Mount Sinai celebrates ninth anniversary

GREGORY LEPORATI
A group of over 30 doctors, family members, and friends came out to Astoria to celebrate the ninth anniversary of Mount Sinai Queens. The ceremony, held on June 25, honored distinguished employees of the hospital, including “Physician of the Year” and “Attending Physician of the Year.”
Caryn A. Schwab, CEO of Mount Sinai Queens, began the ceremony with a few words, noting that the accomplishments of the staff are largely “because we are now a part of Mount Sinai.”
Kathleen Scher, Ed.D., chief nursing officer, took the podium next to present awards for “Physician of the Year” and “Attending Physician of the Year.”
Scher described Dr. Vidya Patel, the physician of the year, as someone with “tremendous patience with both patients and their families” and as a doctor that “brings a wonderful blend of both textbook wisdom and emotional sensitivity.”
Scher then said a few words about Farhana Satti, the attending physician of the year, noting that she is “always quick to respond to request for consultation” and “promotes synergy with the nursing staff.”
After receiving their awards, both Dr. Patel and Satti thanked their families and colleagues for support.
Scher then spoke about the importance of honoring both physicians and attending physicians, two important jobs that are closely linked.
“When nurses and doctors communicate well, it is amazing,” she said. “It has a profound impact on patient care.”
Dr. David Nierman, the chief medical officer at Mount Sinai Queens, said that the hospital always honors its employees during its yearly anniversary celebration. The tradition of recognizing employees, he said, is a necessity in the field of medicine.
“Too often we have a culture to punish people for doing bad, and not praising them when they do good,” he said.
“Unlike business, healthcare is not a competition. We really want to receive recognition by other hands-on care providers.”
Mount Sinai Queens, formerly Astoria General Hospital, became a member of the Mount Sinai family in 1999 and has been celebrating its anniversary every year since. For more information on Mount Sinai Queens, call 718-932-1000 or go to www.mshq.org.