New Neurology Chair to Join UConn Health in September

May 26, 2016

Dr. L. John Greenfield joins UConn Health as chair of Neurology Sept. 2. (Photo from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences )

Dr. L. John Greenfield, chair of the Department of Neurology in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine, is joining UConn Health to chair its Department of Neurology later this year.

Greenfield also will serve as the academic chair of neurology at Hartford Hospital.

A graduate of Yale University, Greenfield received his doctorate in neuroscience from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in 1988 and his medical degree at the school the following year. He finished his residency training in neurology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1993 and served on the faculty of its Department of Neurology. He also completed a fellowship in electroencephalography (EEG) and epilepsy during that time, and is board certified in neurology and clinical neurophysiology.

“I see a whole lot of possibilities at UConn,” Greenfield says. “It’s not just the brand new hospital tower and the beautiful outpatient pavilion I’m very excited about, it’s also the dynamic young faculty. There are a lot of great opportunities at UConn Health now and in the foreseeable future, and I’m glad I can be a part of it.”

His start date is Sept. 2.

Greenfield lectures nationally on the role of inhibitory neurotransmission in epilepsy and the mechanisms of antiepileptic drugs. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association, and is a councilor of the Association of University Professors of Neurology. He is also active in the American Epilepsy Society. He was a charter member of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Acute Neural Injury and Epilepsy Study Section (2009-2015), and was recently elected to the professional advisory board of the Epilepsy Foundation of America.

“Dr. Greenfield in a nationally renowned clinician and researcher, a perfect choice to chair our Department of Neurology,” says Dr. Bruce Liang, dean of the UConn School of Medicine. “I’m grateful to our search committee for its diligence.”

The search committee represented both UConn Health and Hartford Hospital:

David Steffens, professor and chair, UConn Health Department of Psychiatry (committee co-chair)
Harold Schwartz, psychiatrist-in-chief, Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital and regional vice president, behavioral health, Hartford Healthcare (committee co-chair)
Linda Barry, UConn Health assistant professor of surgery
Doug Fellows, professor and chair, UConn Health Diagnostic Imaging and Therapeutics
George Kuchel, director, UConn Center on Aging and Citicorp Chair in Geriatrics and Gerontology, UConn Health
Ajay Kumar, assistant professor and chief, Hartford Hospital Department of Medicine
Al Lizana, UConn Health associate vice president of diversity and equity
Richard Mains, professor and chair, UConn Health Department of Neuroscience
Wendy Miller, assistant professor of medicine, assistant designated institutional official, and quality and safety education officer, UConn Health Graduate Medical Education
Erica Schuyler, M.D., assistant professor of neurology, Hartford Hospital
Anthony Vella, professor and chairman, UConn Health Department of Immunology

Passing of Anthony Voytovich, M.D.

May 25, 2016

The UConn Health community is deeply saddened and mourning the loss of our beloved colleague and friend, Dr. Anthony Voytovich.

A longtime member of the Department of Medicine faculty, Tony pioneered primary care at UConn Health and was an excellent educator at UConn School of Medicine. He was the epitome of “UConn magic” as he often described our institution and its talented people.

Tony first arrived to UConn’s medical school in 1974 and over the years he held many leadership roles including chief of general medicine, chief of staff at UConn John Dempsey Hospital and dean of students. His decades of leadership and service contributed greatly to the advancement of internal medicine at UConn Health, he was a “go-to” physician to many and an early advocate for quality assurance in patient care.

Tony was an inspiration, mentor, and celebrated educator to countless medical students, young physicians, and colleagues. He was a man of many talents. He had the great gift of storytelling, and creatively dually taught and entertained. He was a pilot and as an avid musician, he played the alto saxophone as a member of the Seizure Jazz Ensemble, composed of UConn Health former and current faculty and staff.

Tony received his medical degree from State University of New York Upstate Medical University and completed his residency training at Cleveland Metro General Hospital, the teaching hospital of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Tony’s passing is a great loss for our institution, he will be missed deeply, but his memory will live on in all his students, colleagues and friends who knew him at UConn Health.

