On October 15, the organization that supports Mount Sinai’s Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine hosted its annual Wonderful World Gala at The Cutting Room, with nearly 200 attendees. This is always an inspiring event with amazing live jazz, and performances that showcase our world-renowned music therapy programs. Through honoring people who have ‘made the world more wonderful’ with their support of music and healing, each year a healthcare professional, a patient, a philanthropist, and a well-known musician are recognized.

This year, in addition to Vanessa Williams and Eddie Palmieri, the event was especially meaningful because our very own Paul Zucker, the Vice President of Ambulatory Operations, was honored for his broad vision of integrative care and his enduring support in creating an environment that promotes wellness through music and medicine. Paul Zucker has offered years of support to many of our music therapy programs at Mount Sinai Union Square and within the community. We are so proud of him, and our entire team.

For Infection Prevention Week, I’d like to highlight our exceptional team that leads Infection Prevention efforts at MSBI.

Infection prevention is everyone’s job, and this group collaborates with every unit and department across MSBI and the greater Downtown campus. You’ve all done a fantastic job: our infection rates this year have been some of our best yet.

Known as The Department of Infection Prevention and Control, they were also one of the departments, along with employee health and others, that led us through a very challenging flu season last year. They do a great job of advising our patients and us on how to stay healthy.

This team approaches their work with understanding, patience, and a sense of humor. They understand that the recommended infection control policies and practices can feel intimidating at times and try to make their interactions supportive and encouraging rather than punitive. I’ve certainly seen them have fun with each other and our employees. But make no mistake about it, behind their friendly demeanors this team is 100% focused on getting to zero harm. I have never worked with a more dedicated, creative, and determined bunch of infection prevention experts. They inspire me every day.

The infection prevention team set up a game in the Linsky lobby on Thursday that tested employees on their infection control knowledge. I was relieved to find out that my answer to their question about Candida aureus infections was correct. I left having learned some new things and with a very cool new pen and pad.  This event will also happen at Union Square next week.

The Mount Sinai Beth Israel chapter of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted Cultural Exhibitions at Petrie on Tuesday, October 8, and at Mount Sinai Union Square on Tuesday, October 16 to celebrate the full diversity of our staff. Employees could submit photos and presentations about what makes them unique, including cultural backgrounds, ancestry, hobbies, and more.

We celebrated staff from all over the world, including Ecuador, Puerto Rico, The Philippines, India, Guatemala, Columbia, Peru, Barbados, Haiti, Uganda, and more.

One member of our food services team was recently crowned the Queen Mother of the Ashanti tribe in Ghana, West Africa. Employees were able to try on Saris, the traditional garb of India.  Others shared recipes passed down by their families, or their armed forces background. The Amazing Grace Dancers performed two traditional Chinese dances for patients and employees.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion strives to champion a diverse workforce, create a multicultural environment, and foster an inclusive setting to ensure delivery of high-level care to the diverse patient populations in New York City and beyond.

In honor of both Organ Donor Enrollment Day and Emergency Nurses Week, I had to share this story about an employee who truly inspires me.

Sara Kaplan, RN, celebrated her birthday this year a little bit differently than most; she donated her kidney to a stranger. She was moved by a relative who recently got a transplant and wanted to do something “epic” and meaningful this year. I want to thank her for her generosity and thank her colleagues for supporting her through this process.

You can see even more of her story in this speech.

Many of our colleagues organized an enrollment event in the Linsky lobby to educate people about organ donation. Thanks to Irene Boniece, Herb Perry, and many other volunteers, we enrolled almost 30 new organ donors.

What a week! This week at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, we celebrated so many of you! Scroll through the albums below to see photos from our many events this week.

PA Week Luncheon:

Emergency Nurses Week:

Healthcare Food Services Week:

Case Management Week: