources to help patients maintain their emotional, physical and spiritual well-being throughout treatment

Summit Health Cares will be hosting its second-annual Summit Challenge on Oct. 15 at Mount Carmel Society, located at 56 River Road in Berkeley Heights. This unique fundraising experience will bring the community together while raising funds for Summit Health Cares’ Cancer Comfort Project.

Summit Challengers will take on a multilevel obstacle course, running from one stop to the next and taking on challenges that will include jumping, crawling, balancing and climbing. The course will be surrounded by a festival of food, entertainment and a kid zone for friends, family and teammates to enjoy. People of all athletic abilities are invited to become a Summit Challenger as a Solo Challenger or Team to take on the obstacle course and help raise funds for Summit Health Cares’ Cancer Comfort Project. The Comfort Project offers multiple resources, from one[1]on-one patient navigation services helping individuals access community resources to movement and mindfulness classes; pet therapy; relaxing music and a Patient-in-Need fund, which provides grants to help with critical, nonmedical expenses. Everything the Comfort Project offers is to help reduce the stress and anxiety for patients and their families fighting cancer so they can focus on their treatment.

Everyone in the community is invited to participate and make an impact for the Summit Health Cancer Care Program.

“I am grateful to Summit Health Cares for the variety of programs they schedule monthly,” said Donna, a patient and participant in the Comfort Project programs. “I participate regularly in Qi Gong, Reiki and Jin Shin Jyutsu, and I believe they have helped me control physical symptoms related to treatments, manage my stress, maintain a sense of well-being and take a more active role in my own healing.”

While conventional therapies are helpful for many people fighting cancer, offering a range of additional services allows patients and families to build a comprehensive, whole-person approach that works best for them. Summit Health Cares’ Cancer Comfort Project offers programs and resources to help patients maintain their emotional, physical and spiritual well-being throughout treatment, increasing quality of life and chances of survival.

“Patients going through their chemotherapy journey are going through a very tough time,” said Gisele Raphael, RN, office supervisor in Hematology[1]Oncology at Summit Health. “They have all different kinds of needs, and these programs are helping them. The Summit Health Cares volunteers support the patients. They sit down and listen to their needs and always strive to find a way to help them.”

For information about the Summit Challenge, to register as a Summit Challenger, to join the Summit Challenge virtually, or to make a donation, visit TakeTheSummitChallenge.com.

Everyone in the community is invited to participate and make an impact for the Summit Health Cancer Care Program. For information about the Summit Challenge, to register as a Summit Challenger, to join the Summit Challenge virtually, or to make a donation, visit TakeTheSummitChallenge.com.

“Saying YES to participating in the Summit Challenge will bring us together as one powerful community in support of friends and families who are going through their cancer journey and help alleviate the associated burdens,” said Dr. Laura Balsamini, this year’s Summit Challenge Event Chair. She invites everyone to join her by stepping up to the challenge — where the reward to yourself and those with cancer is priceless!

The course will be surrounded by a festival of food, entertainment and a kid zone for friends, family and teammates to enjoy.

About Summit Health Cares

Summit Health Cares focuses on supporting our neighbors in underserved communities across New York, New Jersey and Oregon, helping them gain access to the medical, educational and social services they need to live a healthier life. The foundation was established in 2013 by Summit Health, New Jersey’s oldest and largest private multispecialty medical group. Learn more about Summit Health Cares at sh-cares.org.

Gynecologists, who advise on contraceptive methods and gynecological issues, administer age-appropriate screenings for a variety of conditions and educate on how to live a healthy life at all ages, should be part of a woman’s essential list of health care providers.

From contraception to STD prevention and prenatal care, Bergen Medical Associates’ Ena Marsan, DO, shares how gynecologists help position young women for a lifetime of good health.

Though establishing a relationship with a gynecologist may be one of the last things some women in their teens and twenties have on their minds, it’s actually one of the best and most important moves they can make for their health and mental well-being.

