Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital: Medically Necessary

March 2021 is a special month at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at RWJUH! Over the past 20 years, we've seen our pediatric program grow from small units spread out all over the hospital to a full, specialized acute care hospital with subspecialists able to treat a wide range of illness -- offering New Jerseyans the ability to get their kids' care close to home. This week, Dr. Sally Radovick, Chief of Pediatrics at RWJUH, Chair of Pediatrics at Rutgers RWJMS, and Physician-in-Chief at BMSCH, and Barbara Romito, Director of Child Life at RWJUH/BMSCH, join Dr. Jim Salwitz and Chris Hoenig to look back at the growth of BMSCH and look ahead to the next 20 years.

As Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) begins to transition out of the second surge of COVID-19, we're doing it with a transition in hospital leadership. This week, RWJUH Interim President & CEO Bill Arnold joins Dr. Jim Salwitz and Chris Hoenig to discuss his observations since joining the hospital in December, as well as how important the clinician voice will be as we move forward.

Last year, RWJBarnabas Health launched the 'Ending Racism, Together' initiative, a corporate commitment to building a diverse, equitable, antiracist organization to better serve our communities and our patients. This week, Celeste Warren --the Vice President of the Diversity & Inclusion Center of Excellence at Merck, member of the RWJBH Board of Trustees, and Chair of the Board's Ending Racism Together committee -- sits down with Dr. Jim Salwitz and Chris Hoenig to provide an inside look at the foundation of this drive and what to expect in the coming months.

Construction fencing is up around the former Saint Peter's High School across the street, meaning work is underway on the new 12-story, 510,000 sq. ft. cancer pavilion that will be the flagship cancer hospital of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ), Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and RWJBarnabas Health. This week, Dr. Steven Libutti, Director of Rutgers CINJ and Senior Vice President of Oncology Services for RWJBH, sits down with Dr. Jim Salwitz and Chris Hoenig to discuss how this building will be more than just a hospital, offering a wide array of services to cancer patients throughout the area.

One of the nation's founding Infection Preventionists, Pat Lafaro, has spent the past six years as the Director of Infection Prevention here at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) in New Brunswick. After 26 years as the Director of Infection Prevention at Somerset Medical Center, Pat joined RWJUH as Ebola peaked public health concerns. Now, as the nation moves through vaccinating people in an effort to end the COVID-19 pandemic, Pat is calling time on her career and looking forward to retirement at the end of this month. Pat and incoming RWJUH Director of Infection Prevention Michele Pedrani sit down with Dr. Jim Salwitz and Chris Hoenig to talk about the field and how COVID-19 has shaped its future. Then, Dr. Enrique Pantin, a member of our anesthesia team at RWJUH and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), joins the program to preview the anesthesia museum he curates, which is now on display in the cases outside of Same Day Surgery at RWJUH. From some of the earliest masks and monitoring equipment, to anesthesia machines and key people and moments in anesthesia history, Dr. Pantin brings memorabilia and fun facts on the field for all to see and hear. You can learn more about the Anesthesia Museum here: https://anesthesiamuseum.wordpress.com/

March is coming, which is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. And several recent journal articles highlight the steady rise in early-onset colorectal cancer among the African-American community. But will last year's death of SAG Award-winning actor Chadwick Boseman help raise awareness and lead to an increase in early screening? Colorectal surgeon Dr. Nell Maloney Patel and oncologist Dr. Kristen Spencer from Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) join Dr. Jim Salwitz and Chris Hoenig to discuss. Then, a recent video from the RWJUH Foundation highlights how exceptional work and advanced procedures that are done at a fraction of hospitals nationally feel like everyday life here at RWJUH. Dr. Leonard Lee, Chief of Surgery and star of the new "A Day In The Life Of A Cardiac Surgeon" video, and Zoey Kramer, the Manager of Events and Communication at the RWJUH Foundation, join the program to share their experiences in creating the video.

Should pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine? The WHO recently waffled on that question, so this week, Dr. Jim Salwitz and Chris Hoenig welcome Dr. Justin Brandt, maternal-fetal medicine specialist and Director of Quality & Safety for the Rutgers RWJMS Dept. of OB/GYN, to the program to find out what he tells his patients. Then, Indu Lew, Chief Pharmacy Officer at RWJBarnabas Health, and Emily Halu, RWJBH's Vice President of High Reliability, join the show to share their experiences organizing and running the system's vaccination efforts.

Only eight institutions nationwide received prestigious grants in the latest round of NIH COVID-19 research funding, and RWJ is one of them. Dr. Lawrence Kleinman, Division Chief of Pediatric Population Health, Quality & Implementation Science at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) and Rutgers RWJMS, joins Chris Hoenig and Dr. James Salwitz to discuss the 2-year, $1.6 million grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at the NIH. The money will help form a network of networks that will work to determine the risk factors for severe illness in children who contract COVID-19, looking at not only genetics, but sociodemographic factors.

