Presbyterian Healthcare Services

The Presbyterian Healthcare Services Board of Directors today announced that Rishi Sikka, M.D. has been named the health system’s next CEO, effective October 21, 2024. Dr. Sikka will succeed Dale Maxwell, who is retiring after 23 years of dedicated service to Presbyterian. “We are thrilled that Dr. Sikka will join Presbyterian as our next CEO,” said Norm Becker, chair of the Presbyterian Board of Directors. “Dr. Sikka is a compassionate, innovative physician executive with deep knowledge of complex systems and more than 20 years of leadership experience across the healthcare industry.” Dr. Sikka’s most recent role was as president of Village Medical, a leading provider of coordinated primary care services nationally. Prior to that role, he served as president of system enterprises for Sutter Health, an integrated healthcare system, where he managed ambulatory, population health, non-clinical and health plan business. After earning his medical degree, Dr. Sikka practiced as an emergency medicine physician and held clinical and executive leadership positions at Advocate Health Care in Illinois. He has also held faculty positions at Brown University, the University of Illinois—Chicago and Boston University. “It is an honor to join Presbyterian at this pivotal time in healthcare,” said Dr. Sikka. “I’m deeply inspired by Presbyterian’s purpose – to ensure every New Mexican can achieve their best health—and am fully committed to advancing that mission alongside an incredible team dedicated to providing compassionate, quality care for our communities. Together, we will navigate the evolving healthcare landscape, innovate, and strive to deliver on our purpose in new ways for every patient and member we serve.” Dr. Sikka also brings a strong connection to Presbyterian and our community. In 2016, he was appointed to the Presbyterian Board of Directors. “As a member of the Board, he knows us well – and he is already committed to ensuring Presbyterian’s sustainability and continuing our strong legacy of care for New Mexicans,” said Becker. “As healthcare continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Presbyterian must also continue to innovate to meet the needs of our communities. We are confident that a CEO with national experience and vision will complement our existing team as we continue to fulfill our purpose.” (??: Rishi Sikka, M.D.)

Gratitude is in the air at Presbyterian Health Plan Place where our team created a gratitude tree. Members have been jotting down things they are grateful for and adding them as leaves for the tree -- a creative and fun way to say thanks and share joy. What are you grateful for this season?

Happy Sweet Sixteen to Presbyterian Hospital at Home! Presbyterian’s Hospital at Home program, which launched in 2008, is thriving — and growing. The program, which provides hospital-level care in the comfort of a patient’s home, has provided close to 1,000 patient days in each of the last two years, a five-fold increase from just four years ago. Each Hospital at Home patient day means that a traditional hospital bed is available for a patient with more critical needs. Presbyterian Hospital at Home is for patients whose illness is severe enough to need hospitalization, yet who can receive hospital-level care in their own home. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team and often involves daily nurse and provider visits, IV medications (such as antibiotics or diuretics), blood work, EKGs or imaging such as ultrasounds or X-rays that can be performed in the home. The program also provides meals and aide services as needed. Hospital at Home has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and quality of life, while reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections and complications. For many, receiving care at home with family and pets around can significantly aid in their recovery process. “It’s a privilege to be able to treat patients in their own home, their base of power,” says Elizabeth De Pirro, medical director for Hospital at Home. “You gain a better understanding of factors that play a role in their health and recovery, and have an opportunity to work with them and their families to help them understand the disease and healing process.”

Presbyterian’s clinical education academic team was recently honored with the 2024 UNM College of Nursing Clinical Partner Site Award. The Clinical Partner Site Award recognizes programs that embrace the learning process and provide opportunities to support the next generation of health care professionals. At the award ceremony in October, Presbyterian was recognized for offering invaluable clinical rotations across all levels of nursing education—from pre-licensure experiences to doctoral projects. “Our clinical education academic team works exceptionally hard to create accessible, engaging learning opportunities for Presbyterian employees and our community partners,” said Zach Fierro, director of clinical education. “I’m so proud of the work they’ve done to enhance and expand partnerships throughout the state. I also appreciate our nursing leaders and front-line staff who are preparing students to be the next generation of healthcare workers.” Presbyterian Healthcare Services has recently expanded its partnership with UNM School of Nursing by collaborating on a grant to expand the reach of workforce-ready nurses to underserved communities throughout New Mexico. The clinical education academic team also supports Presbyterian’s nursing school partnership with Brookline College, conducts Presbyterian ECHO clinics, facilitates all CME activities, and oversees all clinical and medical rotations and preceptors. Congratulations!

Albuquerquere Ambulance Service teamed up with some local Girl Scouts this week for a fun and educational troop meeting. Scouts got to make their very own first aid kits and tour an ambulance. Thanks to Director of EMS Operations Colin Garlie for sharing your time and knowledge with the students!

Congratulations to Presbyterian Community Health’s Liam Westgate! Liam will be inducted into the National Academies of Practice (NAP) Class of 2025 as a Distinguished Fellow of the Social Work Academy. This prestigious honor recognizes nominated social workers for their outstanding achievements and leadership in both their profession and interprofessional care. Liam is our director of community and clinical linkages and is a celebrated advocate and academic who continues to teach at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. As part of the NAP, Liam will join an expansive community of scholars, leaders, practitioners, and advocates from across the country who work collaboratively as an interprofessional community to influence and promote national health policy, quality healthcare, and research.

Last month, Presbyterian Heart and Vascular Care recently performed its 500th implant of the WATCHMAN FLX Left Atrial Appendage Closure device on a patient with atrial fibrillation. Presbyterian is one of a select group of medical centers across the country to offer this innovative procedure to patients. Atrial fibrillation is a heart condition in which the upper chambers of the heart beat too fast and with irregular rhythm. It is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, currently affecting up to six million Americans. Stroke is the most common complication of atrial fibrillation, and strokes related to the condition are also more frequently fatal and disabling. The WATCHMAN device closes off an area of the heart called the left atrial appendage to keep harmful blood clots from entering the blood stream and potentially causing a stroke. The device is permanent and is done in a one-time procedure. The recovery time is minimal, and most patients can go home one day after the procedure. “Reaching this milestone has been the result of a lot of hard work and dedication from everyone at Presbyterian Heart and Vascular Care," said Robert Federici, medical director of Heart and Vascular Care. “Presbyterian's advanced facilities, our surgeons' vast experience, and our multidisciplinary 'heart team' approach have all contributed to allowing us to provide the best care possible to our patients and the community." Congratulations to our Presbyterian Heart and Vascular Care team!

Countless veterans are among Presbyterian's patients, members and employees. For generations, they have answered the call to serve our nation. This Veterans Day, we honor their service, dedication and valor, and express our gratitude for their sacrifice. Today our employees and community members gathered at the flagpole outside Presbyterian Hospital to honor Veterans Day. The heartfelt ceremony included Scout Troop 285 performing the Presentation of the Colors, and Captain Jacklyn Jablonski of the New Mexico Army National Guard and Chaplain Wolf of Presbyterian Spiritual Care gave moving commemorations. The event was presented by the Alliance Presbyterian Inclusion Network, which focuses on providing an inclusive environment for service members and families.

Our imaging team is determined to see each patient with clarity and compassion. Their work goes beyond the images; they help bring hope and healing to every diagnosis. We're looking for imaging professionals to join our incredible team. Learn more: https://ow.ly/x3pF50U4pnt #Radiology #Imaging #RadTech #RadiologyTech #CTTech #Radiographer