Ena Marsan, DO, MPH

“Young women may not fully understand where to go or why they should see a gynecologist, and/or they may be uncomfortable opening up about such private matters,” said Ena Marsan, DO, MPH, gynecologist at Bergen Medical Associates, which has six convenient offices throughout Bergen County. “However, when the need for a gynecologist arises, they might not have one readily available. So it’s an important opportunity for them to find a suitable GYN for their specific needs.”

From advising on contraceptive methods and gynecological issues to administering age-appropriate screenings for a variety of conditions and educating women on how to live a healthy life at all ages, “gynecologists should be part of a woman’s armamentarium of health care providers, and establishing a relationship with a gynecologist will give young women peace of mind.” Dr. Marsan said.

Just as women establish relationships with hairstylists, manicurists, fitness trainers and other health and lifestyle providers, Dr. Marsan shares five reasons why it behooves young women to include a gynecologist on their list of providers to promote a positive and healthy lifestyle:

1. Contraception Support — “Contraception is available in many different forms, and everyone is unique,” said Dr. Marsan, who noted that progesterone-only IUDs, birth control pills and subdermal implants inserted under the skin of the upper arm are currently among the most popular options for young women. “There are many non-hormonal options as well, such as condoms, copper IUD and Phexxi gel, options many young women didn’t know was available. Women may also not be aware of the proper use of the different birth control methods, their side effects or other underlying conditions that would preclude their use of different methods.” Overall, Dr. Marsan said, “A gynecologist can clear up any misinformation/misperceptions and help young women determine their optimal form of contraception based on their preferences, lifestyle and any medical conditions they may have to help ensure their safest and best option.”
2. HPV — “Young women should know their HPV vaccine status. Abnormal cervical cells are caused by the presence of high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can lead to cervical, anal/rectal, and head/neck cancer down the road,” Dr. Marsan said.  “The risk of contracting HPV increases with the number of sexual partners you have, whether you use a condom or not,” she noted.  “As young women (and men) become sexually active, the HPV vaccine is the best thing we have to prevent against developing higher-risk forms of HPV.
   

   Bergen Medical Associates gynecologists take a comprehensive look at each patient holistically and determine the root cause of certain conditions.

3. Treatment of Gynecological Issues — “Among younger women, we treat a lot of cases of irregular periods, sexually-transmitted infections (such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes) and urinary tract infections,” said Dr. Marsan, who added that many of these can be conveniently assessed at the same visit. “While issues can get missed at urgent care centers, we take a comprehensive look at each patient holistically and determine the root cause of certain conditions,” she said. “For example, an irregular period can be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal dysfunction.  In addition, irregular menses can be caused by a thyroid disorder – another condition that can be easily tested for.
4. Preparation for Pregnancy — “With so many young women approaching the time in their life where they’re thinking about starting a family, we can discuss pregnancy and reproductive plans and refer patients to an infertility specialist if necessary,” Dr. Marsan said. For newly pregnant women, “we can confirm the pregnancy, establish its location, and ensure the pregnancy isn’t in danger as many issues can arise in the early stages of pregnancy,” she said. “We can also educate women on prenatal vitamins, dietary issues while pregnant, potential risk factors during pregnancy, and ways to help ensure that they have the healthiest pregnancy possible.”
5. Routine Health Exams — “By reviewing their general health, performing clinical physical breast exams, and providing referrals for other important screenings, such as those for breast cancer, cholesterol, weight management, diabetes and colon cancer, we help young women take ownership of their gynecological and overall health,” Dr. Marsan said. “We may even perform a genetic screening in women with a positive family history for breast cancer by screening for the BRCA gene mutation to advise them of their risk for breast, and/or ovarian cancer.”

