Meet Our Doctors: Dr. Morteza Modaber

Dr. Morteza Modaber, Director of Neurology at Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.We are is pleased to introduce Dr. Morteza Modaber, the new Director of Neurology for both Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Dr. Modaber obtained his medical degree at Shahid Behesti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, before coming to practice medicine in the United States. After four years of neuromodulation research at the University of California, Los Angeles, he completed an internship program in internal medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University from 2016 to 2017. He then completed a residency program in neurology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell from 2017 to 2020, where he also completed a fellowship program in vascular neurology.

Part of what Dr. Modaber finds so engaging about his new role is the opportunity it offers to serve unmet needs for patients living in Queens. “There’s a massive need in the Queens community for neurological care,” said Dr. Modaber. “There isn’t enough access to medical professionals with a neurological background. I’m very excited to be able to help provide that care.”

Both the community he serves and the people that he works with bring joy and purpose to Dr. Modaber’s career. “Our hospitals and the communities they serve are melting pots of different cultures and different groups of people from a variety of backgrounds. I’m very happy to be working in an environment where diversity is celebrated,” said Dr. Modaber.

As Director of Neurology, Dr. Modaber plans to expand the Neurology Department in ways that will allow it to provide comprehensive neurological care to the Queens community. “I want to be able to offer people in Queens the best neurological care they can get in New York without having to take a long trip to Manhattan, Long Island, or somewhere else to get it,” said Dr. Modaber. “We’ve been recruiting a lot of highly-skilled people and are well on our way to achieving that goal.”

We are proud to welcome Dr. Modaber to our team and looks forward to the work that he and the rest of the Neurology Department will do to provide high-quality neurological care to our community.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Will You Need a C-Section to Deliver Your Baby?

A woman laying in a hospital bed going into labor while connected to a monitor.Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s New Beginnings unit provides the women in our community and their families with the ultimate birthing experience. Each month, we cover a new topic exploring an important aspect of health and well-being for expectant mothers. This month, we’ll discuss some of what you need to know about cesarean birth (also known as a C-section).

During a C-section, your baby is delivered through incisions made in your abdomen and uterus. This happens when the health risks of vaginal delivery are too significant for either yourself or your baby. It can be planned ahead of time if:

  • You experience serious medical conditions that could worsen with a vaginal birth
  • You’ve had a previous C-section
  • You’re expecting multiple babies
  • Your baby’s exit from the cervix is obstructed
  • Your baby is in an abnormal position in your uterus

Even if these factors do not apply to you, unforeseen circumstances can occur that make a C-section necessary for safely delivering your baby, such as when:

  • You experience prolonged labor
  • Your baby develops an irregular heart rate
  • The umbilical cord compresses your baby’s head, neck, or body, or comes out of the cervix before the baby
  • The placenta separates from the wall of your uterus, preventing your baby from receiving oxygen and nutrients

Flushing Hospital’s New Beginnings unit offers spacious, modern delivery suites and advanced postpartum care, providing you with a safe environment to give birth and comprehensive follow-up medical support for you and your baby. To learn more about the unit, including accommodations and services provided, please call us at (718) 670-5702.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center Receives Bronze Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has awarded Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Emergency Department with Bronze-level accreditation as a Geriatric Emergency Department. This achievement recognizes the Emergency Department’s commitment and ability to provide the highest quality care to geriatric patients.

An emergency department with Bronze ACEP accreditation features a geriatric emergency care policy initiative, at least one physician with four or more hours of geriatric emergency medicine education, and at least one registered nurse with geriatric emergency medicine education, as well as access patient access to mobility aids, food, and beverages 24/7.

Flushing Hospital’s Emergency Department cares for the needs of older patients in a variety of ways, including:

  • Early recognition and care for patients with confusion from causes such as infections, medication reactions, or dementia
  • Falls risk assessment and prevention
  • Social work and case management support across the spectrum of care from home care to assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, and skilled nursing facility placement
  • Palliative care services to assist patients and families with decisions about end-of-life care that align with their own values and priorities

“We recognize that our older patients often have special needs, and our team is dedicated to supporting those needs,” said Dr. James F. Giglio, Chair of Flushing Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “We utilize best practices promoted by the American College of Emergency Physicians to optimize care within the Emergency Department throughout hospitalization and when transitioning care at the time of hospital discharge.”

Congratulations to everyone at the FHMC Emergency Department for this achievement!

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Introducing Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists

The MediSys Health Network, parent organization of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital Medical Center, is proud to announce the opening of our brand new TJH office: Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists, a fully renovated, state-of-the-art office that provides accessible, advanced pediatric care to local patients.

The office and is operated by a team of expert pediatric doctors, including:

Edmund Kessler, a pediatric surgeon with over 35 years of clinical experience. He performs over 500 abdominal wall hernia surgeries each year as well as appendicitis surgeries, general surgeries, and other procedures.

Rebecca Winderman, a pediatric gastroenterologist who treats various gastrointestinal issues affecting children, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, and inflammatory disease of the esophagus (EOE).

Hariram Ganesh, a pediatric endocrinologist with over 14 years of experience treating a variety of medical issues, including conditions related to puberty and the thyroid.

Esra Fakioglu, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with experience treating a wide range of illnesses affecting children ranging in age from infancy to young adulthood.

