Magazine

“I wouldn’t be here today, and my son would not have his mommy if it wasn’t for the amazing people who work on this unit,”

From an early age, Lauren Lovin knew she had no desire to become a nurse, nor work in the medical field in any capacity. Her family was replete with healthcare workers, including her mother who is a registered nurse. Lauren strongly felt there was no need for yet another RN in the family; her path was going to be different. But one thing she did not count on, was the slow-burning, yet profound impact her family’s dedication to caring for others would have on her life. This unexpected realization sparked a radical transformation in Lauren’s outlook, leading her to embrace the possibility of forging her own unique path within the healthcare field.

With her career on the line, Quinn wanted to be sure she found the right therapist. That led her to Zach Nobles, Thompson’s senior occupational therapist as well as a certified hand therapist.

Excellent outcomes, less pain, and minimal need for post-surgery opioid prescriptions define a high-quality, growing program.

A Summer of Celebration and Growth

Gynecologic wellness visits are vital for maintaining health and addressing potential issues early on. By taking a proactive approach to gynecologic health, you empower yourself with knowledge and care that can positively impact well-being now and in the future.

Nelson worked with both physical and occupational therapists at the CCC, describing the experience as “unbelievably good.”

Now that the pandemic is over, Zoom is allowing the group to expand its reach.

According to Director of Practice Management Karina Anderson, patients in the region will be able to access their own, more comprehensive healthcare picture from a single, robust, interactive platform, allowing them to self-advocate and better participate in their care.

On the heels of once again earning the community’s support with a “Best Pharmacy” award in Messenger Post Media’s 2023 Best of the Finger Lakes Awards, Thompson is gearing up to open a second retail pharmacy location.

Two of Thompson’s largest primary care practices recently added a clinical pharmacist to their teams.

“As technology continues to evolve and given the challenges we face with nurse workloads and staffing, we have to be inventive in the ways we connect with and care for patients,”

Those with a brand-new nursing degree have an opportunity to join Thompson for a two-phase residency program designed to help RN students bridge the gap between school and independent practice.

A year and a half after breaking ground, we opened the doors of our new Farmington Medical Group to patients on Monday, August 7

F.F. Thompson Hospital has received the American Heart Association’s Gold Plus Get With The Guidelines^®-Stroke quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally-recognized guidelines.

With an average of 140 patrons each night and a slew of rave reviews, the kitchen at Ferris Hills at West Lake/Clark Meadows consistently serves up incredible dishes even for the most discerning palate.

Earlier this year, Dr. Karina A. Newhall performed the first TCAR (transcarotid revascularization) at Thompson Hospital. Now, the hospital’s Surgical Care Center has several patients undergoing the procedure each month.

Many women understand that screenings are an important way to detect breast cancer early and reduce your chances of dying from it. But the details of when to start and how often to be screened have been heavily debated in recent decades as various organizations recommend different ages and intervals.

Growing up on a farm in a multi-generational household, Diane Hayton and her five siblings did without a number of things as the family worked to make ends meet. The childrens’ college education seemed out of the question.

Opening April 25

With a common emphasis on wellness, as well as a long history of working together to support the community, Thompson Health and the Greater Canandaigua Family YMCA are about to become neighbors.

In health care as in so many other aspects of our society, momentum is everything.

For many years, dedicated volunteers have been the backbone of Thompson Health.

Their smiling faces would greet visitors in the gift shop. They would assist patients being discharged from the Surgical Care Center. They provided compassionate care visits to hospitalized patients.

However, when the pandemic hit in March 2020, the Health System’s volunteers were asked to stay home until it was deemed safe to return.

On April 28, 2021, while on a morning run near her home in Farmington, Rosemary Lowden was hit by a car, sustaining severe trauma to her right arm, wrist, hand, and ankle.

As the clinical secretary in the Associate Health Department, Valerie Roeland is often among the first to welcome new associates to Thompson Health. Recently, many of them have been familiar faces. That’s because they’re “boomerangs” – former associates who left to work elsewhere and then returned.

When registered nurse Melissa Hoffman advocated for a family during a difficult labor, delivery, and post-partum period, Birthing Center Manager Shannon McCarthy-Leone took notice and paused to reflect on the kind, compassionate, and skilled care Melissa provides on a regular basis.

“We have been working hard on recruitment and are extremely fortunate to be welcoming so many talented, exceptional individuals to our medical staff,” said Executive Vice President/COO Kurt Koczent. 

