WE ARE AtlantiCare
AtlantiCare STAFF AND PATIENTS SHARE THEIR STORIES
Every other month, we feature AtlantiCare patients and staff who have become partners in health and wellness. Click on a link below to learn more:
2006
November 2006: "We will strengthen you in your fight against cancer"
“As a physician, I’ve always had an interest in cancer research. In fact, research is what prompted me to go into medicine.
AtlantiCare’s new partnership with Fox Chase Cancer Center gives local patients access to advanced research protocols—which
ensures that they’re receiving the latest and most promising cancer therapies and treatments.”
James Wurzer, MD, PhD, Medical Director for Radiation Oncology, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
“As an AtlantiCare radiation therapist, the best part of my job is the relationships I form with patients. I often see them five
days a week and encourage them to discuss their feelings throughout the treatment process. Often, my patients bring in photos
of their grandkids to show me and talk about what’s going on in their lives.”
Helen Hiltner, Radiation Therapist, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
“I’m a big advocate of early cancer detection since my mother had a double mastectomy
and my father died of colon cancer. Following a routine mammogram last July, I was
diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully it was discovered early. I’m now in my last
phase of treatment and feeling great about the future.”
Recovering cancer patient Karen Belk, New Gretna, New Jersey
September 2006: "I will support you when a loved one is critically ill"
“When my late wife, Thelma, was battling breast cancer, I was opposed to
the idea of other folks taking care of her. That was my job. But it became too
much for me. I learned about AtlantiCare Hospice through a grief-counseling
group I belonged to. After just one meeting with their hospice representative,
I felt a lot better about making the decision to have someone help me. It’s
a real comfort having such fantastic support through such a difficult time.”
John Henderson, Absecon, NJ
“I’ve always had an interest in hospice care. In fact, my dad was a hospice
patient. As a referral coordinator for AtlantiCare Hospice, I work primarily
with new clients. When you enter the home of a critically ill person, it’s often
an emotionally charged situation. The most rewarding part of my job is
comforting families and helping them focus on the issues at hand. Our
hospice team is a group of trained, caring professionals and volunteers
committed to meeting the needs of patients and caregivers.”
Susan Booksha, RN, AtlantiCare Hospice
July 2006: "We will coach you on what it takes to get back in the game"
“When an athlete comes to me with a particular injury, like a shoulder dislocation or a blown-out knee, they are usually very upset,
thinking they’re never going to play again. I can usually fix the problem through minimally invasive surgery, and get them back into the game at their previous level. What a great feeling to make a positive difference like that.”
Bradford S. Tucker, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
“Whether someone is a serious athlete or an amateur, or just enjoys a recreational activity, our goal is to return them to function
as quickly as possible. I find it especially gratifying to pick up the newspaper and see a kid’s name in a sports story—whom
I’ve helped—who’s back on the field again and playing well without pain.”
Matthew D. Pepe, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
“As a certified athletic trainer, I work with athletes, coaches, teachers and parents
to help them understand the importance of proper body mechanics. For example, at
the AtlantiCare LifeCenter we just conducted a clinic for golfers in an effort to
prevent shoulder and back injuries. The golfers were pleased because it also helped
them improve their swing and lower their handicap.”
Katherine Bagnato, Community Outreach Coordinator, AtlantiCare Health Services
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