We share our heartfelt condolences with his wife, Glenna, and their children.

Funeral services are planned in Connecticut and will be announced later this week.

Bruce T. Liang, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dean, School of Medicine

Andrew Agwunobi, MD, MBA
Chief Executive Officer, UConn Health
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs

UConn Health June 2016 Programs, Events

May 20, 2016

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for June and early July 2016. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Updated 6/15)

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, June 1, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. (This workshop usually is offered on the first Wednesday of the month.) Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, June 4, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, June 4, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, June 11, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, June 15, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Living With Heart Disease Support Group
Thursday, June 16, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, Katz Conference Room (C-2116)
Patients with heart disease, along with their families and caregivers, meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heath-healthy recipes, and coping strategies and resources. Call 860-679-3633 to learn more.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, June 16, 7 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

(Date corrected 6/3)
Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, ~~June 19,~~ June 20, 8 to 9 a.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This program now is scheduled to meet the third Monday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Free Cosmetology Services for Cancer Survivors
Monday, June 20, 1 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Outpatient Pavilion, 4^th floor
“Look Good…Feel Better” is a free program to help improve the self-image and self-esteem of women experiencing appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment. During this hands-on workshop, a trained volunteer certified cosmetologist will offer self-help instruction and education on hairstyling and coping with hair loss, skin care, makeup and nail care. Wigs, turbans and scarves will also be discussed. Classes are offered every other month and are not limited to UConn Health patients. Registration is required: call 800-227-2345 with your name, program date, phone number, and skin color. Kits are available in Light, Medium, Dark and Extra Dark.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, June 22, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3^rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, June 25, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Free Workshop: “Things to Consider Before Joining a Research Study”
Monday, June 27, 5 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
The UConn Health Human Subjects Protection Office offers an educational session about the rights and responsibilities of participants in research projects on the last Monday of the month. Registration is required: 860-679-8802 or cagganello@uchc.edu.

Bladder Cancer Support Group
Saturday, July 2, 2 to 3 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
Patients, family members and caregivers (not limited to UConn Health patients) are invited to join others whose lives have been touched by bladder cancer. This support group, established in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, usually meets on the first Saturday of the month and is the only group of its kind in New England. Call 888-901-BCAN for more information.

(Canceled 6/15)
~~Nutrition for a Healthy Heart~~
Wednesday, July 6, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. (This workshop usually is offered on the first Wednesday of the month.) Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Directions to UConn Health are available at health.uconn.edu/plan-your-visit/locations-and-directions/farmingtonmain-campus.

UConn Health Firefighters Train Emergency Medicine Residents in Rescue Techniques

Janine Gelineau/UConn Health Photos

Fifteen second-year emergency medicine residents got some hands-on experience this week sawing into a car, breaking its windows, popping its doors and removing the roof to free an accident victim.

Some got the perspective of the passenger trapped inside the car, hearing the machinery, experiencing glass shattering around them, and watching as the roof was cut off above them.

It was part of a vehicle extrication exercise outside the UConn Health Fire House, which has become an annual training opportunity the UConn Health Fire Department offers residents in the Integrated Residency in Emergency Medicine program.

Many of these residents will be attendings in a trauma center,” says UConn Health Fire Lt. Anthony Ruggiero. “Exercises like this can help them understand what paramedics mean when we use certain terminology as we transport accident victims. They also will get a sense of what to anticipate, what kinds of injuries based on what we describe.”

UConn Health firefighters demonstrated the tools and tactics needed to remove someone trapped in a vehicle, explaining that the newer cars are safer, with crumple zones often taking most of the impact. But it also makes it more difficult for first responders to get to the person inside damaged car.

“This is an opportunity for these physicians to experience the patient and rescuer point of view, and also gain an appreciation for the time between injury and assessment at the hospital,” says Dr. Lauri Bolton, EMS medical director at Hartford Hospital, a member of the residency program faculty. “This perspective adds to the value of their training as physicians.”