An Investment in Good Health

“It never fails to amaze me how many women are misinformed about gynecological topics or haven’t had access to quality gynecological care, which is disempowering,” Dr. Marsan said. “This can cause further anxiety for women and make the discussion surrounding these issues uncomfortable. I have found that when patients open up and have these conversations with a gynecologist and get the necessary testing, they have a surprisingly pleasant experience. Patients feel so much better and enjoy greater confidence and peace of mind.”

Given the intimate nature of their exchanges, “The relationship between a patient and a gynecologist can be incredibly strong and many women end up staying with their gynecologist for years and even decades. Their gynecologist knows their medical history and helps them move forward in a positive way,” Dr. Marsan confirmed. “Women will ultimately need to see a gynecologist for preventative or reactive support at some point in time. It’s great for them to get ahead of that in their younger years by taking ownership of their health and establishing a relationship with a gynecologist for a life of good health.”

For More Information

With offices in Emerson, Paramus (two), Ridgewood, Northvale and Montvale, Bergen Medical Associates offers primary care and 12 areas of specialized care. Patients enjoy the “one-stop shopping” approach where so many medical services are provided under one umbrella. The multispecialty group fosters an environment of collaboration among the physicians, which results in a seamless continuum of care for patients. For more information, visit bergenmed.com or call 201-967-8221.

Are you among the nation’s millions of avid pickleball players? Members of Bergen Medical Associates’ Sports Medicine team explain why preventative measures will help keep you at the top of your game.

If you haven’t tried pickleball yet, you’re in for a treat.

Rapidly growing in popularity and adding an impressive number of new players every year, pickleball has recently swept the nation by offering a fun, competitive, and social activity that people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy.

Described as a combination of tennis, pingpong and badminton, pickleball offers a range of benefits, especially for individuals unable to play more demanding sports such as tennis due to injuries, restrictions or other factors.

The statistics on pickleball continue to amaze. For instance, did you know?

• According to The Pickleball Player, there are nearly 9 million pickleball players (or “picklers,” as they’ve been nicknamed by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association) in the U.S., a number that has nearly doubled since 2021.
• The sport has experienced growth of 159% (over 50% per year) for the three-year period from 2020-22, rendering pickleball the fastest-growing sport in America for the last three years.
• There are nearly 11,000 known places to play pickleball in the U.S. as of early 2023, and more pickleball facilities are being built every month.
• Pickleball is a great workout. According to a recent study done at Western Colorado University, “picklers averaged a heart rate of 109 beats per minute and burned 354 calories per hour” — activity that equates to a moderate-intensity workout similar to such other sports as hiking, yoga and water aerobics.
• According to the same study, people who played pickleball for one hour every other day for six weeks experienced significant improvements in their cholesterol level, blood pressure and cardiovascular fitness.

According to a recent study done at Western Colorado University, “picklers averaged a heart rate of 109 beats per minute and burned 354 calories per hour.

Described as a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton, pickleball offers a range of benefits, especially for individuals unable to play more demanding sports due to injuries, restrictions or other factors.

From the joys of participating in a group sport to the confidence boost and feel-good endorphins a game of pickleball can deliver, the sport can help players avoid isolation, ease anxiety, and connect to others in a positive way.

Because pickleball courts are smaller than tennis courts and is often played as a doubles game, there’s less running and ground to cover, which reduces the physical demands on players. And thanks to pickleball’s slower pace and underhand serves, players are less likely to experience the potential shoulder injuries and difficult returns associated with faster-paced tennis.

Samantha Rosenzweig, DPM

Pickleball also offers many social benefits. From the joys of participating in a group sport to the confidence boost and feel-good endorphins a game of pickleball can deliver, the sport can help players avoid isolation, ease anxiety, and connect to others in a positive way.

An Ounce of Prevention

That being said, pickleball isn’t without the risk of injuries, which, according to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, include sprains and rotator cuff pain, among others.

