Stories of Excellence | Mount Sinai Today

Kimberly Souffront, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, to Be Inducted As a Fellow in the American Academy of Nurses

Updated on Sep 29, 2023 | Community, Nursing, Stories of Excellence

Kimberly Souffront, PhD, RN, FNP-BC

Kimberly Souffront, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, Associate Director, Center for Nursing Research and Innovation at Mount Sinai, has been selected as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). The induction ceremony will take place at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., in October.

Academy fellows are inducted in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to improve health locally and globally. With nearly 3,000 fellows, AAN comprises nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia.

Dr. Souffront has made many novel and influential contributions to health equity, nursing research, and health care delivery locally and globally. Her research has centered around the treatment of Black emergency department patients with hypertension, and the application of innovative interventions that include blood biomarkers, bioinformatics, and telehealth.

Dr. Souffront, who is also Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, was the first in her field to document the attitudinal and organizational barriers to hypertension recognition among multidisciplinary emergency clinicians across the United States. This study influenced the development, implementation, and evaluation of an informatics intervention to improve nurse- and physician-recognition of uncontrolled hypertension and clinical outcomes. She recently documented that Stage B heart failure is ubiquitous in Black emergency department patients with asymptomatic hypertension—research expected to influence practice and policy throughout the United States.

Dr. Souffront is passionate about advancing the role that nurses play in translational research and improving health outcomes. To assure research initiatives align with the needs of clinical nurses, Dr. Souffront designed, led, and implemented a large, multi-center study that found clinical nurses are willing to participate in research and evidence-based practice initiatives, if given the time, opportunity, and support to learn the needed skills. This work has been disseminated nationally and internationally and has informed several significant educational initiatives.

Dr. Souffront is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing and a founder and current Editor-in-Chief of the journal Practical Implementation of Nursing Science.

“Congratulations to Dr. Souffront for this well-deserved and prestigious honor,” said Beth Oliver, DNP, RN, FAAN, Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President, Cardiac Services at the Mount Sinai Health System.

A Supply Chain Buyer Gets Recognition From Colleagues Far and Wide

Updated on Sep 15, 2023 | Stories of Excellence

Keisha Brathwaite, Supply Chain Buyer

Keisha Brathwaite, a buyer in the Supply Chain Department for Mount Sinai Queens and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, is considered an asset by her colleagues across the Mount Sinai Health System. She consistently earns a STAR employee recognition each month, sometimes more than one. According to Stefani Rodriguez, Purchasing Director, Keisha is highly reliable and responsive. “Keisha quickly addresses questions and concerns from her end-user community and helps resolve matters that aren’t always purchasing related.”

This is what some of Keisha’s stakeholders have to say regarding her strong work ethic:

Michael Smith, Security Director, The Mount Sinai Hospital:

“I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge your remarkable work ethics and express my sincere appreciation for a job well done. Your contributions have made a significant impact, and I am truly grateful for your hard work and commitment. Keep up the fantastic job.”

Tiago Maltez, Associate Director, Finance, The Mount Sinai Hospital:

“Keisha continuously communicates at a high level and is an essential part to our team’s success in quickly and accurately completing purchase orders. I am so happy to work with someone like her!”

Frank Garcia, Grants Manager, Department of Neuroscience, Icahn Mount Sinai:

“Keisha has been an excellent resource in helping our department. I can always count on her to help with our purchase order issues. Keisha is always courteous and fast in resolving issues. “

Shirley Alban, Associate Director, Marketing

“Super-professional and helped me recently with a change order. She is the best with teamwork all the way!”

Stefani adds, “Keisha is not only a tremendous resource for her customers, she also is an advocate for the interests of her colleagues, always demonstrating empathy and teamwork, which are fundamental values for Mount Sinai and the patients that we serve.”

Keisha is eager to give her colleagues credit for her recognition. “’Teamwork makes the dream work’ is not just a saying. I work with an awesome team and super supportive leadership; without them I could not do this job. We work well together, with the understanding that patient care is our No. 1 priority. I genuinely love my job, and show up every day to give 110 percent. I would have it no other way!”

