MedStar in the community

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Expands Specialized Care for Seniors through First-In-The-Region, Comprehensive Center for Successful Aging

OLNEY, Md. –MedStar Health announces the opening of the Center for Successful Aging at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center  which delivers a new model of specialized care for older adults. The first-in-the-region center is designed to address the complex needs of older adults through integrated care coordination, a patient-centered approach, and highly skilled medical and psychosocial care. The new center was modeled after the very successful, innovative program at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore.

The growth of the geriatric population continues to rise at epic levels, as the population of Marylanders 60 years and over is expected to reach more than 25 percent by the year 2030 according to the state's Department of Aging.

"Through the Center for Successful Aging, we want to radically transform healthcare delivery and support a thriving community of older adults across the continuum of care," said Thomas J. Senker, FACHE, president of MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. "With a growing elderly population and a shortage of geriatricians, it is increasingly important to evolve the geriatrics practice and extend the reach of high-quality clinical care for seniors in our region."

The CSA will be led by Chief of Geriatrics and Center Director, George Hennawi, MD, FACP. Dr. Hennawi was recognized as one of the region's best and most respected physicians as chosen by his peers. He specializes in geriatric medicine, as well as palliative care and hospice.

Patient-Centered Care Emphasizes An Individual's Own Preferences

The CSA takes a holistic approach to care starting with a thorough health assessment to identify cognitive, functional and medical risks. Patients are then provided with an individualized "Life Plan" and a specialized care team to manage their physical, mental and emotional health, often in partnership with the patient's primary care physician, specialist provider, family and caregivers, and resident skilled nursing provider.

The care team, led by a geriatrician, is comprised of care coordinators, social workers, therapists and pharmacists who collectively ensure that patients receive the necessary care while providing education, support, and encouragement for both patients and caregivers.

"We understand the unique medical, social and emotional health challenges facing older adults today. Seniors and their caregivers want to return home as quickly and safely as possible. Our teams provide an elevated level of care and support to equip patients to manage even complex conditions in an outpatient setting, decreasing the number of unnecessary ER visits," said Dr. Rezanne Khalil, MD. "We've created a space to empower older adults and their caregivers to be engaged in the activities and services that accomplish individual health goals."

A high-intensity outpatient center allows individuals to remain at home when possible and prevent hospitalization or readmission. Primary and consultative outpatient care will also address complex medical and psychosocial needs. Inpatient services include a geriatrics consult service, and a specialized Acute Care program, which focuses on helping patients admitted from private homes to return to a skilled-nursing setting.

In addition, partnerships with skilled nursing facilities across Montgomery County allow for the provision of expertise and oversight of clinical operations. It will also support transition of care as patients move from the hospital to inpatient care or back into their private homes.

Through these services, the hospital aims to retain patients' pre-hospital levels of function, reduce length of stay, reduce the need for sub-acute placement and reduce 30-day readmissions.

$2 Million Grant Supports Center's Expansion

The CSA was made possible in part by a $2 million grant from the Edward N. & Dell L. Thome Memorial Foundation, which was created in 2002 to advance the health of older adults through the support of direct service programs and medical research. The grant supported the renovation and outfitting of the outpatient center and other healthcare locations to provide coordinated care of other essential services.

"On behalf of everyone at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, we are grateful for the generous grant and continued support from the Thome Foundation, which allows us to expand care for such an important population," continued Senker. "Our shared mission with the Thome Foundation is to advance the health of older citizens and promote aging with dignity. We're excited to bring The Center for Successful Aging model to Montgomery County and deliver important, comprehensive services across the care continuum."

For more information or to request a consultation with a geriatric specialist, visit https://www.medstarhealth.org/ads/mmmc-csa/ or call 240-817-1411 to request an appointment.

About MedStar Montgomery Medical Center and MedStar Health
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center is a not-for-profit, acute care community hospital serving Montgomery County, Maryland. For 100 years, MedStar Montgomery has served as a medical care provider and community health resource offering high-quality, personalized care. MedStar Montgomery provides a broad range of healthcare specialties, advanced technologies, and treatments not traditionally found at community hospitals—including cutting-edge care in obstetrics, orthopedics, breast health, and oncology. MedStar Health is the region's largest non-profit and most trusted integrated healthcare delivery system, giving patients access to the latest in modern medicine and medical technology within a community hospital setting.