Jeff Chung, MD

“Some of the pickleball injuries I’ve seen are similar to those sustained playing tennis,” said Samantha Rosenzweig, DPM, podiatrist and a member of the Sports Medicine team at Bergen Medical Associates, which has six offices throughout Bergen County. “These include lateral ankle pain from side-to-side movements, plantar fasciitis and inferior calcaneal bursitis from pounding on court surfaces, and Achilles tendon pain from lack of stretching.”

“On the rheumatology side, other injuries triggered by pickleball can include tendonitis of the ankle, knee and shoulder; tennis elbow; and low back and neck strain,” added Jeff Chung, MD, rheumatologist at Bergen Medical Associates.

Deana Nes, DO

“Due to repetitive movements of the upper extremities (e.g., the wrist, elbow and shoulder) in any racket sport, tendonitis as well as tendon strains and rotator cuff tears can be common in pickleball,” concurred Bergen Medical Associates rheumatologist Deana Nes, DO.

Following, Bergen Medical Associates’ Sports Medicine team members offer top tips to help prevent common pickleball injuries and keep you in the game:

• Engage in a Good Warm Up — To help ensure a productive and enjoyable experience on the pickleball court, it’s great to maintain a regular fitness exercise regimen with a good stretching protocol to help warm up muscles and promote flexibility. Key steps in preventing injury in pickleball (and in any sport) include warming up with some mild cardio exercise like jogging as well as stretching the various muscle groups before you start playing.
• Ease in Slowly — While it’s wonderful to be active, it’s not safe for anyone to go from inactivity to high activity very quickly. Start slow and continue ramping up slowly.
• Choose Proper Footwear — Wear foot gear that’s appropriate for the specific lateral movement of pickleball and get properly fitted for shoes by a knowledgeable professional.
• Hydrate — Avoid playing outdoors during extreme heat conditions, but if you do play in extreme heat, stay well hydrated to prevent dangerous complications such as heat stroke.
• Be Deliberate — To ensure a strong footing and help prevent falls, pickleball players are encouraged to maintain a wide, ready position stance during the game and avoid backpedaling to return an overhead shot, which can jeopardize one’s balance.

Get in the game: Don’t wait to partake in the joys of pickleball in a safe way and reap the many health benefits of one of America’s most popular new sports.

For More Information

With offices in Emerson, Paramus (two), Ridgewood, Northvale and Montvale, Bergen Medical Associates offers primary care and 12 areas of specialized care. Patients enjoy the “one-stop shopping” approach where so many medical services are provided under one umbrella. The multi-specialty group fosters an environment of collaboration among the physicians, which results in a seamless continuum of care for patients. For more information, visit bergenmed.com or call 201-967-8221.

— Susan Bloom

Important advances in cell therapy — which seeks to harness the immune system to target cancer — have created a scientific environment in which research in the field is flourishing.

Harnessing the immune system to target cancer is the goal of a groundbreaking area of oncology research called cell therapy. Important advances in the field have created a scientific environment in which cell therapy research is flourishing. Christian S. Hinrichs, MD, is chief of Cancer Immunotherapy and co-director of the Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and a professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Christian S. Hinrichs, MD, chief of Cancer Immunotherapy and co-director of the Duncan and Nancy MacMillan Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and a professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Rutgers Cancer Institute houses a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) facility, a fully commissioned clean space for manufacturing of viral vectors and cell products for human administration. It is the link that connects the discovery of new treatments in the laboratories at Rutgers Cancer Institute with the delivery of these treatments to patients – statewide together with RWJBarnabas Health and beyond. Patients in New Jersey have access to these clinical trials through treatment at Rutgers Cancer Institute and through clinical trial recruitment and coordination of care across RWJBarnabas Health. Recently, the first patient was treated with genetically modified T-cells developed within the GMP facility at the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Hinrichs shares his insight:

What is the current view on developing more consistent and effective cell therapies for additional types of cancer and what are some of the challenges? 

