In observation of September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Cancer Program at UM Shore Regional Health and Shore Medical Group – Urology team members are sharing information about prostate cancer. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, about six cases in 10 are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it is rare before age 40.

In particular, African-American men have higher risk, as they are more likely to develop prostate cancer at a younger age and may present with a more severe stage of prostate cancer disease.

“Maryland’s Eastern Shore has a higher percentage of older adults than many of the western shore counties, so we want to get the word out about the importance of prostate cancer screenings for men who are at higher risk,” said Dr. John Foley, Medical Director, UM Shore Medical Group – Urology. “As in the case of many other types of cancer, early detection of prostate saves lives.”

While prostate cancer can be present without any particular symptoms, signs that indicate prompt medical attention include difficulties with urination (increase frequency, interrupted flow, pain/burning, etc.), painful ejaculation, blood in the urine or semen, and pain in the back, hips or pelvis. These symptoms may indicate prostate cancer or some other health problem that warrants diagnosis and treatment, such as non-cancerous prostate enlargement.

“Due to COVID-19, for the second year in a row we are unable to provide the free prostate cancer screenings we have offered in the past,” says Nina Weisenborn, Clinical Research Nurse at the Cancer Center. “But screenings are still available by appointment at UM Shore Medical Group – Urology offices in Chestertown and Easton, and we encourage any man who is 55 or older, or who has a family history of prostate cancer, to talk with his health care provider about whether a prostate cancer screening is appropriate in his case.”

In addition to Dr. Foley, UM Shore Medical Group – Urology providers based in Easton are R. Duane Cespedes, MD; Andrew Riggin, MD, and Christopher Runz, DO. Christopher Parry, DO is located in the SMG-Urology office in Chestertown. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 410-820-0560.

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Sleep Disorders Center at UM Shore Medical Center in Easton recently received program reaccreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Both the Sleep Disorders Center at UM Shore Medical Center at Dorchester and at UM Shore Medical Pavilion at Queenstown also received program reaccreditation, in December 2020. All three programs have been reaccredited for five years.

As the national accrediting body for sleep disorders centers, the AASM is dedicated to setting standards and promoting excellence in sleep medicine health care, education and research. To receive accreditation for a five-year period, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional health care as designated by the AASM.  These standards address core areas such as personnel, facility and equipment, policies and procedures, data acquisition, patient care, and quality assurance.  Additionally, the sleep center’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.

Photo: The University of Maryland Shore Regional Sleep Disorders Centers’ team recently celebrated the reaccreditation of Sleep Disorders Centers at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton, at UM Shore Medical Center at Dorchester and UM Shore Medical Pavilion at Queenstown. Lyndsey Feather, Manager, Cardiopulmonary Services; Stephen Eisemann, Director, Cardiopulmonary Services; M. Walid Kamsheh, MD, Medical Director, Regional Sleep Disorders Center; Douglas Rousseau, Lead Technologist; Kimberly Breeding, Sleep Lab Administrator; Irene Hansen, Polysomnographic Technologist; and Lori Bratten, Sleep Lab Assistant.

UM Shore Regional Health’s sleep medicine program includes two in-lab locations (one in Easton and one in Queenstown) and two home sleep testing setup centers, one in Chestertown and one in the new UM Shore Regional Health at Cambridge opening in September 2021. Serving as an important resource for patients and medical providers in the five-county region served by UM Shore Regional Health, the sleep centers provide high-quality care for patients suffering from sleep disorders.

“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and patient-focused work of our entire team,” said M. Walid Kamsheh, MD, Medical Director of the UM SRH Regional Sleep Disorders Center. “This is a true team effort at every level, including sleep lab office staff, technical staff, managers and the staff and providers in UM Shore Medical Group practices in Neurology and Sleep Medicine and Pulmonary Care offices. Accreditation of our Sleep Center locations lets patients know that these are state-of-the-art facilities operating in accordance with the highest standards.”

In addition to Dr. Kamsheh, pulmonologist Peyman Otmishi, MD specializes in sleep disorders, including insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, sleepwalking and snoring. They are supported by other physicians and advanced practice providers in Pulmonology and Neurology and Sleep Medicine, as well as sleep center technologists and support staff.

Sleep disorders and deprivation are more than just annoying – they’re known to contribute to many serious health problems, including obesity, depression, and even heart attacks and strokes. Approximately 1,500 patients receive testing and/or treatment for sleep disorders each year at UM SRH Regional Sleep Disorders Center locations in Cambridge, Chestertown, Easton and Queenstown.

To learn more, talk to your primary care physician about a referral or call UM Shore Medical Group-Neurology and Sleep Medicine at 410-770-5250, or visit www.umshoreregional.org and search for sleep.