Media Contacts

Amanda Mantiply
Abel Communications for MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
443-961-2418
[email protected]

Stefanie Bryant
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
301-774-8912
[email protected]

Local Women’s Board Named Recipient of Sandy Spring Museum’s Maryland Champion Award

Sandy Spring, MD — Sandy Spring Museum announces the Women’s Board of MGH supporting MedStar Montgomery Medical Center as the recipient of the Maryland Champion Award. Hailed as the Museum’s highest honor, this award is presented annually to a person or organization of distinction who has made state wide impact at a grassroots level. The Women’s Board is being honored at the Maryland Champion Gala on October 17, 2019 at Sandy Spring Museum.
 
The Women’s Board, formerly known as the Ladies’ Auxiliary, played an instrumental role in founding Montgomery General Hospital (today’s MedStar Montgomery Medical Center), the first rural hospital in the United States in 1919. One hundred years later, the Women’s Board stills plays an important role in the hospital through its fundraising efforts and the volunteer service provided by its members.
 
“In a rural area like Olney-Sandy Spring, the community had to provide for its own needs. Key businesses like the bank, the insurance company, the hospital, the theater and the museum were built by the community, for the community. Honoring the role members of the Women’s Board played in the establishment of the first rural hospital in the United States is our way of paying tribute to these community heroines,” Allison Weiss, Executive Director, Sandy Spring Museum.
 
The cornerstone for Montgomery General Hospital was laid in November 1919 and, two months later, the flu epidemic of 1918-1920 hit Olney, Maryland. The new hospital was unprepared to care for the sick because furniture  as still in boxes and no supplies had been purchased. The eight members of the Ladies Auxiliary unpacked the furniture, and “begged, borrowed and bought” supplies like surgical dressing, ice caps, hot water bottles, equipment to serve food, and the food itself.  They also helped to transport the sick to the hospital during a terrible blizzard.
 
Today the Women’s Board has grown to more than 100 members. They are the Hospital’s largest philanthropic group, carrying on the traditions of their founding mothers. Their fundraising includes hosting an annual Picnic and Bazaar (celebrating its 99th anniversary) and, in more recent years, running the hospital gift shop and thrift store.
 
“On behalf of all of us with MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, we remain proud and inspired by the philanthropic spirit of The Women’s Board,” said T.J. Senker, FACHE, president of MedStar Montgomery. “As champions for our community, I commend them for their commitment to legacy through their volunteer work and their celebration of our future with the Scholarship Program for students pursuing a degree in healthcare.”
 
Members of the Women’s Board of MGH are being honored at the Maryland Champion Gala on Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 7:00-10:30 pm. Proceeds from the gala support Sandy Spring Museum’s community-driven  cultural arts programming. Sandy Spring Museum is located at 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860. For more information, visit www.sandyspringmuseum.org
 
###

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Honored by Practice Greenhealth for Environmental Excellence

Olney, MD – MedStar Montgomery Medical Center has been recognized for the fifth consecutive year by Practice Greenhealth, a leading healthcare organization dedicated to healthcare sustainability, for its environmental achievements. The hospital will be honored at the Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Awards Ceremony, held on Thursday, May 18 in Minneapolis, Minnesota at CleanMed 2017. 

Greenhealth2017MedStar Montgomery received the “Greenhealth Partner for Change Award” in recognition of its efforts to continuously improve and expand upon its waste reduction, recycling and source reduction programs. At a minimum, facilities applying for this award must be recycling 15 percent of their total waste, have reduced regulated medical waste, and have developed other successful pollution prevention programs in many different areas. 

Thomas J. Senker, FACHE, president of MedStar Montgomery, said,

“MedStar Montgomery is committed to improving the health of our patients, staff, and community as a whole. We take pride in our efforts to integrate more sustainable practices into our day-to-day practices and lessen our impact on the environment. We look forward to working with Practice Greenhealth to encourage others in the healthcare industry to be more environmentally friendly.” 


About MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center is a 138-bed not-for-profit hospital serving the greater Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas. A proud member of MedStar Health, MedStar Montgomery is committed to delivering the latest in modern medicine and medical technology.

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Unveils New Women’s Board Lobby

LobbyOlney, MD — On Sunday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., MedStar Montgomery Medical Center (MMMC) and the Women’s Board invite the community to visit the hospital’s spacious, new lobby.

The new lobby provides a welcoming space for patients and visitors at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, thanks to a $1.5 million, 10-year capital campaign pledge from the Women’s Board. It is the latest in a long list of gifts endowed by the Board’s energetic philanthropic activities to benefit the hospital’s patients. The renovation provides prominence to the new pharmacy and the Women’s Board Gift Shop.

The open house will highlight the longstanding partnership between MMMC and the Women’s Board, emphasizing key accomplishments and sharing the impact of patient care made possible by support of the Women’s Board. Also, the new annual donor wall, made possible through the Boyer family’s generous philanthropic support, will be on display.

