Employee Spotlight Archives - Page 2 of 2

Flushing Hospital’s Employee Spotlight Shines on our New Qualified Medical Interpreters

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Joann Ariola

March’s Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) Employee Spotlight shines on a group of employees who recently completed the Qualified Medical Interpreter Training program (QMI).

Many of the patients who are treated at FHMC are fluent in a language other than English. If their care and diagnosis instructions are not given to them in their natural language, they may not completely understand their health issues and what assistance they will need after discharge.

The employees who were certified work in various departments throughout FHMC and will now be able to provide face-to-face language assistance for Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients.

The 14 amazing employees who are now Qualified Medical Interpreter’s are:

Spanish –

Elba Cabrera
Cinthia Fajardo
Tatiano Giraldo
Anthony OlivioJack
Davila

Mandarin –

Shumin Lin
Amy Xueyun Zou
Yawen Yen
Linda Fu
Amy Lam
Fiona Chen
Chai Jiang
Xiao Ping You
Qin Cang

Flushing Hospital will continue its commitment to grow in cultural sensitivity and train as many QMI’s as possible over the next few months to reach a goal of 100 QMI’s or more.

Congratulations go out to all the new QMI’s !

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.

Employee Spotlight – Carmen DeSuza-Tobitt

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Joann Ariola

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) February Employee Spotlight shines on Carmen DeSuza-Tobitt, ER, RN, Case Manager. Carmen has been an employee at FHMC for 30 years serving as a Case Manager, Registered Nurse and Pediatrics ICU Nurse.

Denise James, Director of the Case Management and Social Work Department, describes Carmen as a “Dedicated, hardworking individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty. She is trustworthy, knowledgeable and shares her knowledge with her fellow case managers. To say that Carmen DeSuza-Tobitt exceeds the expectations of employees at FHMC’s Case Management and Social Work Department would be an understatement.”

Since Carmen is assigned to the Emergency Room, as part of her duties, she provides guidance to the healthcare team on meeting criteria for inpatient hospital stays and coordinating safe discharge plans. She also assists with post hospital-care in addition to providing social support to the patients and families.

As a Case Manager, it is difficult for Carmen to see patients that require further aftercare and cannot afford it or are uninsured. It is during those times that Carmen rises to the occasion and addresses any challenge she is dealing with. Her main concern is making the appropriate decision for anyone entrusted in her care. She is committed to making the best out of any situation.

When not at work Carmen enjoys spending time with her husband of 32 years and her 2 children. She is very active in her church, loves meeting and talking with people and watching TV, especially romantic movies.

“I don’t believe in complaining as my dad always taught and reminded me how blessed I am.” These are words that Carmen lives by.

Congratulations Carmen DeSuza-Tobitt on being February’s Employee Spotlight!

Employee Spotlight – Gregory Buie

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Joann Ariola

This month, Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) Employee Spotlight shines on Security Officer Gregory Buie. Gregory has been a security officer for three years and is tasked with securing the hospital premises, protecting its personnel, monitoring the hospital’s closed circuit TV (CCTV), and checking that the proper hospital identification is being displayed on each employee.

Gregory is married, has four children and two grandchildren. When he is not at work, he enjoys traveling, basketball, football and being active in his church.

“The most rewarding part of my job is helping people. Although there can sometimes be differences with personalities, I always remember that the person I’m speaking with may not be feeling well or is worried about a loved one they are there to visit and they deserve my respect and patience.”

We thank Gregory Buie for his valuable services to Flushing Hospital, and recognize him as a great asset to our team.

Employee Spotlight – Fran Goulston

Posted on November 28, 2018 by Joann Ariola

The November Employee Spotlight shines on Frances (Fran) Goulston. Fran is the Continuing Medical Education (CME) Coordinator at Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC). She has been a well-respected member of the FHMC team since October, 2000.

As Coordinator for CME activities, her duties include the organization of conferences, maintaining resident attendance records, distribution of CME credits, handling the funds devoted to conferences, finding and contacting guest speakers, maintaining relationships with sponsoring agencies as well as maintaining relationships with staff at Flushing and Jamaica Hospital’s. Fran also works with the hospital’s surrounding community organizations and medical groups such as the Association of Chinese American Physicians (ACAP).