Mount Sinai South Nassau Doctor Praised for His “Human Connection” With Patients

Updated on Sep 14, 2023 | Stories of Excellence

Mehrab Islam, MD

Alan Wong, DO, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs at Mount Sinai South Nassau, recently recognized Mehrab Islam, MD, Hospitalist Services, for his empathetic and skilled care. Dr. Islam recently finished his residency and, according to Dr. Wong, has been excelling at Mount Sinai South Nassau since then. He recounts the appreciation for Dr. Islam that a patient shared.

“Dr. Islam was praised for his optimism and positive attitude, both of which made the patient feel much more at ease. This patient raved about Dr. Islam’s skill in making a human connection with him, which was very impactful. The patient was so pleased to share that ‘Having Dr. Islam on the team as my doctor made a world of a difference to my wife and me.’”

Dr. Islam explained his care in a way that he and his wife could understand, the patient said, and if they were not clear on any points, Dr. Islam took the time to review.

“The patient described this as ‘over the top’ care, from day one of his stay,” Dr. Wong says.

“We are so appreciative of the compassionate and high-quality care that Dr. Islam provided to this patient and continues to provide for all of his patients. Thank you, Dr. Islam, for the difference you make each and every day!”

Dr. Islam is especially focused on the Mount Sinai value of empathy. “Consciously trying to empathize with others will help anyone to be more understanding and willing to help,” he says. “I try to understand what my patients might be experiencing, and I make it known to them that what they’re feeling is being heard. Building bridges and earnestly listening go a long way toward making someone feel heard, appreciated, and cared for.”

World Trade Center Health Program Coordinator, a 9/11 Responder, Is Honored for Outreach

Updated on Sep 8, 2023 | Featured, Stories of Excellence

Steven Wallace, an Outreach and Education Coordinator for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program at Mount Sinai, was celebrated by the Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, for recently receiving the Steven McDonald Forged by the Sea Award.

This recognition was given by the New York Police Department and the United States Navy Association and presented by Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell and the family of late Detective McDonald.

According to Julia Nicolaou Burns, Administrative Director, Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health, Steven’s role revolves around raising awareness about the medical and mental health monitoring and treatment services Mount Sinai offers to 9/11 workers and volunteers.

“As a 9/11 responder himself,” she says, “Steven goes above and beyond to make sure anyone affected by 9/11 knows about the services and benefits available through the WTC Health Program. He spends countless hours working in the field, connecting with responders, law enforcement unions, and other stakeholders. He is a true definition of empathy, compassion, teamwork, and commitment. We are incredibly proud to have Steven as part of our team, and we are so honored that the NYPD recognized Steven for his incredible work.”

Steven points out that many who people are eligible for free medical benefits through the WTC Health Program may not be aware. His mission is to get them the free and expert care they deserve.

Steven is humble at being honored, and shares his honor with the team and the people he serves.

“The 9/11 community and Mount Sinai’s Clinical Center of Excellence are my family, and together, we have saved lives. There is no greater gift to give of one’s self than the gift of saving a life.“

The WTC Health Program was established by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010 and is administered by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety. It provides free medical monitoring, treatment, mental health services, and benefits counseling for 9/11 responders and volunteers. Mount Sinai is home to the largest WTC Health Program Clinical Center of Excellence in the region. To learn more, visit the site, email wtchealthprogram@mountsinai.org, or call 888-702-0630.

Nurse Is a “Guardian Angel” for Doctor With Cancer

Updated on Jul 27, 2023 | Nursing, Stories of Excellence

Myra Escudero, MSN, RN

J. Thomas, MD, received a diagnosis of multiple myeloma at a particularly stressful time in his life. He had recently lost a sibling with whom he was very close, and, as a consequence, had just became the primary caregiver for his elderly parents. Returning to the New York area after many years overseas, specifically to assist in his parents’ care, he was very busy readjusting to life back in the United States and a new and intense job in medical research. “It was not an easy time for me,” he says.