CANANDAIGUA – The Wellness Department at UR Medicine Thompson Health is conducting a free, six-week workshop called “Live Well, Be Well: Take Charge of Your Health,” focusing on a researched-based chronic disease self-management program developed by Stanford University.

CANANDAIGUA – UR Medicine Thompson Health recently named Karen M. Parker of Honeoye Falls its new clinical nurse educator.

Heather Rickett is the new director of the F.F. Thompson Foundation, Inc., the fundraising arm of the nonprofit UR Medicine Thompson Health.

Now, Thompson can treat DVT with the ClotTriever^® System. This system involves an FDA-cleared mechanical thrombectomy device specifically designed to core and collect a clot from the vein wall in a single session, without the need for thrombolytics and a subsequent ICU stay. 

F.F. Thompson Hospital was recently named as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Minimally Invasive Surgery by the Women’s Choice Award®.

For many years, Thompson has been among the local organizations to partner with Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES’ New Vision programs for high school seniors interested in health care.

The students are a familiar sight on campus, shadowing Thompson professionals to augment on-site classroom learning. Said one, “It has allowed me to define that this is what I’m meant to do.”

To learn more about New Vision, visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/Partners.

For the first time, we are hosting Internal Medicine residents from the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) on one of our medical-surgical floors, with residents “rounding” on the floor on a daily basis.

Work began in July on a project aimed at ensuring our hospital remains prepared for emergencies in the future.

Morgan Lanich is not one to sit still. She likes to keep moving and prefers not knowing how her day will unfold, which is why the Palmyra mother of three can’t wait to be a registered nurse.

Each year as Australia weathers its flu season from May to September, U.S. health experts keep a watchful eye for clues on what to expect during our upcoming flu season. This year, the data suggests cases could start circulating early and be more severe than in recent years.

In August, we launched a new program: The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the compassionate care provided every day.

For most people, COVID-19 restrictions created a pause in day-to-day life. In some cases, they even led to a disruption in employment.

During a recent “State of Community Health” event hosted by the Canandaigua Area Chamber of Commerce, Ontario County Public Health Director Mary Beer and Thompson Health President/CEO Michael F. Stapleton, Jr. had a clear and unified message for the community.

UR Medicine Thompson Health’s breast surgery program is bringing together F.F. Thompson Hospital general surgeons who specialize in breast surgery with surgeons from University of Rochester Medical Center Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, enabling Thompson’s patients to streamline treatment following a breast cancer diagnosis.

F.F. Thompson Hospital nurses were recently recognized for their efforts to ensure older patients remain safe.

The Patient Needs Fund does more than provide for people’s physical needs. It takes a portion of the burden off patients’ shoulders at a time when they need it most.

F.F. Thompson Hospital moved from its original spot at 120 N. Main St. – where it had been located for 67 years – to a brand-new building at 350 Parrish St. A new nursing home, attached to the hospital, was soon to follow.

WITH MORE THAN 20 YEARS’ experience in the greater Rochester region, Dr. Jeffrey A. Goldstein joined UR Thompson Gastroenterology at F.F. Thompson Hospital in September.

A fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology and member of the Bockus International Society of Gastroenterology, Goldstein most recently practiced at the Digestive Center of Western NY in Rochester.

SURGEONS AT F.F. Thompson Hospital are heralding the arrival of a new, state-of the-art robotic surgical system they say allows them to operate at the highest standard, offering patients a number of benefits.

The da Vinci Xi is the latest model of the da Vinci and Dr. A. David Peter, a general surgeon who had used an earlier model extensively for years, said this model is “light years” ahead in a number of ways, including the instrumentation and the visualization it provides to the surgeon. “It’s amazing,” he said.

General Surgeon Dr. Andrew Powers recently joined F.F. Thompson Hospital’s Advanced Surgical Services at 395 West St. in Canandaigua.

With a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College, Powers received his medical degree from Stony Brook University School of Medicine and then completed his general surgery residency at the Mary Imogene Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown, NY.

To learn more about his background and his specialties, as well as view a short video featuring him, visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/Powers.

IN THE DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING Department at F.F. Thompson Hospital, work is underway on a larger, state-of the art angiography suite.

Located across the hall from the current suite – and adjacent to the Emergency Department – the suite will feature new, cutting-edge technology for complex vascular procedures. According to Director of Diagnostic Imaging Kelli Furnare, this technology will mean higher quality imaging and lower doses of radiation.

In addition, Thompson plans to acquire new intravascular ultrasound equipment that will allow the user to see inside the vessel and will facilitate advanced imaging for the performance of venous procedures, blood clot removals, and treatment of peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

The new angiography suite is expected to be completed in December.