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care.  Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Plans for the transfer of University of Maryland Shore Behavioral Health’s Inpatient Care Unit from UM Shore Medical Center at Dorchester to UM Shore Medical Center at Easton have begun.

“As our newly renovated and secured, 12-bed unit on the third floor of the Easton hospital is being readied for occupancy, we are making plans for the transition period, August 25 through September 9,” said Laurence Pezor, MD, Medical Director, UM Shore Behavioral Health. “We have notified our community partners and referral sources that as of August 25, we will discontinue involuntary psychiatric admissions at the Dorchester hospital, and as of September 1, we will discontinue voluntary psychiatric admissions. Both types of admission will resume on September 9 at UM Shore Medical Center in Easton.”

Patients needing assessment for behavioral health issues may still present at any UM Shore Regional Health Emergency Department for evaluation by the Behavioral Health Response Team (BHRT). This team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide mental health and substance abuse evaluations and referrals for adults and children in need. Patients needing inpatient behavioral health care during the transition will be referred to other community providers.

In addition to inpatient care and rapid assessments for behavioral health issues in emergency care settings, UM Shore Behavioral Health provides a Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). When the new UM Shore Regional Health at Cambridge opens in late September 2021, the Mental Health IOP will relocate to this new facility along with a separate suite of three designated behavioral health beds adjacent to the Emergency Department for patients needing assessment, observation and/or care prior to admission for inpatient care.

”Our team of providers, nurses, therapists, licensed clinical social workers, certified addiction counselors and other support staff is committed to delivering compassionate, community based care to those in need of behavioral health services,” said Dr. Pezor. “We are looking forward to moving into our new space in the Easton hospital and continuing our tradition of evidence-based practice and our integrated, collaborative approach to supporting patients in their recovery journey.”

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

UM Shore Medical Group – Neurology and Sleep Medicine recently welcomed Rena Sukhdeo Singh, MD. A board-certified neurologist, she joins M. Walid Kamsheh, MD; Rahel Alemu, CRNP; Fallon Bauer, PA-C; Trisha Lemay, CRNP; and Tatyana Valentin, CRNP, in the Easton-based practice.

Dr. Sukhdeo Singh most recently completed a Fellowship in Vascular Neurology (Stroke) at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. She previously served as Chief Neurology Resident at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee, and as an Associate Investigator for the Natural History Study and White Matter Study at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Stroke Branch. She also has co-authored multiple articles and presentations in the field of neurology, with a recent book chapter publication on post-stroke depression.

Dr. Sukhdeo Singh earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences, headquartered in New York City, New York, and her undergraduate degree in biology and psychology from the University of Toronto.

To schedule an appointment with Dr.Sukhdeo Singh, please call 410-770-5250.

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care.  Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) today announced a $1.2 million commitment to address food insecurity issues in the communities across the state which are served by the organization’s 13 hospitals.

UMMS is working with the Maryland Food Bank, the Capital Area Food Bank, Moveable Feast and Meals on Wheels to provide directed grants and other resources to the most vulnerable individuals in targeted areas and help those who are hungry in our communities by supplying food and prepared meals. In most cases, the grants will be an extension of work that is already occurring in local communities.

This initiative falls under the System’s Corporate Social & Economic Justice workstream, which operates within the growing Diversion, Equity and Inclusion effort, and is one of several that the System will be focusing on to address social determinants of health. In addition to the financial commitment, members of the System’s workforce of more than 29,000 individuals will also have opportunities to volunteer, such as helping pack and/or distribute food in local communities.

“As anchor institutions in the communities we serve, we have a moral obligation to help people not only directly with their physical health needs, but helping them put food in their pantries and on their tables,” said Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, President and CEO of UMMS.  “Being secure with food is at the heart of, and one of the driving forces behind, an individual’s overall health.”

Prior to COVID-19, nearly 11 percent of Marylanders were food insecure, according to the organization Feed America, impacting approximately 380,000 individuals across the UMMS footprint, and the issue was exacerbated as a result of the pandemic.

“We are working with these organizations because they are focused on feeding the hungry now and also on developing broader long-term solutions to food insecurity challenges,” Dr. Suntha said. “Partnering with them will help ensure that our resources are used for the most measurable and innovative solutions possible.”

UMMS member organizations, including the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH), have been working to address food insecurity issues in local communities and this aligns with those efforts on a systemwide scale.

UM SRH has a long history of working alongside local organizations and food banks to collect and distribute food to families in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties. Prior to COVID-19, over 20,000 mid-shore residents were estimated to be food insecure. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, UM SRH partnered with the Maryland Food Bank Eastern Shore to help address food insecurity challenges impacting Eastern Shore Marylanders, providing approximately 15,000 nourishing meals, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community.