Guests are invited to independently tour the lobby, gift shop and pharmacy throughout the day; as such, there will be no formal program. Refreshments will be served in the tented space outside the hospital entrance. Members of the Women’s Board will be available throughout the day to greet guests and speak with them about the legacy of their accomplishments.

“We’re very grateful to the Women’s Board for their commitment to our hospital,” says TJ Senker, president of MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. “Throughout our 96-year partnership, their generosity has helped our hospital grow and thrive, and ultimately live our mission to enhance our community’s health and well-being. I’m especially grateful for their donation to renovate our main lobby, as I truly believe that great experiences begin at the front door. I’m proud that our lobby now beautifully reflects the level of safe, high-quality care that our patients receive at MedStar Montgomery.”

The lobby renovation campaign is the second largest in the Women’s Board’s 96-year relationship with MedStar Montgomery. The Board’s largest gift, a $1.75 million campaign, provided funding for the da Vinci Surgical System – making MedStar Montgomery one of the first medical centers in the area to offer the robot-assisted advanced technology. The Women’s Board campaigns have also supported additions to the Emergency Room with a $1 million pledge, as well as other major improvements including renovations to the Pediatric Emergency Center and building a new cardiac care wing.

“When hospital leadership asked our executive board to consider the lobby renovation campaign, we determined that it would be a great project for us to tackle,” said Carole Derrick, president of the Women’s Board. “We understood the importance of welcoming patients into a new and updated space. First impressions are an important part of building a good patient relationship.”

Other fundraising projects maintained by the Women’s Board include the Gift Shop and Thrift Shop at MedStar Montgomery which support projects and a scholarship fund for students interested in pursuing a medical profession. The nondenominational Gifts of Light Ceremony, and the Annual Picnic and Bazaar are some of the most beloved Women’s Board fundraising activities.

Gabriel Pinski, vice president of philanthropy at MedStar Montgomery stated, “We hope the community will come to see the new Women’s Board Lobby and learn more about the tremendous impact of the Women’s Board on the hospital over the last 96 years. This important new space, along with several other major improvements to patient care and experience, would not have been possible without the support of the Women’s Board. We cannot thank them enough.”

About MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center is a 138-bed not-for-profit hospital serving the greater Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas. A proud member of MedStar Health, MedStar Montgomery is committed to delivering the latest in modern medicine and medical technology.

March of Dimes Thanks MedStar Montgomery Medical Center During Day of Gratitude

Olney, MD — The local March of Dimes held a Day of Gratitude event at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Maternal Newborn Center. It was an opportunity for the March of Dimes staff to express thanks to the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals for all that they do each day as they care for these fragile babies and their families.

Hospital staff was presented with a plaque in recognition of their efforts to support the March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies. “We wanted to show our gratitude for these talented, compassionate caregivers who dedicate themselves and their time to the delicate mission we are also passionate about,” said Kate Hornyan, March of Dimes Greater DC Market Development Manager. “It was a meaningful experience to honor the dedicated staff at MedStar Montgomery.”

Although we continue to make strides in this area, the nation experienced a slight increase in its preterm birth rate from 9.57% (2014) to 9.63% (2015). A small, but statistically significant increase. This is the first time in eight years that the nation has experienced an increase. Approximately 380,000 babies are born prematurely each year in the U.S. In Maryland, over 1,422 babies are born each week, and 143 of these are born preterm (before 37 weeks completed weeks of gestation). These babies face an increased risk of serious medical complications and life-long disabilities. Some may not reach their first birthday. In addition to the physical and emotional effects, a preterm birth can cost 12 times more than an uncomplicated birth and costs the U.S. health care system more than $26 billion each year.

The March of Dimes helps moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. And, if something goes wrong, we offer information and comfort to families. We research the problems that threaten babies and work on preventing them. Since the organization was established in 1938, March of Dimes work has led to discoveries that shape today’s standards of a healthy pregnancy.

March of Dimes
Chanda Satchell, MMMC Maternal Newborn Center Unit Manager, Kate Hornyan, March of Dimes Development Manager, and Paula Rodney, MMMC Director of Nursing

November is Prematurity Awareness Month®, and a key time when the March of Dimes focuses everyone’s attention on the serious problem of premature birth. An estimated 15 million babies are born premature and of those more than a million die as a result of their early birth.

About MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center is a 138-bed not-for-profit hospital serving the greater Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas. A proud member of MedStar Health, MedStar Montgomery is committed to delivering the latest in modern medicine and medical technology.