AT A TIME WHEN infection prevention is on most everyone’s minds – especially in healthcare settings – Thompson Health continues to enhance the ways in which its staff creates a safe environment for patients and visitors.

For four years, Thompson’s Environmental Services Department has been deploying a R-DTM Rapid Disinfector™ in areas throughout the hospital and, upon request, the adjacent M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center. Resembling a robot, the mobile system emits a subtype of ultraviolet light called UV-C. It sterilizes surfaces – working in conjunction with manual cleaning – to eradicate harmful pathogens such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile (C. diff).

When U.S. News & World Report released its latest hospital ratings and rankings, F.F. Thompson Hospital again achieved the highest possible rating with regard to two health conditions – heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

According to its website, U.S. News evaluates data from nearly 5,000 medical centers nationwide. Survival rates, patient experience, specialized staff and advanced technologies are
among the factors weighed.

F.F. THOMPSON HOSPITAL now offers expanded neurosurgery services with the addition of three neurosurgeons from the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) and two pain management specialists.

The team provides consultations for brain and spine disorders and pain conditions. They also perform neurosurgical operations and pain management interventions within the hospital as well as offer emergency services.

THOMPSON HEALTH recently strengthened its partnership with UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance for expanded inpatient and outpatient orthopaedic care in both Canandaigua and Victor.

“We are excited to collaborate with top-level orthopaedic professionals who enable us to manage the more complex cases right here in Canandaigua,” said President/CEO Michael F. Stapleton, Jr.

WITH LOCATIONS in Victor, Farmington and Canandaigua and a staff of over 65 licensed and credentialed professionals from many disciplines, F.F. Thompson Hospital Rehabilitation Services offers a wide range of services for people of all ages.

THERE IS GOOD NEWS for people who suffer with restricted mobility or have resigned themselves to live with certain types of chronic pain: The health system’s Rehabilitation Services Department is now offering Active Release Techniques (ART)® soft tissue treatment at its Victor location.

ART is a non-invasive approach that focuses on relieving tissue tension that has built up as a result of injury or repetitive use. According to Carrie Phelps, a Thompson athletic trainer and physical therapy assistant who is certified in lower-extremity ART, this hands-on, movement-based treatment can quickly reduce pain and restore function.

REHABILITATION SERVICES specialists at 7670 Omnitech Place in Victor are hosting small, socially-distanced group classes for local athletes of all ages.

Those who are recovering from injuries are invited to attend Power & Agility classes, while those with back pain who are looking to improve strength and endurance are urged to sign up for Core Strength & Conditioning.

SIGNED INTO LAW in late March, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act included increased tax incentives – for both individuals and corporations – when it comes to charitable giving in the 2020 tax year.

“In a year that has negatively impacted the finances of many donors and the nonprofit organizations they support, we are grateful for these incentives, which can serve as a benefit to both,” said Mary Schneiter, director of the F.F. Thompson Foundation, Inc. “The incentives represent a win-win, and we truly hope individuals and corporations will take full advantage of them.”

IN RESPONSE TO the community’s requests for a way to help bolster Thompson’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, a Thompson Health COVID Emergency Fund was established earlier this year.

To date, the fund has helped purchase clear, protective dividers, wheelchairs for patients arriving for COVID testing, and an ultraviolet disinfection device that disinfects smaller items - such as mobile devices, stethoscopes and pens - that are capable of transmitting pathogens.

Gifts to this fund make a direct impact on frontline workers.

F.F. THOMPSON HOSPITAL has once again received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

Thompson is a New York State Department of Health designated Stroke Center and this award recognizes its commitment to the most appropriate treatment that follows nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. In order to earn the award, the hospital had to meet specific quality achievement measures relating to a number of things including the proper use of medications, the education provided prior to discharge and other care/transition interventions.

DESPITE THE PANDEMIC and its wide-reaching effects on the local economy, Thompson Health continues hiring and currently has several positions open throughout its health system.

An affiliate of UR Medicine, Thompson has locations in three counties. These include F.F. Thompson Hospital, the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center, the senior living communities of Ferris Hills at West Lake and Clark Meadows, a breast imaging center, a sleep disorders center, urgent care locations and primary care practices, as well as Rehabilitation Services sites and an occupational medicine program.

AFTER HOLDING 11 well-attended flu clinics throughout the area earlier this fall, F.F. Thompson Hospital is urging community members who haven’t yet received the 2020-2021 vaccine to seek one out.

