Hospital for Special Surgery

"I was inspired by my brother to pursue this career. I look up to him and he is a great surgical tech. The most important things for a surgical tech to have are critical thinking, anticipation, and surgical conscience. I come in and prepare operating rooms for surgery, help the surgeons, pass instruments, get everything together, and make sure everything is right for the case. I’m very thankful for this opportunity and every day I feel like I am getting better by learning from my colleagues." - Christian Davis, CST I – 4th Floor OR #NSTW2024

In this episode of the Move Better Podcast presented by HSS, David W. Altchek, MD is joined by fellow sports medicine surgeons Joshua S. Dines, MD and James “Beamer” Carr II, MD, who are both experts in shoulder and elbow surgery for professional, college and high school athletes. Together, they discuss Tommy John surgery, which is often needed by baseball players and other athletes who play sports that require throwing. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/e-Vz8mhD

The United Federation Of Teachers (UFT) Welfare Fund and HSS, announced a partnership today to offer HSS Perform, a program for employers and unions that will provide UFT Welfare Fund members and their families guided access to specialists in orthopedics and rheumatology. HSS Perform, HSS’ program for employers and unions, offers a full continuum of musculoskeletal solutions. HSS Perform includes HSS Care Concierge, a dedicated team available by phone and email, to connect members with world-class HSS specialists as well as second opinions for orthopedic or spine surgery across all HSS locations. "The UFT Welfare Fund is determined to provide our members access to the highest quality health care. To do that, we need partners who share our vision and dedication to excellence. HSS is such a partner. Our members and their families will benefit from this vital partnership," says Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers. “HSS is dedicated to helping people get back to what they need and love to do better than any place in the world,” says Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA, president, CEO and surgeon-in-chief emeritus at HSS. “By partnering with the UFT Welfare Fund, we will make top notch musculoskeletal care and outcomes more accessible to support those educating our future leaders.” https://lnkd.in/eUz99nhi

As we continue to celebrate Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Week, HSS honors our NPD practitioners for their critical role in advancing nursing education, research, and career development. Through their leadership and innovation, NPD practitioners provide nurses with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in evidence-based practice, quality care, and patient safety. We are grateful for their ongoing contributions to the professional growth of our nursing team! Pictured (L to R): Kim Weiss, Vanessa Kellison, Natalie Trezza, Chenice Branquinho, Taylor Hall and Jake White

"I've always been interested in medical science, and I've found the intricacies of medical procedures fascinating. I appreciate the blend of hands-on work and technical skills that a surgical technologist has. My role involves a blend of precision, expertise, and collaboration, essential for ensuring successful surgical outcomes. The complexity of orthopedic cases offers both challenges and rewards, allowing me to directly contribute to the restoration of patients' mobility and quality of life. The specialized environment at HSS further enhances my professional growth, as I work alongside top surgeons and contribute to pioneering techniques. My commitment to excellence and patient care truly makes a significant impact on both the team and the individuals we help. Working as a surgical technologist at HSS, especially in the Main OR unit, is a deeply fulfilling experience. I began working at HSS as a traveler and I made the decision to stay on staff full time because I loved the work environment and I believe that friendships are priceless.” - Aaliyah Parham, CST I, 4th Floor OR #NSTW2024

"What inspired me to become a surgical tech was being able to grow in my area of work in which I can help patients directly. The most important skill a surgical technician should have is the anticipation of the next steps of the case. As a surgical tech, I like to arrive early and make sure to gather all the necessary supplies for each case. I also like to make sure the equipment is working. Maintaining good communication with the team is essential. Opening the assigned case while maintaining good sterilities is a skill I use in my practice. I try to anticipate what the surgeon may need to improve the workflow of the case. Finally, I prioritize care for the instruments used and organize them back into the respective trays and sprayed appropriately. Being an HSS surgical tech, I think, is the best decision I've ever made. It is a position in which I learn something new every day and it's very challenging. It is also a position that allows me to grow professionally. I consider myself lucky to be able to do so at HSS." - Jose Almonte, CST 1, 9th Floor OR #NSTW2024

In celebration of Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Week, HSS is proud to recognize our dedicated preceptors who play a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring nurses at every stage of their careers. Through their expertise and commitment, preceptors ensure that our nurses are well-equipped to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care. Their daily efforts foster a culture of learning, growth, and excellence. Join us in celebrating the remarkable impact our preceptors make every day! Pictured are a few of our preceptors: Standing: Victoria Gennari, Kathryn Galutera, Mallory McCarthy, Eric Witkowski, Ronda Jackson, Sheree Desmouline, Connie Ng, Sara Sypa, Mikhail Kolomoytsev Sitting: Flora May Garcia, Camille Bertholon, Patricia "Jazz" Ross

"I initially enrolled in tech school because I was fascinated by surgical instrumentation while I was working in central sterile processing (CSP). I wanted to know what everything was for and how it was used. I think one of the most important skills is the ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team. My goal is to have what the surgeon needs before they know they need it. My role first and foremost is to provide exceptional care for the patient. It's important to have a safe and organized surgical field, ensure all equipment is in good working order, and maintain sterility. I love working at HSS. It’s the first facility that I've had the pleasure to work at truly values every individual in the OR. We are a great team." - Kathleen Orr, ST 1, Operating Rooms – 1st Floor #NSTW2024

HSS is proud to celebrate National Surgical Technologist Week (NSTW). Surgical technologists are the heartbeat of our operating rooms, playing an integral role in patient care by preparing and maintaining the surgical environment, assisting surgeons and nurses, and ensuring that all necessary instruments and equipment are in place. This year’s theme, “Surgical Stars: Shining Bright in Healthcare,” celebrates the exceptional skills, dedication, and contributions of surgical technologists. Please join us in recognizing our amazing surgical technologists for their hard work and dedication to patient safety and quality! Learn more about our career opportunities at HSS: https://lnkd.in/e-exW2qF

HSS is proud to celebrate National #HispanicHeritageMonth where we recognize the contributions, cultures, and histories of people with ancestors from Central and South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Spain. This year’s theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” which captures the community's spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity. As part of these efforts, the Hispanic Organization for Leadership & Advancement Employee Resource Group (HOLA ERG) continues to play a vital role in fostering cultural awareness and empowering our Hispanic/Latinx communities within HSS.