“I am deeply concerned about access to food for our most vulnerable populations–children and the elderly,” said Ken Kozel, President and CEO of University of Maryland Shore Regional Health.  “Many studies have shown food insecurity among children has adverse health effects, including increased rates of iron-deficiency anemia, acute infection, chronic illness, and developmental and mental health problems. Among adults, food insecurity is associated with such health risks as cardiovascular risk factors and hypertension. Shore Health is happy to support the fight against hunger during this unprecedented time.”

Quotes from partner organizations:

• Carmen Del Guercio, President and CEO of the Maryland Food Bank: “As a hunger-relief organization that serves a majority of Maryland, we see great value in working with a similar statewide entity to broaden our reach and provide access to nutritious foods in areas of high need served by UMMS facilities. We look forward to working with UMMS to improve health outcomes among vulnerable populations, and hope this will be the start of a long-term partnership that leads to more opportunities to help Marylanders improve their lives through better nutrition.”   

The Maryland Food Bank plans to collaborate with UMMS on approximately 240 Pantry on the Go events, which will serve an estimated 60,000 families. These mobile pantries will provide produce and other nutritious food to zip codes where the needs are greatest in and around UMMS hospital locations.  

• Sue Elias, Executive Director of Moveable Feast: “Moveable Feast has been right where we needed to be during the pandemic – delivering medically-tailored meals to Marylanders experiencing food insecurity and serious illness. Over the last year and a half, we have seen a tremendous increase in the need for our services. Through this partnership, Marylanders will receive nutritious meals delivered right to their door resulting in better client health outcomes, decreased return trips to the hospital, improved food security and reduced healthcare costs.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care.  Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

About the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.  For more information, visit www.umms.org/shore.

The Birthing Center at UM Shore Regional Health will be hosting virtual courses to discuss:

Labor & Delivery — Jessica Pretzler, RN
Tuesday, August 10 at 5 p.m.
• Signs labor is near                                                  • Positions
• Stages of labor                                                         • Medical procedures
• Labor contractions                                                 • Recovery
• Comfort techniques/pain management

Breastfeeding — Julie Callahan, RN
Thursday, September 16 at 6 p.m.
• Tips and techniques, latch and positioning, maintaining milk supply

New Mom, New Baby — Jaimi Hall, RN
Tuesday, September 21 at 6 p.m.
• Care for Baby – Feeding, diapering, circumcision care, infant safety
• Care for Mom – Postpartum care, emotions, returning to work

Please register for the courses of your choice at 410-822-1000, ext. 5200, with your name and phone number so we can share login credentials as the date nears.

Michele A. Domenick, MD has joined the UM Shore Medical Group – Surgical Care practice serving the general surgery care needs of Kent and northern Queen Anne’s counties.

Dr. Domenick is located in the Multi-Specialty Clinic in UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown.  Her prior experience includes serving as a general surgeon with Eden Hill Surgical Group, Surgical Associates and the Delaware Surgery Center in Dover, Delaware, and also with the Comprehensive Breast Center in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. For 10 years, she also was an attending surgeon at Kent General Hospital’s Bayhealth Medical Center, serving for two years as chair of Bayhealth’s Department of Surgery.

“Dr. Domenick is a wonderful addition to our surgical care team and to our community of health care providers in the northernmost region of UM Shore Regional Health’s service area,” said William H. Huffner, MD, Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer. “Her experience and expertise are an excellent fit with the needs of our Chestertown hospital and the communities it serves, and we are very excited to have her join our health care team.”

After earning her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Dr. Domenick completed her internship and residency training at MCP-Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. She is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has published widely in medical journals and textbooks on topics related to surgery.

“We are grateful to have the skills and experience of Dr. Domenick,” said John T. Moon, MD, Medical Director UM SMG – Surgical Care. “She is an asset to our team and to the Kent County community,”

To make an appointment with Dr. Domenick, please call 410-822-4553.

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Emily Uyttewaal, RN, of Easton, was named winner of the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health 2021 Nurse of the Year Award in a recent award presentation conducted by UM SRH President and CEO Ken Kozel.

Uyttewaal, who works as a surgical nurse at the Ambulatory Surgery Center located at 6 Caulk Lane in Easton, was selected for this prestigious award from among 28 nurses nominated by their peers. Of the 28 nominees, 15 were selected by The Nurse Executive Committee as Unit Award Winners.

“Emily epitomizes the mission and values of Shore Regional Health,” said Brandi Covey, MSN, Nurse Manager at UM SRH Surgery Centers. “I’ve worked with Emily for over a decade in her roles as a staff nurse, PACU nurse and now a surgical nurse. Whatever she is doing, she always exudes excellence, unceasingly upholding herself to the highest standards of patient care.”

Individual nursing units throughout UM SRH responded to a call for nominations for the awards in March 2021. Nominations reflected how candidates exemplified the health care system’s “HEART” behaviors and values, as follows: Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence and Service.