At home, Fran Goulston is known as the backbone of her family. When she is not at work, she can be found with her daughter Eva, Drew, shopping with her nieces, watching TV with their puppy Royce or working for her community as Vice President of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association.

When asked about how she feels about her work, she stated, “Being a people person, I really like the day to day interactions I have with people from different professional and ethnic backgrounds. My job can be challenging, but I like a good challenge!”

Employee Spotlight – Nancy DeLano-Tomczyk

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Joann Ariola

This month the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) Employee Spotlight shines on Nancy DeLano-Tomczyk.

Nancy has been a Flushing Hospital Medical Center employee since 1988, and has held many titles including Out Patient Billing Clerk, Payroll Clerk, Payroll Supervisor and currently, Payroll Manager.

Nancy is tasked with keeping updated payroll records by reviewing and approving changes in exemptions, insurance coverage, savings deductions, as well as job titles and department transfers. She is directly responsible for overseeing the hospitals payroll, in other words, she’s the person who makes sure FHMC employees are paid!

Outside of her regular job duties, Nancy, is active in a number of hospital events. She is a Fit Bit Challenge team member and Co-Chair of the FHMC Celebration committee. On any given day, you will see Nancy collecting donations for Making Strides Pacesetter and fundraising for Breast Cancer Awareness, as well as volunteering at the MediSys Annual Golf Outing and participating in the FHMC Halloween Costume Contest; a contest that she has won several times.

Nancy’s greatest loves are her two sons Joseph, 27 and Kevin 24, as well as her beautiful granddaughter, Julianna who she refers to as her “Partner in Crime.” She spends her free time listening to music, journaling and traveling. She loves to try new restaurants, go to the movies, Broadway plays, and sifting through garage sales.

Although her job is rewarding, there are challenges. One challenge is coordinating all the departments to make the deadline when submitting their payroll.

In closing, Nancy shared, “I can honestly say that I never wake up thinking I don’t want to go to work. I truly enjoy my job and the amazing people I work with. I consider everyone at Flushing Hospital Medical Center my family.”

Employee Spotlight – Melissa Melgar

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Joann Ariola

This month the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Employee Spotlight shines on Melissa Melgar.

Melissa is a Flushing Hospital Medical Center employee for the past 12 years. She currently holds the title of Office Manager, Psychiatry Administration.

On any given day, Melissa assists with organizing on-call coverage for the Department of Psychiatry, credentialing newly assigned medical professionals and arranging Continuing Medical Education credits (CME).

Additionally, Melissa works with and prepares for the Joint Commission on HealthCare Organizations (JCAHO), Office of Mental Health (OMH), Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASAS) and Department of Health (DOH) prior to and during surveys.

Melissa’s greatest loves are her two children, Matthew age 4 and Maya, age 3. She spends her free time site seeing, biking, dancing, taking road trips and adventures with her family and friends.

She is also a champion of charities such as Breast Cancer Walk, raising funds for Breast Cancer Research, advocating for heightened awareness for Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome and Ronald McDonald House.

Although her job can, at times, be challenging; Melissa feels that helping others, making a difference in another person’s life and seeing the gratitude in patient’s faces is what makes it all worthwhile.

Melissa Melgar strongly believes that everyone should be made to feel important.

Meet Sarah Kan

Posted on June 6, 2018 by Joann Ariola

June’s Employee Spotlight shines on Sarah Kan, Executive Receptionist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC).

When you enter the hospital’s lobby, Sarah Kan is the first friendly person you will meet. She is knowledgeable, multi-lingual and always ready to help our patients and visitors.

“The most rewarding part of my job is when the people I have helped come back through the lobby to say ‘thank you’ as they are leaving.” stated Sarah.

Sarah has been a valued employee of the hospital for 7 years and is highly regarded by her co-workers.

Congratulations Sarah!

Employee Spotlight – Robert Arbitello

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Joann Ariola

This month we shine our Employee Spotlight on Robert (Rob) Arbitello, Manager of Material Management at Flushing Hospital Medical Center (FHMC).