“With so much focus on COVID-19 this year, it’s important not to lose sight of influenza and the importance of getting your annual vaccination. The flu vaccine helps keep you and your community protected. Now more than ever, this protection is critical,” said Thompson Health Director of Infection Prevention Kristen Bloom.

THE INTERNAL MEDICINE, Canandaigua Pediatrics and Farmington Pediatrics practices at the Canandaigua Medical Group (CMG) all received Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance in September.

In a PCMH, a primary care provider leads a team that partners closely with a patient throughout life. Nurses, nutritionists, pharmacists, specialists and other professionals are involved when appropriate, as well.

F.F. THOMPSON HOSPITAL recently received its third consecutive “LGBTQ Health Care Equality Leader” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC).

The latest designations were awarded in the 13th edition of HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) and based on four criteria: Non-Discrimination and Staff Training, Patient Services and Support, Employee Benefits and Policies, and Patient and Community Engagement.

While current restrictions prevent a public tree-lighting ceremony this year, the Thompson Health Guild is still having its annual Tree of Lights just outside the M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center in Canandaigua.

For a minimum donation of $5 each, you may sponsor a light in honor of or in memory of someone. To learn more, go to ThompsonHealth.com/Tree
or call (585) 396-6155.

THOMPSON HEALTH recently welcomed Dr. Ashley Leubner to Canandaigua Family Practice, an affiliate of F.F. Thompson Hospital.

Leubner is board certified in family medicine, with special interests in pediatrics and women’s health. She is accepting patients of all ages and genders at the practice, which is located at 3170 West St. in Canandaigua.

A native of Greenwood in Steuben County, Leubner graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Keuka College, going on to obtain her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies. She then completed her family medicine residency at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana.

At Canandaigua Family Practice, Leubner joins a team that also includes Drs. Joseph Duba, Susan Landgraf and Bryan Sandler, as well as Jamie Kline, a family nurse practitioner.

CALLED “ON MY WAY,” a new feature allows community members to check wait times at Thompson’s three urgent care locations, in Canandaigua, Farmington and Newark.

The optional feature allows individuals to let the staff know they are on their way to a particular urgent care center and why, along with their estimated time of arrival.

“While patients at the walk-in urgent care sites are still prioritized based on the severity of their conditions, ‘On My Way’ allows the staff to anticipate patients’ arrival, streamline the check-in experience and plan for more efficient patient care,” said Medical Director of Urgent Care Dr. David E. Baum.

To use “On My Way” prior to visiting any of the three urgent care centers – all of which are affiliates of F.F. Thompson Hospital – visit ThompsonHealth.com/UrgentCare.

He’s been a staple of Thompson Health for more than a quarter century, but what’s the story behind Thompson Bear?

F.F. Thompson Hospital’s Medical Nutrition Therapy Center is among the hospital departments offering some services via telehealth at this time.

Traditionally held in person at the hospital once a month, Thompson Health’s monthly Total Joint Replacement Group Education Program is now available online.

Social distancing?
The Canandaigua Medical Group Pharmacy has you covered.
Located at 335 Parrish St., the pharmacy offers drive-thru service for those who would rather not come inside.

UR Medicine Thompson Health’s Stroke Support Group will host an online meeting, via Zoom video conferencing, on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 1 p.m.

F.F. Thompson Hospital is now a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement, part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program overseen by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

Thompson Health's New OB-GYN location opened in Geneva in late 2019 and got 2020 off to a busy start. In fact, despite the pandemic, the location was 96 percent to its goal for appointments through mid-June. Of those appointments, 10 percent were new patients.

The year 1990 was when the world saw the reunification of Germany, “Ghost” was the top-grossing movie in the U.S. and a British computer scientist created the first web server and foundation for the World Wide Web.

When Thompson Health staff members found themselves on the front lines of the COVID-19 response, the health system’s fundraising arm suddenly found itself in a substantially different position as well.

Just as Thompson Health began its path toward a “new normal” in late April, its new outpatient facility was preparing to open its doors.

As many Americans remained at home this spring to minimize the spread of the coronavirus, a number of medical appointments were postponed or canceled, but not all. In fact, the reliance on telemedicine appointments skyrocketed with healthcare providers across the country, and Thompson Health was no exception.

Two general surgeons from Thompson Health Advanced Surgical Services were recently designated by the independent, nonprofit Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as Master  Surgeons™ for both hernia surgery and for robotic surgery.

As the summer continues and fall draws nearer, the community at large continues adjusting to the changes brought about by COVID-19, and healthcare workers are no different.