A little anxious for his first outpatient chemotherapy session in fall 2019, Dr. Thomas still remembers when Myra Escudero, MSN, RN, a nurse at the Ruttenberg Treatment Center of The Tisch Cancer Institute, entered the room, smiled, and introduced herself as his oncology nurse for the day. “I knew that I was only one of her many patients, but she made me feel as though I had her full attention and care. Thanks to her kind demeanor and calming voice, I was suddenly able to turn off my computer, my phone and, most importantly, all of the stressful thoughts that were spinning around in my head and was able to focus on the moment,” he recounts. “She took the time to learn about me, my background and concerns. She patiently explained the procedure for the day. Working in the medical field, I have seen many nurses in action, but Myra was particularly outstanding. One moment, she was very professionally following a meticulous medications preparation protocol, the next moment she was focused on putting me at ease, and not just this one time. Every time I came for therapy, even when other oncology nurses were assigned to me, she would check in with me and make sure that I was doing OK. Myra was my guardian angel.”

Myra is considered an outstanding nurse by her colleagues as well as her patients. “Myra is a superb model of compassionate care. We are so proud that she was recognized at the 2023 Oncology Nursing Society Congress as an Extraordinary Healer nominee,” says Miwa Saito, MSN, RN, OCN, Director of Nursing for Outpatient Oncology Infusion Services and Therapeutic Infusion at The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai Queens.

Myra does not see oncology nursing as a job, but as a service to which she is dedicated. “In my role, it is so important for me to give my patients support and information about the treatment they will receive throughout their protocol. Most of my patients appreciate having someone to listen to their concerns; a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment is tough. Dr. Thomas became a friend, as do all the patients that I care for. It means a lot to me to help someone during a difficult time of their life.”

Radiation Oncology Team Gives Young Patient a Special Birthday Party

Updated on Jul 28, 2023 | Nursing, Stories of Excellence

The Department of Radiation Oncology at The Mount Sinai Hospital is celebrating Irene Braccia, BSN, nurse manager, and Mariam Rahyab, LMSW, social worker, for their thoughtfulness and compassion. Their story was recounted by Marysabel Vargas Guzman, administrative coordinator for the department:

Irene Braccia, BSN, left, and Mariam Rahyab, LMSW

“The majority of our patients in Radiation Oncology are adults; pediatric cancer patients are not as common. For obvious reasons, these cases tend to take a toll on our team. Recently, a very ill pediatric patient was to undergo treatment on their birthday. Irene and Mariam coordinated to ensure a special birthday celebration. Mariam had found out that the patient liked Super Mario and Mickey Mouse, reached out to the team, and suggested the room be decorated accordingly. Mariam also designed a jumbo card with all of the patient’s favorite Super Mario characters for the treatment team to sign. Irene got the decorations, cake, and turned an exam room into a party hub. During the celebration, the patient kept asking for their favorite food, ‘doughnuts and chicken nuggets.’ Unfortunately, neither was on hand. Mariam excused herself, and a little while after came back with doughnuts and chicken nuggets. The patient’s face lit up with excitement. The patient’s mom was also happy and comforted in the midst of a heartbreaking situation. Irene and Mariam turned a very difficult moment into a memorable experience for this patient, and importantly, for the patient’s mom.”

Mariam and Irene are both inspired by their patients.

“I was so honored to watch the joy on the faces of this patient and their mom,” Mariam says. “Working in oncology, we experience our patients’ pain and trauma, but we also get to see all their hope and resilience. I try to go above and beyond in a patient’s care; as a social worker especially, I see the patient as a whole person in their environment. A patient’s story doesn’t stop when we say goodbye at the end of their appointment. I hope this story will provide some comfort to future families and patients who are feeling hesitant and worried about being valued and supported at Mount Sinai.” Irene says, “Oncology nursing is challenging, but I have met the most extraordinary people over the course of my career. This particular pediatric patient had a grim prognosis, and the entire Radiation Oncology staff wanted to ensure that both the child and his family would be cared for in a meaningful way. The patient’s smile was the best thank you ever! I cannot be more proud of the Radiation Oncology team for their professionalism and for their caring spirit.”