Hospital Patients Move in to New Tower

May 13, 2016

UConn Health nursing staff wheel a patient into the new hospital tower. (Photo by Janine Gelineau)

After three years of building and more than 2,000 construction jobs, move-in day arrived at the new UConn John Dempsey Hospital tower Friday morning.

It started at 5:16 a.m. with the opening of the Emergency Department, and an hour later the new ED’s first patient arrived.

Meantime a carefully orchestrated plan to safely move 70 inpatients from the old hospital tower to was underway.

“If we continue at this pace, we’ll be done before 1 o’clock,” said hospital CEO Anne Diamond at about 7:45.

She was right. The last patient was in place shortly after 11:30.

“It was truly an amazing experience,” Diamond says. “We all had opportunities to talk to patients and really see what their reaction was as they moved into the new space, and it has just been so rewarding.”

“This facility is beautiful,” says nurse Sarah Higley, who now works on the 5^th floor in the new tower. “The floor is brand new, all the rooms are private, all of the equipment that we have is brand new. Things are going to work a lot better. I was on Surgery 7 for a long time –I worked there as a student, as an aide, and as a nurse – so I’m very familiar with that floor, that floor is my home. And I’m very excited to call this floor my new home.”

UConn Health Chief Nursing Officer Ann Marie Capo delivers a UConn blanket to Myles Connolly, one of 70 patients relocated to the new hospital tower. (Photo by Chris DeFrancesco)

One of the first patients moved to Higley’s floor was Dr. Michael P. Kruger, a graduate of UConn’s orthopedic residency program in the mid-80s.

“At the time, the hospital was state of the art, and I was well aware of the capabilities of it and the niceties of it,” Kruger says. “But now, moving into this facility, going from semi-private to private rooms, it is a big change. Having a facility where you do get the privacy – when doctors come in to talk to me, I don’t have to share the information with the guy next door – it makes a big difference on how I think you recover and how the outcome’s going to be.”

The 11-floor tower has 169 single-occupancy rooms for enhanced privacy and infection control, and features artwork and natural light.

“This building is a lot more conducive to healing,” said nurse Katelyn Putney after checking on a patient who’d recently moved to the new 6^th floor. “It’s brighter, with more open space, and the communications systems we now have are more advanced and better for patient care.”

“It looks beautiful, it looks cheerier. It doesn’t look like a hospital,” said patient Jennifer Boutin shortly after being relocated to her room on the 6^th floor. “Everything looks so brand new, everything looks great.”

About 90 minutes after the last patient was moved, asked about the hospital’s readiness for a full opening to the public, Diamond said, “100 percent. We’re ready right now.”

New Tower, New Shuttle Routes, New Valet

May 12, 2016

A shuttle bus in the shadow of the new UConn Health John Dempsey Hospital tower. (Photo by Chris DeFrancesco)

With the new hospital tower opening come some changes to the UConn Health shuttle system effective Monday, May 16:

Route 1 (Night Bus) will be relocated from the main building entrance to the new hospital tower entrance. This route will continue to serve patients, visitors, staff and students travelling between the new hospital tower entrance, Garage 1 Level 6, Musculoskeletal Institute/UConn Surgery Center, Outpatient Pavilion, Shuttle Lot 3, and the Cell and Genome Sciences Building. The service cycle time will remain the same, approximately every 15 minutes.

Route 2 will be relocated from the main building entrance to the new hospital tower entrance. This route will continue to serve patients, visitors, staff and students travelling between the new hospital tower entrance, Musculoskeletal Institute/UConn Surgery Center, Outpatient Pavilion, 195 Farmington Ave., 10 Talcott Notch, 230 Farmington Ave., the Exchange, and 21 South Rd. The service cycle time will remain the same, approximately every 30 minutes.

Route 3 will serve staff and students travelling between Munson Road, main building entrance, Musculoskeletal Institute/UConn Surgery Center, and the Outpatient Pavilion.

Route 4 will serve staff and students travelling between Cell and Genome Sciences Building, Shuttle Lot 3, the bus shelters on Main Road near Jackson Labs and the pond, and the main building entrance.