Unit Award recipients and nominees received certificates of recognition from their managers during Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2021.

“Our nurses are exceptional and care for our community with their compassionate hearts, amazing skill, and perseverance in the midst of a global pandemic,” said Jenny Bowie, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President, Patient Care Services, at UM SRH. “Nurses across our system were nominated by their peers for living and breathing our core values and being the best of the best. I am so proud of our nominees who embody all that it means to be a nurse and I extend my celebratory congratulations to every single one of them. They are the nurses that we all strive to be and I thank them for their continued service in supporting our team and their continued care for our patients and community.”

2021 Nursing Unit Award Winners are:

• Wynne Aroom – Professional Nursing Practice
• Teresa Baker – Shore Home Care
• Chantra Buttrill – Surgical Services, UM SMC at Chestertown
• Constance Collins – Women & Children’s Health Services, UM SMC at Easton
• Chelsea Compton – Shore Behavioral Health, UM SMC at Dorchester
• Sandra Hammons – Surgical Services, UM SMC at Easton
• Annette Moore – Joint Replacement Center, UM SMC at Easton
• Sarah Morris – UM Shore Emergency Center at Queenstown
• Shauna Pryor – Requard Center for Acute Rehabilitation, UM SMC at Easton
• Mary Ann Scott – Infusion Center, UM SMC at Easton
• William Shertenlieb – Emergency Department, UM SMC at Dorchester
• Cynthia Simmons – Emergency Department, UM SMC at Dorchester
• Amanda Sutton – UM Chester River Home Care
• Emily Uyttewaal – UM SRH Ambulatory Surgery Center, Easton
• Rachel Wayman – 3 East Multispecialty Unit, UM SMC at Easton

Also honored by their peers as 2021 Nursing Award Nominees are:

• Laura Brittingham
• Sara Burns
• Thomas Bush
• Anne Cannon
• Kari Cheezum
• Barbara Cole
• Tricia Ericson
• Lisa Lisle
• Donna Lyons
• Maria Matulay
• Melissa Myers
• Tara Smith
• Emily Welsh

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Following a week-long renovation and refresh, UM Shore Medical Center at Easton recently unveiled its newly renovated “Easton Marketplace,” replacing the traditional cafeteria, a project completed with the hospital’s partner, Morrison Healthcare. The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting led by Diane Baltimore, a University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Food and Nutrition Services and Easton Marketplace team member who has worked with the hospital system for 14 years.

Photo: University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and Morrison Healthcare team members recently celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated “Easton Marketplace” at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton.

“Thanks goes out to our Food and Nutrition Services team for all their hard work in making these changes happen and in providing excellent food service to our patients, staff and visitors every day,” said Ken Kozel, President and CEO, UM Shore Regional Health. “These team members play a key role in the hospital’s ability to provide exceptional care to our patients by offering warm, nourishing meals and smiling faces to their loved ones and family members. This cafeteria renovation project is an important element in our commitment to enhancing the visitor experience at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton.”

The Easton Marketplace renovation included a fresh coat of paint and display cases for bottled beverages and grab-and-go items, and installation of two customer-friendly LED screens to display daily menus. Other new or enhanced features include a soda fountain, a lemonade stand, a coffee destination and many additional grab-and-go menu options.

“The transformation from cafeteria to marketplace was done with one of Morrison Healthcare’s cultural beliefs in mind: Retail Excellence, which means anticipating and delivering a great hospitality experience for our guests,” said Bjorn Verduijn, Director, Food and Nutrition Services, Morrison Healthcare.

The Marketplace at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton is located on the first floor of the hospital. Service is provided to team members and visitors from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and 6:30 am to 2:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Please keep in mind that Marketplace hours may vary during holidays.

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care.  Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Beth Gross, MS, ACNP, has joined UM Shore Medical Group – Gastroenterology. She is the latest provider to join the Gastroenterology practice, which also includes Hamza Abdulla, MD, George Kunnackal John, MD, Volkan Taskin, MD, Matthew Troshinsky, MD, Melissa Eigenbrode, CRNP, and Mary Horseman, CRNP.

Gross previously served as surgical oncology nurse practitioner at University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC). Her experience includes several years a registered nurse at Woodholme Gastroenterology, Endocentre at Quarterfield Station and as an intermediate care unit nurse for UM BWMC.

After completing her BSN from Towson University, Gross earned her MSN from University of Maryland at Baltimore. She is a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the American College of Gastroenterology and the Oncology Nursing Society.

“We are excited to welcome Beth to the SMG GI group, in the GI hospitalist role,” said George John, MBBS, medical director, UM SMG – Gastroenterology. “With over 15 years of experience taking care of complex patient conditions, Beth will be a valuable member of the GI team.”

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.