February 2022

Spotlight on Hospitalists During COVID 19

“Highland’s hospitalists have been true champions throughout each phase of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Youngrin Kim, M.D., Chief Hospitalist. Early in the pandemic when we were all still learning how to manage COVID, there was no vaccine, and the mortality rate was higher, hospitalists stepped up along with the nursing staff to put themselves at personal risk to care for Highland’s COVID patients. Keely Dwyer-Matzky, M.D., Director of Patient Flow and her team transformed Highland’s Observation Unit into a COVID care unit, and COVID patients not in the ICU were cared for on one unit with a limited number of providers designated to care for them each week to prevent cross floor contamination and promote safety.

Kara C. Halstead Named to New Role of Executive Director for Engagement and Administrative Services

Highland welcomes Kara C. Halstead to the new role of Executive Director for Engagement and Administrative Services. Halstead is serving as an integral member of the senior leadership team, leading the creation and implementation of engagement strategies and fostering the ideal experience for employees, providers, patients, and their families. She is also providing administrative direction and oversight of the Patient Relations department, Employee Health Services, Volunteer Services & Employee Events, and the Medical Staff Office.

Sheryl Valente Named Senior Program Administrator Department of Medicine

Highland welcomes Sheryl Valente, MPA, as Senior Program Administrator, Medicine. In concert with department leadership, Valente will manage the staffing, budget, operations, and overall functions of the department. Valente has more than 20 years of experience with progressive responsibility in health care program administration.

KUDOS

Here are some physician KUDOS that were taken from Hot Comments during the past several months.