The doctors at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists are affiliated with several New York City healthcare organizations, including the MediSys Health Network, providing patients with fast, easy access to world-class pediatric expertise and treatment both locally and at multiple major medical centers as needed for advanced procedures.

“We understand the importance of building and maintaining close relationships with all of our pediatric patients and their parents,” said Dr. Kessler. “Our team of doctors, nurses, and support staff aim not only to provide them with the highest quality of care, but also to ensure that it is delivered in a caring and compassionate manner.”

The Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists office is located at 107-21 Queens Boulevard, Suite 7, and is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For more information about the office, please call (718) 704-5020.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Department Spotlight – Flushing Hospital Gift Shop

department spotlight

Anne Marie Dinicola, Manager, Flushing Hospital Gift Shop

When you enter the Gift Shop at Flushing Hospital you will be met by the ever smiling, ever accomodating Anne Marie Denicola, Manager.  The Gift Shop plays an important function by providing a variety of gifts, greeting cards, floral arrangements and toiletries. They also provide carry gift bags, balloons, candy, newspapers, magazines, books, seasonal items, toys and much more.

We thank Anne Marie Denicola for being such a wonderful “Ambassador of Cheer” to our patients, visitors and employees.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Department Spotlight – FHMC SECURITY DEPARTMENT

April’s Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) Department Spotlight shines on the Security Department.

Under the leadership of Carmen Altieri, Director, the FHMC security force is tasked with securing the hospital premises, protecting its personnel, patients, and visitors, as well as monitoring the hospital’s closed circuit TV (CCTV), and checking that the proper hospital identification is being displayed on each employee.

“The department creates an environment of safety at FHMC and we are proud of the work we do.”  stated Ms. Altieri.

Congratulations of being April’s Department Spotlight!

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Department Spotlight – Department of Medical Records

January’s Department Spotlight shines on the Medical Records. Under the leadership of Deborah Corwin, Director and Dolores Chin, Assistant Director, the hard working employees of this department make sure that the cataloging and dispersment of medical and personal information within the medical record of every patient is handled confidentially.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Medical Records Department  is located 4500 Parsons Blvd.,  on the first floor adjacent to the hospitals main lobby and their hours of operation are Monday to Friday, from 9AM to 5PM.  If you are interested in a copy of your medical records from Flushing Hospital Medical Center, call 718-670-5424 or 5425.

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Department of Finance and Food Services Bring Holiday Cheer to Children!

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) Department Spotlight shines on two departments who brought holiday cheer to the children in our Pediatric Unit and children living in shelters.

The Department of Finance held their Annual Holiday Gathering and collected toys from each participant at the event.  The donated toys will be distributed to the children are spending the holiday season in the hospital.

Maria Smilios, RN, Director of Nursing who oversees Pediatrics stated, “There were so many toys collected they will given to for the children long after the holidays are over.”

Another department who was committed to bringing cheer to the less fortunate was Food Services and Nutrition.  They collected over 100 toys for Toys For Tots.  The donation was made to the NYPD for distribution to family shelters in Queens.

Tracy Tompkins, Director of Food and Nutrition was elated by the participation of her department as well as the staff at FHMC.

The departments involved in the toy collection would like to thank the employees and administrators at FHMC , as well as Health First for their generous donation of toys.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT – WOUND CARE SERVICES

This month our Department Spotlight shines on Wound Care Services. Wound healing is a multidisciplinary service that provides specialized treatment for chronic or non-healing wounds.  They are usually wounds that do not show improvement in four weeks or are not totally healed in eight weeks.

These types of wounds can lead to life-threatening infections, amputation, and debilitating health problems.

The Wound Care Center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center is a state-of-the-art unit that provides specialized, interdisciplinary wound care to patients who suffer from non-healing or chronic wounds.

Designed to bring technically advanced, surgically-oriented wound care to patients whose wounds are resistant to traditional forms of treatment, the center is staffed with plastic surgeons, general surgeons, podiatrists, vascular surgeons and RNs certified in wound care.

It currently boasts a success rate of 91%, which is above the national average, and has expanded to a six-bed unit to better accommodate its growing number of patients.

If you have a sore or wound that just won’t heal and you’d like to schedule an appointment with our Wound Care Services, call 718-670-4542.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Hydrotherapy Rehabilitation

Hydrotherapy When we receive significant physical injury or have medical conditions that cause pain, physical therapy is often recommended to help with recovery.  A very soothing and relaxing form of treatment is water or hydrotherapy.

Hydrotherapy has been used for hundreds of years. It utilizes the healing properties of water and the body’s reaction to it at different temperatures. For instance, cold water may be used to reduce inflammation while warm water may be used to increase circulation.

Water therapy has proven effective in treating certain conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscle strains or tears, back pain or head injuries

There are many benefits a patient can achieve from hydrotherapy, they include:

  • Pain relief
  • Increased circulation
  • Re-education of paralyzed muscles
  • Increased range of motion in joints
  • Strengthening weak muscles
  • Rehabilitating injured limbs

Hydrotherapy may not be recommended for patients with heart disease, hypertension or vascular conditions.  Each case is unique to the individual and speaking with a doctor is highly recommended.

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Flushing Hospital Medical Center offers a multi-disciplinary team approach to the treatment of conditions and injuries. Following an assessment by a physician and therapist, a program is developed to achieve maximum results. A patient’s program may involve the use of therapeutic exercise, heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy, and patient education. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5515.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.