Dr. Dalilah Restrepo, a new Infectious Disease physician on the RWJUH Medical Staff (joining Dr. Tracy Zivin-Tutela in practice), has spent the past year-and-a-half in New Zealand, helping lead the COVID-19 response in a nation of 5.1 million people that has seen less COVID-19 cases than our hospital has seen inpatient COVID-positive admissions. What has New Zealand done differently? What was the reaction like? And could it have worked in the United States? Dr. Restrepo and Dr. Zivin-Tutela join Dr. Jim Salwitz and Chris Hoenig on this week's show to discuss.

The fight against COVID-19 is starting to turn a corner, thanks in large part to antibodies. This week, Dr. Jim Salwitz and Chris Hoenig are joined first by Dr. Tanaya Bhowmick, Infectious Disease physician from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, to discuss the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines and how they help your body create antibodies. Additionally, Dr. Bhowmick helps quell confusion about mRNA vaccines affecting your DNA or risking your fertility. Then, Dr. Rob Eisenstein, Chief of Emergency Medicine at RWJUH and Rutgers RWJMS, joins the show to discuss the FDA-authorized monoclonal antibody products we are using now to treat those who have COVID-19 (specifically those who don't yet require hospitalization).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) and our partners at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey have been at the forefront of research to understand the disease, including studies on inpatient therapies and one of the largest surveillance study of healthcare workers in the country. This week, Dr. Jim Salwitz --- in his last podcast as RWJUH Medical Staff President --- and Chris Hoenig look at additional research being done into COVID-19. First, Dr. Jeffrey Carson joins the program to discuss his TriACT study, which is looking into a three-drug combination therapy for asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic patients, in hopes of reducing viral load and, potentially, the spread of COVID-19. Dr. Bruce Haffty, Associate Vice Chancellor for Cancer Programs and Chair, Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute and Dr. Andrew Evens, Associate Director for Clinical Services, Rutgers Cancer Institute and Medical Director, Oncology Service Line, RWJBarnabas Health join the show to discuss their studies on surface contamination with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19 --- important research for cancer patients and hospital staff, alike.

This week, Dr. Salwitz and Chris Hoenig are joined by Sally Wells from the RWJUH Blood Donor program to discuss the critical shortages of blood products, and how the current shortfall differs from the one experienced during the first COVID-19 surge. Then, Dr. Michael Nissenblatt and Dr. Arthur Perry join the show to discuss the RWJUH Physician Giving Campaign -- which Dr. Nissenblatt is not only co-chairing with Dr. Salwitz, but Dr. Nissenblatt will be matching all physician donations to the campaign.

Dr. Jim Salwitz and Chris Hoenig kick off the third season of Medically Necessary, The Official Podcast of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Medical Staff with Dr. Sheraz Siddqiui (Chief, Hospital Medicine, RWJUH) and Dr. Mafudia Suaray, one of the COVID-19 team leaders, discussing how the disease has changed in this second surge. Then, they're joined by MICU attending Dr. David Fischler to look at the differences in ICU patients this time around.

Dr. Salwitz and Chris are once again joined by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Boruchoff to discuss the latest on COVID-19.

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Boruchoff and RWJUH Director of Infection Prevention Pat Lafaro join Dr. Salwitz & Chris in this special episode to discuss the latest on the COVID-19 novel Coronavirus.

Super Tuesday isn't the only voting happening today -- U.S. News & World Report Top Hospitals ballots are still open! Ranked #38 last year for pediatric urology (higher than all other hospitals in New Jersey AND the New York Metro Area), the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital offers a full breadth of pediatric subspecialty services. Dr. Sally Radovick, Dr. Mark Baker and Dr. Lawrence Kleinman sit down with Dr. Salwitz and Chris to talk about all of the services -- and research happening at our academic hub. Then, Dr. Ragui Sadek stops by to talk about all of the accolades that the metabolic & bariatric surgery team has earned in recent years -- and with quality data like this, it's VERY well-deserved!

Dr. Salwitz & Chris return for the second season of Medically Necessary with Dr. Maureen Bueno, SVP, Organizational Effectiveness, RWJUH, who discusses the U.S. News & World Report Top Hospitals rankings/voting. Then, Dr. Michel Kahaleh, Clinical Director, Advanced Endoscopy, joins the show to talk about the cutting-edge procedures he and his team perform at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, as well as the research they're doing that will continue to revolutionize the field.

Dr. Salwitz & Chris look back at all that was 2019 at RWJUH, and what's to come in 2020.

Dr. Salwitz & Chris look back at some of the highlights from the 10 episodes of Medically Necessary in 2019.

Dr. Richard Agag, Chief of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at RWJUH, joins Dr. Salwitz & Chris to discuss the growing department's work and his personal overseas travels to teach physicians worldwide. Then, two generations of orthopedic surgeons join the show -- and they're a father-son duo. Dr. Michael Coyle, one of the co-founders of University Orthopedic Associates, has handed the reigns to his son, Dr. Ryan Coyle, a new member of RWJUH Medical Staff and UOA faculty, and looks back at how medicine has changed over the past 30+ years.