The next frontier for cell therapy is the development of effective treatments for common cancers. We made tremendous advances with the approach for the treatment of certain hematologic malignancies, but translating these early successes in relatively uncommon liquid tumors into effective treatments for common solid tumors has been more difficult.

The greatest challenge has been finding therapeutic targets that are expressed by most or all of the cancer cells and not by critical normal tissues and directing T cells against them. There are at least two important strategies to address this problem: The first is to target cancer drivers that are expressed by malignant but not healthy tissue, such as mutated proto-oncogenes or constitutively expressed viral oncoproteins. The second is to develop new technologies that can distinguish between cancer and healthy tissues through combinations of antigen-targeting receptors.

The cost of cell therapy is substantial, and the bar for efficacy is high. First and foremost, we need more effective treatments and especially treatments that are curative. In addition, we need advances that decrease the costs of manufacturing cell products or that allow for in vivo engineering — i.e., gene engineering of T cells while they are still in the patient.

What are clinical trials in this area examining right now?

There has been considerable work and a recent report of a randomized trial of cell therapy with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for melanoma, and this approach may be approved as a standard therapy in the not-too-distant future. At Rutgers Cancer Institute, we are focused on bringing cell therapy to patients with common types of cancer for which standard treatments are inadequate. We recently opened a clinical trial for an engineered cell therapy treatment for lung, triple-negative breast, cervical and gastric cancers. Also newly opened is a clinical trial of a new approach for human papillomavirus-associated cancers such as oropharyngeal, cervical and anal carcinomas. Recent work by others has been reported lately with new cell therapies for prostate cancer and gastrointestinal cancers.

As we continue to add to our body of knowledge on cell therapy, what should clinicians keep in mind in determining a treatment approach involving cell therapy for patients?

Cell therapy for solid tumors remains experimental at this point. TIL therapy for melanoma and engineered T cell approaches for certain sarcomas have shown promising clinical trial results. Retrospective data suggest that, as with other oncology drugs, cell therapy becomes less effective after other treatments. Clinical researchers developing these treatments will need to balance the risks and benefits of standard and experimental treatments in increasingly early disease settings.

Pancreatic cancer is often challenging to treat. That’s because it can be difficult to detect early because there are no noticeable symptoms in its early stages and late detection can limit treatment options. But a complex surgical intervention called the Whipple procedure can be a real lifeline for patients with certain types of pancreatic cancer, according to Alexander Itskovich, MD, medical director of the Statesir Cancer Center at CentraState.

When diagnosed early, pancreatic cancer is easier to treat. To learn if you are at high risk for pancreatic cancer and may be eligible for CentraState’s screening program, visit centrastate.com/pancreatic-screening or call 855-411-CANCER.

Alexan​​der Itskovich, MD

The pancreas is a workhorse, secreting hormones to manage blood sugar and enzymes to help the body digest protein and fat. Located behind the stomach, it works in tandem with the liver and the bile duct. The most common type of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, develops in the ducts that carry digestive enzymes to other organs, Itsokovich explained.

“When cancer affects the ‘head’ of the pancreas, the Whipple procedure may be performed to remove the tumor and prevent cancer from spreading to other organs. In fact, this surgical approach is the only known cure for most of these tumors,” said Itskovich, who has been performing the Whipple procedure for nearly a decade. With the support of a multidisciplinary team, he now offers the intricate surgery at CentraState.

What the Whipple Entails

During the procedure, the head of the pancreas, the gallbladder, the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) and part of the stomach are removed. Then, the bile duct, the remaining portion of the pancreas and the remaining portion of the stomach are reconnected to the small intestine so that food can be digested as usual. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed. The surgery, which is performed under general anesthesia, can take up to 12 hours.

“It’s a technically difficult procedure because it’s performed in a compact area with multiple organs and a maze of large blood vessels that tumors like to invade,” Dr. Itskovich said. “In addition, suturing the pancreas is like sewing gelatin. The procedure requires a special technique.”