About the March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Media Contact
Gina Cook, Director Marketing,
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
[email protected]
301-774-8774

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program Certified by Industry Leader

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program Certified by Industry Leader

AACVPR - CertificateMedStar Montgomery Medical Center is proud to announce the certification of its cardiovascular rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). MedStar Montgomery Medical Center was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with cardiovascular problems (e.g., heart attacks, coronary artery bypass graft surgery) and pulmonary problems (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], respiratory symptoms,) recover faster and improve their quality of life. Both programs include exercise, education, counseling, and support for patients and their families.

MedS1tar Montgomery Medical Center’s cardiovascular rehabilitation program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee and Certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

AACVPR-certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. AACVPR Program Certification is valid for three years.

AACVPRAbout AACVPR
Founded in 1985, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. Central to the core mission is improvement in quality of life for patients and their families.

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center is a 138-bed not-for-profit hospital serving the greater Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas. A proud member of MedStar Health, MedStar Montgomery is committed to delivering the latest in modern medicine and medical technology.

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, MedStar Sports Medicine & MedStar NRH Establish Partnership with the Olney Boys and Girls Club

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, MedStar Sports Medicine & MedStar National Rehabilitation Network Establish Partnership with the Olney Boys and Girls Club 

Affiliation to Provide Athletes, Coaches and Families with Access to Experts in Injury Prevention, Management and Education

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center in conjunction with MedStar Sports Medicine and the MedStar NRH Rehabilitation Network has established a partnership with the Olney Boys and Girls Club that will provide the organization with ongoing access to many of the region’s top experts in the prevention and management of sports injuries.

OBGC

The Olney Boys and Girls Club, founded in 1969 as one of the first youth sports clubs in Maryland, is dedicated to providing children with a structured and safe environment to learn to play sports and expend some of the energies of youth. Today, the organization provides services to more than 7,000 children annually operating from its headquarters at Freeman Fields, a former 118-acre farm that it purchased in 1998.

“The Olney Boys and Girls Club is delighted to partner with MedStar Health. It’s a partnership that will add value to the services we offer and truly benefit the local community,” says Ken Bradford, executive director of the Olney Boys and Girls Club. “This partnership will help parents, coaches and athletes prevent injuries, promote healthy lifestyles and when the need arises, enable parents to obtain the best care in sports medicine for their children.  It’s an exciting collaboration and we look forward to working together on a number of initiatives to address some of the most common topics in sports medicine.”

MedStar Sports Medicine is the official medical team of the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Blast, Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals, US Lacrosse and many of the collegiate, high school and recreational teams in the region. Along with its team coverage and clinical care, MedStar Sports Medicine is known for its specialized expertise in the areas of sports injury epidemiology and injury surveillance and has specialty programs dedicated to ACL injury prevention, concussion care and prevention, pediatric and adolescent sports medicine, and sport biomechanics.

The MedStar NRH Rehabilitation Network, ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best hospitals for rehabilitation, has been providing its state-of-the-art services to area residents for 30 years. It’s team of experts, which includes certified athletics trainers as well as physical therapists and other specialists, also have extensive experience caring for athletes of all levels.  

OBGC

The Olney Boys and Girls Club offers children of all ages the opportunity to learn and participate in sports that include baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball and wrestling. The organization also offers a variety of popular summer camps.

 “We are committed to partnering with the community in health, wellness and prevention…not just when people are sick.  This is an exciting opportunity for us to do that,” notes Thomas J. Senker, FACHE, president, MedStar Montgomery, and senior vice president, MedStar Health.  “We have been a proud supporter of the Olney Boys and Girls Club for many years. It’s a fantastic organization that makes a difference in young lives every day and we are thrilled to further strengthen our relationship through this partnership.”

In addition to working directly with the young athletes and their coaches, the MedStar Health experts will be offering a variety of seminars, lectures and screenings starting this fall on topics ranging from concussions to ACL injuries to sports nutrition and the use of dietary supplements and more. A schedule of events can be found at www.medstarmontgomery.org/olneyboysgirlsclub.

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center is a 138-bed not-for-profit hospital serving the greater Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas. A proud member of MedStar Health, MedStar Montgomery is committed to delivering the latest in modern medicine and medical technology.

The MedStar National Rehabilitation Network (MedStar NRH) is a regional system of rehabilitation care that offers inpatient, day treatment and outpatient services in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. Inpatient and day treatment programs are provided at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital located in Northwest Washington, DC and at more than 50 outpatient sites conveniently located throughout the region.  MedStar NRH is consistently ranked by physicians in U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s “Best Hospitals” for Rehabilitation, and is fully accredited by The Joint Commission,  the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), with CARF accredited specialty programs for Amputations, Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke. For more on MedStar NRH and to find a location near you, log on to MedStarNRH.org

Gina Cook
Director, Marketing and Communications
301-774-8774
[email protected]