February 2022

Delta and Omicron Variants and Vaccine Efficacy

The post- holiday season has presented unique challenges for Highland with COVID cases on the rise in both patients and our staff. Many people are wondering about break-through cases and the efficacy of the vaccine. I want to share with you some information as well as some research done by Linda Greene, RN, MPS, CIC, FAPIC, Director of Hospital Infection Prevention.

Highland Hospital Welcomes Rebeca Monk, M.D., FACP as New Chief of Medicine

Highland Hospital welcomes Rebeca Denise Monk, M.D., FACP, as the new Chief of Medicine.  Dr. Monk succeeds Robert McCann, M.D., MACP, who chose to step down after serving as the department's leader for more than 20 years, but will continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Accountable Health Partners (AHP) and maintain his medical practice at Highland. Dr. Monk, a University of Rochester Professor of Medicine, has served the health system for almost 30 years, most recently as Chief, URMC Nephrology Division at Highland Hospital and Medical Director of the Highland Hospital Inpatient Dialysis Unit.

Joseph A. Nicholas, M.D., M.P.H., Named Highland Hospital Associate Chief of Medicine

Joseph A. Nicholas, M.D., M.P.H., has been named incoming Associate Chief of Medicine, starting in March. Dr. Nicholas, who has been on staff at Highland for 16 years, currently serves as the Highland Director of Medical Education, as well as the Associate Director for the UR Residencies in Internal Medicine and the Combined Program in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics.  He will be stepping down from the medical director position at the Highlands at Brighton.

Robert McCann, M.D., MACP, Steps Down as Highland Hospital Chief of Department of Medicine

Robert McCann, M.D., MACP, has chosen to step down as Highland's Chief of Medicine this fall, having served as the department's leader for more than 20 years. He will continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Accountable Health Partners (AHP) and maintain his medical practice at Highland. His successor is Rebeca Denise Monk, M.D., FACP, a University of Rochester Professor of Medicine, who has served the health system for almost 30 years, most recently as Chief, URMC Nephrology Division at Highland Hospital and Medical Director of the Highland Hospital Inpatient Dialysis Unit. 

New Highland Medical Staff Slate of Officers Begin Term

Timothy Lum, M.D., is the new president of the Highland Hospital Medical Staff. He is working closely with other members of the medical staff leadership team, Keely Dwyer-Matzky, M.D., President-Elect, and Roan Glocker M.D., Secretary-Treasurer to support Highland’s medical staff, foster good communication, and build strong relationships. “It’s an honor to represent the physicians who care for patients at Highland,” said Dr. Lum. “Our leadership team is deeply committed to the future of the hospital.”