Mount Sinai leaders saluted volunteers at The Mount Sinai Hospital and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai during a breakfast held Wednesday, April 26, during National Volunteer Recognition Week. More than 160 volunteers attended the celebration. Also making an appearance was a special breed of Mount Sinai volunteers—the gentle dogs, big and small, who bring comfort and smiles to patients and staff through the Pet-Assisted Therapy program.
“The Mount Sinai Hospital was founded by a group of volunteers, and today more than 1,200 volunteers continue this rich legacy of service,” Peter W. May, Chairman, Boards of Trustees, Mount Sinai Health System, told the guests. “Our patients are so grateful, and it’s always a pleasure to honor all that you do.”
Volunteers are visible in more than 200 areas, where their efforts benefit patients, research, administrative offices, and community outreach.
Linda Frank and Tazzy have volunteered in the Pet-Assisted Therapy program for eight years.
Kenneth L. Davis, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mount Sinai Health System, thanked all volunteers, but also singled out their efforts with PACT, the Preventable Admissions Care Team, which was created to reduce 30-day hospital readmissions and Emergency Department visits—a program now considered a national model. “Volunteers became the backbone of this program to keep people well and out of the hospital, and their contributions make a difference between Mount Sinai being a good Health System, and a great Health System,” said Dr. Davis.
One table of guests—including first-year medical students—were among the volunteers applauded by Dennis S. Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and President for Academic Affairs, Mount Sinai Health System. “At the beginning of 2017, more than 200 volunteers, including high school, college, and post-baccalaureate students interested in health care careers were assisting in basic science laboratories, and 150 volunteers were helping with clinical research projects,” he said. “The volunteers become part of our family.” Dr. Charney also noted that Mount Sinai students have a supportive role in Chemo Companions, a program that pairs them with patients undergoing chemotherapy at The Tisch Cancer Institute.
“Our unique programs provide insight into a wide range of areas and lead many of our volunteers into social work, nursing, and other patient-centered health careers,” said Claudia Colgan, Vice President, Hospital Operations, The Mount Sinai Hospital. David L. Reich, MD, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Mount Sinai Hospital, talked about the innovative ideas that volunteers introduce to Mount Sinai and also noted the compassion that they bring. “The human kindness that our volunteers show to patients is invaluable,” said Dr. Reich, “and every day, this contributes to patient healing.”