Anthony Parrizzi , left, and Stephen Johnstone, MD
Caryn Schwab, Executive Director, Mount Sinai Queens, receives letters from grateful patients on a regular basis, and they are a source of pride. But the letter she received from Anthony Parrizzi stands out. Anthony’s letter overflowed with expressions of appreciation and praise for his Mount Sinai Queens (MSQ) care providers, telling of his “most outstanding experience” from start to finish, as both an inpatient and outpatient.
Shortly after an accident at home that left him with a ruptured patella tendon, Anthony arrived at the Emergency Department at MSQ. Orthopedic specialist Stephen Johnstone, MD, first called him while he was in the ED and then examined him a little later. “Dr. Johnstone informed me what to expect in a very caring manner, both in person and on the phone call,” Anthony says. “His explanations then and throughout my recovery have helped so much, not just with my physical recuperation, but psychologically as well.”
Surgery was indicated, but first Anthony needed to take a COVID test. Once he was advised of a negative result, Anthony underwent surgery on July 2. “After seeing the safety measures firsthand at the hospital, not for a minute did I feel vulnerable to contracting the virus,” he says.
Anthony cannot say enough about his surgical team. “Nurses, staff, really all involved, reassured me that my case and my injury were a top priority. They were constantly engaged with me; always making sure I was comfortable and my pain was managed accordingly. It was a perfectly coordinated dance.” He cites the “professionalism and attentiveness” of Bryan Iglesias, BSN, Raul Dy, RN, and nurse’s aide Enis Thaqi in the post-operative unit; and Patrick Johnson, MD, and Joy Byun, RN, as sources of comfort and compassion in anesthesiology. And others, too, he says, “I just can’t recall all the names.” With respect to Dr. Johnstone, Anthony adds, “His level of professionalism goes beyond words, for sure.”
Last, he says, is the “wonderful culture” at Mount Sinai Queens. “No one hesitates to help, even if it is not his or her job. Everyone is so positive, the camaraderie among the staff is evident, as is the love and respect for the doctors.”