Route 5 will serve patients, visitors, staff and students traveling between the new hospital tower entrance, main building entrance, Garage 1-Level 6 shelter, Musculoskeletal Institute/UConn Surgery Center and the Outpatient Pavilion.

All the new maps and schedules are available at park.uchc.edu/shuttle-bus-service.

Parking Changes

The employee entrance from Garage 2 to the new hospital tower opens today. It is located on Level 3 of Garage 2, and is accessible by elevator.

For patients and visitors, valet parking will be available at the new hospital tower starting Monday, bringing the number of valet locations to three, with the following hours:

New Hospital Tower
Arrivals 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Departures 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Main Building Entrance
Arrivals 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Departures 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Outpatient Pavilion
Arrivals 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Departures 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

New Walkway to New Tower

An exterior walkway between Garage 1/lower campus and the new tower is now open. At the hospital end is a covered stairwell that leads to the front entrance of the new tower.

Questions and concerns should go parking.transportation@uchc.edu or 860-679-4248.

New Banners on Campus

(Janine Gelineau/UConn Health Photos)

UConn Health 2016 Commencement Preview

May 5, 2016

Charles Osgood will be the 2016 UConn Health Commencement speaker.

It’s been 45 years since UConn Health’s first commencement. On Monday, May 9, the Class of 2016 graduates and will add 82 physicians and 35 dentists to the roster of those with M.D. and D.M.D. degrees earned at UConn Health. The total now numbers 3,398 physicians and 1,620 dentists.

The ceremony also recognizes graduates from multiple UConn Health-based programs such as Biomedical Science, Dental Science, Clinical and Translational Research and Public Health.

This year’s commencement speaker is Emmy award-winning newsman Charles Osgood. His daily program, “The Osgood File,” has been broadcast on the CBS Radio Network since 1971. He’s also been anchor of the two-time Daytime Emmy Award- winning “CBS News Sunday Morning” since 1994. His stories typically focus on those who have demonstrated heroism, innovation, humanism, and determination in their lives. Osgood will be awarded the degree of Doctorate of Humane Letters during the ceremony.

The three student speakers this year are medical student Alex Hennessey, dental student Jeffrey Pan, and graduate student Daniel Ray.

Marc Lalande, founding chair of the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences at UConn Health, will receive the Board of Directors Faculty Recognition Award.

Commencement will kick off at 1 p.m. in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts in Storrs. For more information, including directions, go to the Student Affairs & Activities website.

MRI Makes Grand Entrance

May 3, 2016

When University Tower opens in a week, it will be equipped with the latest technology to enhance patient care. One of the biggest advances (literally) will be the nearly 5 ton Siemens MRI unit that was delivered dangling from a construction crane last week. It took an hour and a half to carefully lift and place the new MRI into the suite through an unfinished facade (later replaced by a window) on the main level.

The new Magnetom ‘Aera’ MRI offers patients a more comfortable experience with a larger 70 cm opening (more than 2 feet for those metrically challenged), and shorter exam times thanks to enhanced software, according to Joseph Phillips, director of diagnostic imaging.

In addition, it offers “Quiet Suite” which reduces examination noise levels by 70 percent for neurologic and orthopedic examinations. Computer aided detection software will also improve the accuracy and sensitivity for MRI breast imaging and MRI guided breast biopsies.

UConn Health May 2016 Programs, Events

April 19, 2016

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for May and early June 2016. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes. (Updated 5/2)

Nutrition for a Healthy Heart
Wednesday, May 4, 2 to 4 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
The UConn Health’s Healthy Nutrition program invites you on a journey to a lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol and healthier weight. (This workshop usually is offered on the first Wednesday of the month.) Registration fee is $30. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Walk for Bladder Cancer
Saturday, May 7, 1 p.m., Farmington River Trail, Route 4, Farmington
The UConn Health Bladder Cancer Support Group and the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) hold their annual walk to raise awareness and support for BCAN’s research, education and patient support. Learn more or make a donation at http://support.bcan.org/site/TR?fr_id=1373&pg=entry. For more information, call Laurie at 860-986-3170.