While it can be lifesaving, the Whipple procedure is not without risks due to its level of complexity. However, most patients return to their usual activities within four to six weeks. Patients may also need chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both.

“Being able to perform this surgery is a testament to the caliber of our team,” Dr. Itskovich added. “If we can handle this level of surgery, we can handle just about anything.”

Early Detection at CentraState

When diagnosed early, pancreatic cancer is easier to treat. To learn if you are at high risk for pancreatic cancer and may be eligible for CentraState’s screening program, visit centrastate.com/pancreatic-screening or call 855-411-CANCER (855-411-2262).

Imagine the struggle of everyday activities if you only had full use of one hand — fastening a button, tying shoelaces, cutting food, typing or writing — the list goes on and on, and none of it is easy. This is often the case for stroke survivors who never regain full function of their arm and hand after a stroke.

Vivistim Paired VNSTM System therapy is a treatment designed for people like Kathy R. — ischemic stroke survivors experiencing ongoing hand and arm impairment

 But Ronald Benitez, MD, an Atlantic Health System neurosurgeon and medical director of endovascular neurosurgery at Overlook Medical Center, is helping to change this. In fact, he recently became the first neurosurgeon in New Jersey to use a promising new FDA-approved breakthrough technology for ischemic stroke survivors. And Kathy R., a retired special education teacher, was his first patient. She experienced a stroke at her vacation home in Nantucket and was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital in 2020 for immediate ischemic stroke intervention.

“The Vivistim System is a clinically proven medical innovation and a true breakthrough,” Dr. Benitez said. “We’re excited to bring this life-changing treatment to stroke survivors and give them a renewed sense of hope.”

Despite swift medical care and 18 months of intense physical and occupational therapy, Kathy ‘s progress was plateauing and leaving her right arm with severe limitations. She was coming to terms with a lifelong physical deficit, until her annual visit with John Hanna, MD, a vascular neurologist and medical director of Atlantic Health System’s Comprehensive Stroke Center at Overlook Medical Center, where she learned about the new Vivistim technology.

Hope Awaits

Vivistim Paired VNSTM System therapy is a treatment designed for people like Kathy — ischemic stroke survivors experiencing ongoing hand and arm impairment. When used in conjunction with occupational therapy, the implantable Vivistim device paired with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can generate two to three times more hand and arm function for survivors of ischemic stroke than traditional rehabilitation therapy alone.

In late February 2023 at Overlook Medical Center, Kathy underwent a same-day procedure in which Dr. Benitez implanted the device. Within 12 days, she was cleared to begin six weeks of rehabilitation at Newton Medical Center, which was closer to Kathy’s Succasunna home and staffed with Atlantic Health System therapists specially trained in paired VNS rehabilitation.

Exceeding Expectations

“I was both nervous and excited because I knew I needed to work hard while keeping my expectations realistic,” Kathy said. “Maybe I’d see changes a week or two into therapy. Maybe improvement would happen at the very end, or in the weeks following therapy. I just told myself to take it as it comes, always hoping for a full recovery, if at all possible.”

Kathy’s hand function began to return within two therapy sessions. Even more function developed in the successive weeks using the Vivistim device during home therapy. “This experience has gone far beyond my expectations,” said Kathy, who is now more than two months into therapy and continues to set new goals for herself. “I think pinching with my forefinger and thumb has been the most useful skill I have gained, and I am thrilled to be knitting again. Now, I’m working on straightening my arm so I can reach the top of my head to wash my hair.”

Nerve Stimulation in Action

Using a wireless transmitter, Kathy’s occupational therapist Paige Mattera signals the Vivistim device to deliver a gentle pulse to Kathy’s vagus nerve while performing specific tasks such as zipping up her jacket, combing her hair and cutting food. The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body, and it carries information between the brain and many parts of the body. Pairing these exercises with nerve stimulation helps create and strengthen the neural connections that improve Kathy’s limb function and increase her success during therapy.

