In the past few years, Radiation Oncology at Stony Brook University Hospital has significantly enhanced its services and physical space. Recently, I had the privilege of meeting with Radiation Oncology staff and faculty to learn more about these changes, while hearing about the incredibly compassionate and expert care that is provided on a daily basis for our patients at Stony Brook Medicine. The Radiation Oncology Department was completely renovated in 2018 and acquired state-of-the-art technology. With three linear accelerators, a high-dose-rate suite and a CT simulator, many patients are treated at Stony Brook for radiation needs. As I visited with the team, it was noted that there are both clinical and non-clinical staff who work in concert to create a favorable patient experience.
The first stop was the front desk, where patients are greeted in the department by the reception team. At the time of my visit, Danielle Shapiro started working in Radiation Oncology only six months ago, after she originally worked in the Stony Brook Cancer Center. Danielle described the process used for patient check-in, coordinating multiple appointments for patients and making a first impression on behalf of the department when patients arrive.
As I had the opportunity to discuss workflow with the team, I learned that those working behind the front desk have engaged in concierge training and work to go above and beyond to exceed expectations. Kenneth Valentine often assists patients when the weather is poor, by walking them out with an umbrella. Darleen Chiacchiaro has been employed at SBUH for one month. Her desire to work in Radiation Oncology is fueled by her personal experience with her mother’s illness. She recognizes the impact on patients with cancer and their families when the healthcare team goes the extra mile to provide friendly and compassionate service, working to exceed expectations during a difficult time.
Just beyond the reception area, Erin Lovett, the Revenue Cycle Coordinator, is available to assist patients with navigating insurance and billing issues. Coordination of care with insurance companies can be complicated and confusing. Erin provides services in an empathetic and friendly manner. She navigates questions and helps to quarterback on providing resource contacts to address patient and family needs with respect to cancer care. Erin has been working in Radiation Oncology for two years, after previously working on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit and in Primary Care at Tech Park.
As many of us know, patients often may seek care from other practices and hospitals, so when they arrive on our doorstep, it is important to obtain historical health records that provide the full picture to address future patient care. Aracelis Fernandez, the New Patient Coordinator, is involved with new patient intake and assists to verify insurance information and obtain records from other facilities that may have provided care prior to a new patient’s arrival. Meeting Aracelis was refreshing, as she epitomizes the Stony Brook Medicine iCare values of integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence.
Years back, Aracelis worked at the Stony Brook Union in the Chemistry building as a cleaner and then became a night supervisor in the West Campus cafeteria. At one point in time, she worked two full-time jobs and eventually transferred to the hospital as a patient transporter. She enjoyed interactions with patients and staff, and eventually applied for a job as a nursing station clerk, finally landing in Radiation Oncology as the New Patient Coordinator. Clearly her years of hard work and dedication have paid off, and the patients and families benefit from her experience.
Aracelis has also experienced a family member navigating the healthcare system when her cousin was diagnosed with leukemia. Due to the care Aracelis’ cousin received during her illness, she continues to enjoy her life while raising her two children. Aracelis recognizes the impact we all have when we interact with patients and families during trying circumstances.
As patients navigate the reception area and work through insurance and medical record questions, they are ready to receive the necessary treatment that is hand selected, based upon their clinical presentation. Monifa Ash, RN, is the clinician who oversees the nursing resources for Radiation Oncology. Her aunt, a nurse for 40 years, inspired Monifa to pursue a career in nursing.
Monifa started her career at another hospital but wished to actively apply for a position at Stony Brook University Hospital. It is here that she has found her calling. She worked on various inpatient units, including the vent unit, cardiac unit and oncology unit. She eventually became a bone marrow transplant clinician and then transferred to Radiation Oncology. She enjoys the opportunity to continue working with inpatients, while serving the outpatient population as well. Monifa particularly enjoys her position in Radiation Oncology. Besides interaction with the patients, she also has the opportunity to connect with an interdisciplinary team in a learning environment.
In the nursing station area, I spoke to AnnMarie O’Toole, RN, who has been working at Stony Brook University Hospital since 2004. She started working in various oncology units until she found her calling in Radiation Oncology. She enjoys the ability to follow the journey of her patients and communicate with family members. AnnMarie also provides support when she learns that a patient or family member is having a hard day.
Medical Assistant Julie Florez also works at the nursing station. She was a nursing assistant on 19 South before joining the Radiation Oncology team. After earning an associate degree in biology, Julie is pursuing classes required to enter a nursing program. She works with Ann Marie Tursellino who enjoys working in the department as she has experienced working on several units prior to working in Radiation Oncology.
The physicians in the department clearly play an important role within the context of the interdisciplinary team caring for patients who have cancer. Physicians work very closely with physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, nurses, nursing assistants and clerical staff to coordinate care in a collaborative work environment. Dr. Kartik Mani aptly noted how oncology is a team sport, and not only do these attendings work within the department, but also work closely with surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and medical oncologists to ensure continuous feedback loops to provide the best care possible. Dr. Mani further noted how Stony Brook Medicine has assembled an incredibly talented team whose hearts and minds are in the right place. He also noted that there are no big egos that may typically be found in large academic medical centers.
Dr. Alex Stessin is the Radiation Oncology Residency Program Director. He was one of Dr. Sam Ryu’s first recruits nearly eight years ago and viewed Stony Brook as an opportunity to conduct new faculty research programs, especially with the new technology made available to the department. Dr. Alexander Slade discussed the importance of keeping current on evidence-based practices through literature and described the important interdisciplinary relationships that must exist to care for patients requiring radiation treatments. Dr. Joanne Wu is in the midst of her residency training as a PGY2. She is a homegrown Stony Brook resource as she graduated from our own Renaissance School of Medicine.
As we move into radiation therapy, Tom Dzienius described how he treats patients using physician prescriptions. He has had personal experience with radiation therapy and wanted to help others, so he decided to study to become a radiation therapist. He loves working with patients and enjoys coming to work every day.
Behind the scenes, certified dosimetrists apply the appropriate dosage of radiation to the correct part of the body. Maria Kartsonis, CMD, was a student at Stony Brook University and attended the medical dosimetry program. She wanted to come back “home” and has been working at Stony Brook University Hospital for about seven years. She, Sunny Ailawadi, CMD, and Todd Yoder, CMD, work with the radiation oncologists to create the most optimal treatment plans for patients for many different anatomical sites using sophisticated technology. Although dosimetrists do not provide direct patient care, they are integral to radiating tumors with razor-sharp accuracy, so as not to impact healthy tissue.
Before patients actually receive treatment, there is an insurance authorization process. Adrienne Lopez provides this time-sensitive service and has been working in Radiation Oncology for nine months. She stated that her new role is a change of pace, and she is constantly learning and applying information from the medical field to assist patients. She is joined by Gwen McNicholl who joined Stony Brook in 2008 and enjoys helping people during a time of need.
Paulet Farquharson, LSW, provides support for patients experiencing psycho-social issues and provides assistance to support hospice care and counseling, as needed. Her vast experience in the Cancer Center and 19 North is beneficial while serving the needs of patients who seek care in Radiation Oncology. Stephanie Butler, RTT, is the Chief Therapist who has been with the department since 2017 and notes that the clinical staff is excellent, and the work is rewarding.
During times of need for our patients, it is refreshing to know that we have a trained teams of experts in Radiation Oncology who provide compassionate, high-quality care. Thanks to Dr. Sam Ryu, Chair of Radiation Oncology, and Stacey Hondropulos, Administrative Director, for their leadership.
Carol