One of the hallmarks of an Academic Medical Center is building teams of renowned experts in their fields, who lead in the development of programs and cutting-edge care. This week, Dr. Salwitz & Chris first welcome Dr. Anthony Altobell, Chief of Cardiology; Dr. Mark Russo, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery; and Dr. Chunguang Chen, a world-renowned cardiac imager and one of the newest members of the RWJUH Medical Staff, discussing the growth and future vision for cardiovascular care. Then, Dr. Samantha Nagengast, Director of Palliative Care, and Anita Basenese, APN, join the show to talk about the rebuilding of palliative care services and the need for physicians to consider engaging their team earlier in the disease process.

It's National Influenza Vaccination Week, and Dr. Salwitz & Chris welcome Dr. Tanaya Bhowmick & RWJUH Director of Infection Prevention Pat Lafaro to the show to discuss the flu season and infection prevention in the hospital. Next, Dr. Andy Anderson, CEO of the Rutgers-RWJBH Combined Medical Group, joins the show to talk about building one of the largest physician practices in the country.

What are your plans this Thanksgiving holiday? With the recent celebration of Medical Staff Services Appreciation Week, Dr. Salwitz & Chris welcome the credentialing coordinators in the Medical Staff Office - Deanna Byrd, Barbara Fisherman, Julia Roehrich, and Grace Gaines - to the show to talk about the holiday and what it means to them.

Time to put the jackhammers down...for now! The over two-year Emergency Department expansion project hits a major milestone with the opening of the final clinical care phase of the massive project, set for a ribbon-cutting this Friday. Dr. Rob Eisenstein, Chief of Emergency Medicine, joins Dr. Salwitz & Chris to discuss what this will mean for patient care. Then, it's one of the most popular topics around the halls of RWJUH: the lung injuries and illnesses associated with vaping. All-Star lung expert trio Dr. Andrea Harangozo, Dr. Reynold Panettieri, and Dr. Michael Steinberg join the show to share the latest.

Dr. Salwitz & Chris open the show this week with Dr. Ron Bochner, private practice OB/GYN (RWJ OB Associates) and Medical Staff Secretary, discussing technology and innovation in healthcare. Then, Dr. John Langenfeld joins the program to share some exciting news -- an expansion of his R-01 lung cancer research grant from the NIH...to study the same protein's role in Alzheimer's!

In this special Veterans Day episode, Dr. H. Richard Alexander (a Navy vet) and Dr. Rajat Bannerji (an Army vet)open the show discussing their experiences and how their service has helped shape their careers as physicians. Next, new RWJUH Chief Human Resources Officer Manny Gonzalez, a Marines vet, joins Dr. Salwitz & Chris to discuss how the military helps prepare people for careers in all aspects of healthcare, followed by RWJUH Director of Diversity & Inclusion Vanessa Nazario, who shares details about what the hospital will be doing for our patients who have served on Veterans Day.

Dr. Gloria Bachmann is the first guest on the show this week, filling Dr. Salwitz & Chris in on RWJ's work to lead the nation in establishing Maternal Health Awareness Day, women's health, the One Health initiative, and more. Then, Dr. Brad Cohen (OB/GYN & Mayor of East Brunswick) and Tracey Piparo, PA (internal medicine & President of the NJSSPA) join the podcast to talk about the traits that make it easier for clinicians to jump into the world of politics.

Dr. Salwitz & Chris recap September's RWJUH Medical Staff Town Hall meeting with RWJBH President & CEO Barry Ostrowsky, Combined Medical Group CEO Dr. Andy Anderson, and RWJUH President & CEO John Gantner; Then, RWJUH Chief of Anesthesia Dr. Keith Lewis joins the show to talk about patient safety and his book, "OK To Proceed: What Every Healthcare Provider Should Know About Patient Safety."

World-renowned blood expert, RWJUH's own Dr. Jeff Carson joins Dr. Salwitz & Chris to discuss his research and the new RWJBH blood transfusion initiative he is leading, 'Why Give 2 When 1 Will Do'; Then, Dr. Salwitz & Chris welcome Dr. Leonard Lee, who shares his experience in designing the new state-of-the-art CVICU at RWJUH, his goals for cardiovascular services at the hospital, and the growth of the Dept. of Surgery at Rutgers RWJMS.

In our "teaser" episode, Dr. Jim Salwitz & Chris Hoenig are joined by Julia Roehrich, credentialing coordinator at RWJUH, to discuss clinician burnout and clinician wellness initiatives being explored at RWJ.

Drs. Dominick Tuason & Tom McPartland are joined by their APN, Colleen Donovan, and research coordinator, Taylor Harrison, in discussing their Rapid Recovery Pathway for adolescent scoliosis patients, not only speeding recovery, but helping fight the opioid crisis by limiting the use of narcotic painkillers.