Free Hospital Maternity Tours
Saturday, May 14, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., UConn Health, Main Lobby
A representative will guide you through labor and delivery, postpartum, and the nursery at John Dempsey Hospital. Children and grandparents are welcome. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Celiac Disease Nutrition Class
Monday, May 16, 8 to 9 a.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion
A registered dietitian leads a discussion for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This program now is scheduled to meet the third Monday of the month. Fee is $20. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

Living With Heart Disease Support Group
Thursday, May 19, 11 a.m. to noon, UConn Health, Katz Conference Room (C2116)
Patients with heart disease, along with their families and caregivers, meet on the third Thursday of the month to discuss post-diagnosis topics such as prevention and wellness, social and emotional support, heath-healthy recipes, and coping strategies and resources. Call 860-679-3633 to learn more.

Infertility Peer Support Group
Thursday, May 19, 7 p.m., Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, 2 Batterson Park Road, Farmington.
The Greater Hartford chapter of RESOLVE, a national nonprofit resource for those facing the challenges of infertility, offers support, information and confidential, informal, peer-led discussions on the third Thursday of the month. To learn more or to check for weather-related cancellation, call 860-523-8337.

(Corrected date 5/2)
Childbirth Preparation Class
Saturday, May 28 21, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
This one-day class covers anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, emotions of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, comfort measures for labor, working with unexpected events in labor, cesarean delivery, and practice of relaxation and breathing techniques for labor. Class size is limited to eight couples. Remember to bring two pillows and wear comfortable clothing. Light snack is provided. Fee is $100. Call 800-535-6232 or 860-679-7692 to register or for more information.

(Corrected end date 5/2)
New 6-week “Ready to Lose” Weight Management Program Starts
Tuesday, May 24, 5 to 6 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 2nd floor east
The introductory session is followed by five weekly sessions through Tuesday, July 5, that include a weigh-in, discussion of progress, and a timely nutrition topic such as eating out strategies, cooking light and right, emotional eating, exercise and activity, and smart shopping. Registration fee is $70, $50 for past participants. Call 800-535-6232 for more information.

Free Discovery Series: “Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Is It Right for You?”
Tuesday, May 24, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Keller Auditorium
Dr. Isaac Moss, UConn Health spine surgeon, discusses minimally invasive techniques and a robotic-guided spine procedure only available in Connecticut at UConn Health. Register online, for free, at health.uconn.edu/community/discovery-and-lecture-series or call 800-535-6232.

Stroke Survivor Group
Wednesday, May 25, noon to 1 p.m., UConn Health Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd floor
The UConn Health Stroke Center invites stroke survivors, families and caregivers to a monthly group meeting to discuss topics such as prevention, coping methods, support systems, rehabilitation tips, resources, and promoting independence. The Stroke Survivor Group generally meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Call 860-679-4846 for more information.

UConn Health Auxiliary Art and Wine Night
Wednesday, May 25, 5 to 8 p.m., UConn Health, Keller Lobby
Join the UConn Health Auxiliary for an evening of painting, wine, and snacks, and bring home a work of art done by you! Tickets are available at the Connucopia Gift Shop in the UConn Health main lobby, $35 for Auxiliary members and $40 for nonmembers. Proceeds to go toward Auxiliary programs. Call 860-679-2963 for more details. More information about the Auxiliary is available at http://auxiliary.uchc.edu.

Breast-feeding Class
Wednesday, May 25, 7 to 9 p.m., UConn Health, Onyiuke Dining Room
A certified lactation consultant leads a discussion of topics including the benefits of breast-feeding, how to get started, and how the rest of the family can help the breast-feeding mother as well as how to continue breast-feeding and working. Fee is $25 per couple. Call 800-535-6232 to register or for more information.

Directions to UConn Health are available at health.uconn.edu/plan-your-visit/locations-and-directions/farmingtonmain-campus.