November 2022

Highland Hospital: Looking Towards Fall and Winter

As I write this column Highland census is high as it has been for many weeks. Although we are seeing fewer and much less severe cases of COVID, its effects are still lingering. Some patients who could be returning to nursing homes are still in our hospital because they remain testing positive or because nursing home beds are full. Patients who have postponed elective surgeries are now filling our ORs. And with the Fall, comes the concern for the flu, which could be more pernicious this year since masking requirements have been lifted in more and more places. We also must be on the lookout for monkeypox and the unexpected polio outbreak in New York. But we have faced the worst of times and we have the strength and commitment to face whatever comes our way.

Cindy Becker Plans to Retire as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Highland Hospital

Cindy Becker, Highland Hospital’s Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, has announced that she will be retiring from her position in December of this year to spend more time with her family. “After 34 years at Highland Hospital, and 23 years as Chief Operating Officer, I’ve decided that it is time to transition from my role,” said Becker. “I have thought long and hard about this, and while it is still surreal to write, I will retire on December 2 of this year.” Becker has been employed at Highland Hospital since 1988 and Vice President and COO since 1999. During this time, the hospital grew significantly – from an average of 50 to 60 patients in 1999 to nearly 24,000 discharges, 43,000 emergency department visits, and 14,000 operating room cases in 2021. The hospital occupancy now regularly meets or exceeds its licensed 261-bed capacity. 

The Growth of Surgery at Highland

“Highland is poised to grow our surgery program in breadth and depth,” said Roan J. Glocker, M.D., M.P.H., who was named Chief of Surgery at Highland in July. “We benefit by being part of the University of Rochester and we have the expertise to offer complex and high-end surgeries in a respected and trusted community hospital. This balance puts Highland in a unique position in our region.”

Department of Medicine Announces New Leadership Roles in Geriatrics

Highland’s Department of Medicine announces new leadership roles for Corey Romesser, M.D., and Jennifer Muniak, M.D. Dr. Romesser has been named medical director for Geriatrics at Highland Hospital. “Dr. Romesser brings a wealth of experience as a Geriatric Hospitalist and administrative leader,” said Annie Medina-Walpole, M.D., chief of the Geriatrics/Aging Division within the University of Rochester Department of Medicine, “and is the perfect person to take on this new role of Medical Director. I am confident that he will continue the visionary advancements in geriatric models of care at Highland and serve as a role model and mentor to faculty and trainees alike.”

Pulmonary Team Announces Updates

Serban Staicu, M.D., has been named the new Medical Director of Pulmonary and the PFT Lab, and also serves as the Medical Director of the Progressive Care Unit (PCU).  Dr. Irene Perillo, M.D., is the Medical Director of the ICU and has also taken on the role of Medical Director of Respiratory Therapy.