“The idea behind pairing VNS therapy with Vivistim is akin to giving traditional rehabilitation techniques a boost from within, by strengthening the patient’s motor pathways through nerve stimulation,” said David Scott, manager of Atlantic Rehabilitation Outpatient Services. “This approach has exponentially enhanced Kathy’s ability to recover function during her therapy sessions.”

“Kathy’s end goal is to use her right arm just as she did before the stroke,” Mattera said. “What makes her a great candidate for this treatment is that she already has all the movement; she just needs to build and strengthen existing motor pathways to make the movements more fluid.”

Kathy is now using her right hand to fold laundry, write, set the table, cook, eat and, of course, knit. “Despite the struggles and challenges, I am constantly meeting new goals and improving,” Kathy said. “I am so grateful to Dr. Benitez, Dr. Hanna, Paige, and my entire medical and therapy teams for this life-changing opportunity and all that they’ve done to help me succeed.”

Be Proactive About Your Health

To stay safe and healthy, it’s good to have a primary care provider who knows and understands your health history and wellness goals. To find an Atlantic Health System primary care doctor, click here. To find an Atlantic Health System neurologist, click here.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital is certified in Perinatal Care and verified as a Level IV Maternal Care facility by The Joint Commission; and its Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is the recipient of the Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification program, offered collaboratively with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), named Saint Peter’s University Hospital as the first Level IV maternal-care verified facility in New Jersey. This is the highest level attainable and a recognition requiring an arduous review process.

As a Level IV facility, Saint Peter’s is recognized for its on-site medical and surgical care of the most complex maternal conditions and critically ill pregnant women and babies before, during and after pregnancy. Saint Peter’s recently expanded the ability to view fetal heart rate monitoring for a mother —  whether she’s in the labor and delivery unit or in the adult intensive care unit — by looking at one big monitor that’s tracking all the information for providers on all floors. This procedure increases situational awareness by monitoring what’s happening with babies in every unit simultaneously.

The Kanter family welcomed their son Ryan earlier than expected, born at 22 weeks and weighing 1 pound, 2 ounces.

Saint Peter’s underwent a comprehensive two-day on-site review by a Joint Commission surveyor to verify the level of care provided. The evaluation included the observation and assessment of best practices including compliance with the organization’s policies and procedures related to maternity care. The surveyor spoke directly with patients and tracked them through all phases of care, interviewing staff; assessing Saint Peter’s performance improvement plan; reviewing staff education; and completing a full review of the hospital’s credentialing/privileging process related to maternal health care. Unit tours included observation and inspection of every stage of care and interaction, from admission to labor and delivery to the neonatal intensive care unit, as well. The assessment also included oversight of processes related to patient education and staff communication.

“We are honored to be the first hospital in New Jersey to achieve The Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care Verification as a Level IV facility,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. “While Saint Peter’s has long been recognized for its comprehensive maternal health services, The Joint Commission’s verification offers further validation that we are equipped to deliver care at all levels — from low-risk pregnancies to the most complex cases.”

After 143 days in the NICU, the health care team and parents Evan Kanter and Sobina Chi, celebrated Ryan’s discharge taking him home right before this past Thanksgiving.

Saint Peter’s also earned  The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval^® for Perinatal Care, a symbol of quality that reflects the organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality care for mothers and infants leading up to, during and after pregnancy. The Joint Commission has commended Saint Peter’s for its efforts to standardize maternal care and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. In 2022 and 2023, Saint Peter’s was recognized by Newsweek as one of the nation’s Best Maternity Hospitals.

Saint Peter’s is a state-designated Regional Perinatal Center that includes an award-winning Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and its Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center is New Jersey’s first birth center to be located on the grounds of a hospital and the first hospital-based, midwifery-led birth center in the state to be accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers.

To learn more about Saint Peter’s comprehensive maternity services, visit saintpetershcs.com/maternity.