Rob has been an employee at FHMC for the past 21 years. He began his career in the Transportation Department, became a Materials Handler, Inventory Clerk and Assistant Manager in the department he now manages.

In his free time, Rob enjoys gardening, playing cards, and spending time with his wife, Shina, of 25 years and children Robert, Briana, and Joseph.

On any given day, you will find Rob visiting most departments within the hospital. He is responsible for ordering all of the hospitals inventory items and runs the day to day operations of the Store Room and Receiving Departments.

When asked what the most rewarding part of his job is, Rob was quick to say, “The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that our department contributes to helping patients get better quickly by providing the supplies and materials needed in a timely manner.”

Some of the challenges Rob faces when ordering large quantities of supplies is finding out they are back-ordered or have been discontinued, delivery trucks that may have broken down, having weather conditions prohibit delivery or receiving the wrong shipments.

“No matter what, it is my responsibility to get the items to the end users timely and efficiently.”

For these and so many more reasons, Robert Arbitello is a valued employee and the subject of our April Employee Spotlight.

Employee Spotlight – Alex Regoso

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Joann Ariola

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s (FHMC) Employee Spotlight for March shines on Alex Regoso.

Alex is the Lead Operator for the hospital’s switchboard for the past 12 years, often times being the first voice our patients and visitors hear. He is responsible for maintaining the hospital’s phone system, pagers and pager systems but that isn’t all he does. It’s safe to say that Alex Regoso is the “go to techie” for anyone who needs help with their audio visual presentation

He and his wife Michelle have two children, Aiden (12) and Zoe (9). When asked what he likes to do when he isn’t at FHMC, Alex responded that he can be found “Cooking, (Alex has a BA in Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts) eating, traveling, being involved in this children’s lives and activities, as well as practicing Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). “

“Flushing Hospital has always been a part of my life. I was born here, my mom provided for her family by working here and now I provide for my family by working at FHMC. A bit of history that Alex shared is, his mom Rose worked in the NICU from 1970 – 2006. Flushing Hospital Medical Center is a big family and I am happy to help anyone who enters its doors.”

Admitting that some days can be more stressful than others, Alex stated, “I leave work stress behind at the exit doors and never take it home with me.

When you ask his co-workers what is most notable about Alex, they are quick to respond that he always has a positive attitude, is always willing to help and does so with a smile.

January’s Employee Spotlight Shines on Soomita Tewari

Posted on January 30, 2018 by Joann Ariola

This month the Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Employee Spotlight shines on Soomita Tewari, Executive Assistant to President and CEO, Bruce J. Flanz, as well as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Robert Levine.

As Executive Assistant, Soomita regularly schedules appointments, creates reports and sends correspondence, attends meetings and records minutes from the meeting. She further acts as a liaison between administration and staff in an effort to ensure smooth operations at the hospital. As the Administrative Office “Gatekeeper” she screens and directs calls and issues to the appropriate departments for follow-up, manages office services and supervises the Executive Receptionist.

Soomita Tewari joined the MediSys Health Network in 2007 as the Administrative Assistant in Performance Improvement (PI). She worked in PI for six years before becoming the Medical Staff Coordinator.

In 2013, after being offered the position of Executive Assistant, Soomita joined the staff at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.

Soomita holds an Associate’s Degree in Health Service Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management and gained the certification of a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and a Notary Public, which assist her in the position she holds.

Soomita is a dedicated wife and mother of two children who moved from Guyana to the U.S. in 2000, seeking a new future for her family. Her hobbies include yoga, reading and watching movies. She is the treasurer of Shri Surya Narayan Mandir and a community outreach member of Surya Narayan Seva Outreach Sang.

When asked what the most rewarding part of her job is, Soomita responded, “When I first interviewed, Mr. Flanz told me that I would have to be the face and voice of Flushing Hospital. Even though I know we are all representatives of the hospital, this statement stayed with me. I take pride in being an “Ambassador” of the hospital and try to treat everyone that interacts with Administration with a welcoming attitude and utmost respect. I try to make everyone feel as though they are a part of the team because in essence, we are all part of the team.”

Although her job can present many challenges, Soomita Tewari faces each with her signature smile, calm demeanor and professionalism. She is a wonderful asset to the Flushing Hospital Medical Center team.