The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) recently conferred a gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence on the Cardiac ICU at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Tag: New Jersey
Five Hackensack Meridian Hospitals Nationally Recognized for Excellence with ACC HeartCARE Center Designations
They are the only hospitals in New Jersey to earn this elite distinction and provide world-class patient care through a sustainable quality improvement program
Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center Now Offers Electroconvulsive Therapy As Part of $30 Million Investment To Expand Its Behavioral Health Services
“There is a lot of misperception and misinformation about ECT,” said Arunesh K. Mishra, MD, central region chair of psychiatry, Hackensack Meridian Health, who treats behavioral health conditions and has used ECT therapy as a treatment option. “It is an option for people with severe depression and other psychiatric disorders that have not been satisfactorily treated by other therapies.”
First New Jersey Patient Treated with Genetically Modified T-Cells Developed at state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey has treated its first patient using genetically modified T-cells that were manufactured in its own state-of-the-art Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) facility.
Cancer Experts at Jersey Shore University Medical Center Implanting First Targeted Liver Tumor Treatment Pumps in Patients
A team of surgical experts led by Gregory J. Tiesi, M.D., FACS, FSSO, began implanting hepatic artery infusion pumps in patients at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in June. They are among the first in New Jersey to provide the pump for patients.
Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health Hospitals Earn Top Ranking for Third Year in a Row in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best Children’s Hospitals List
Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest, most comprehensive hospital network, is proud to announce that the Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospitals – filed jointly under a single program – are ranked #1 in New Jersey for the third year in a row, and #10 in the Mid-Atlantic Region in the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals 2023-23 Rankings.
Hackensack Meridian Health Announces New Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport Program for Patients Covered by Medicare
Innovative new model allows Medicare beneficiaries to choose options for emergency care other than a hospital Emergency Department
Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge and Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Receive Lotus Recognition from Watson Caring Science Institute
Old Bridge and Raritan Bay Medical Center’s are the 4th and 5th in the nation to receive this award
NJ Medicaid Reforms Tied to Increased Use of Opioid Addiction Treatment
Rutgers study shows higher number of caregivers prescribing buprenorphine
Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center Welcomes Otolaryngologist and Thoracic Surgeon to Advanced Lung & Airway Center
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Razi and Dr. Lebovics to our team of experts at JFK University Medical Center who treat patients with breathing disorders,” said Faiz Y. Bhora, MD, FACS, Professor and Regional Chair of Surgery, Central Region, Hackensack Meridian Health and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, who leads the Advanced Lung & Airway Center.

Seven Hackensack Meridian Medical Centers Recognized for Excellence with ACC Heart Failure Accreditation
Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education, improved patient outcomes, and more effective and efficient disease control.

ALS Center Celebrates Opening of New Practice Office
Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center recently celebrated the opening of the ALS Center’s new office in the Dr. Robert H. Harris Neuroscience Treatment Center. The center is one of only two Certified Treatment Centers of Excellence in New Jersey and is designated by the ALS Association’s National Office and the Greater Philadelphia Chapter.
Hackensack Meridian Health Invests $14 Million Into Oncology Expansion at JFK University Medical Center
“Hackensack Meridian Health is committed to using every available resource to fight cancer and ensure that our patients, clinical staff, and frontline teams have access to best-in-class, award-winning care in their own backyard,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health.
Hackensack University and Jersey Shore University Medical Centers Among the Elite Hospitals in North America for Open Heart Surgery
Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center, which are licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health for open heart surgery, have earned distinguished three-star ratings from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for their patient care and exemplary outcomes in adult cardiac surgery.
Cardiovascular Specialist Needed for Your Cancer Treatment?
As cancer treatments have evolved over the years, cancer survival has improved, but the new forms of chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause lasting damage to the heart. Accomplished physician and pioneer in cardio-oncology research and education, L. Steven Zukerman,…
Expert Available for Comment on Black Women, Breast Cancer and Clinical Trials
While there has been an overall decline in breast cancer deaths over the last 30 years, there is a persistent and significant mortality gap between Black women and white women. Black women are also disproportionately affected by more aggressive subtypes of…

MS Center at Jersey Shore University Medical Center Nationally Recognized as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care
Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Multiple Sclerosis Center, a leading provider of care for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in New Jersey, has been officially recognized as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Partners in MS Care program. It is one of only two Centers for Comprehensive MS Care in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center Now Offers The Most Advanced Robotic Bronchoscopy Technology in Central New Jersey
“Our new Ion Bronchoscopy system is a robotic-assisted minimally invasive biopsy platform. It features an ultra-thin, ultra-maneuverable catheter that allows navigation far into the lung, reaching smaller airways, said Faiz Y. Bhora, MD, FACS, chair of surgery, and chief of thoracic surgery, central region, Hackensack Meridian Health. “This platform’s unprecedented stability enables the precision needed for biopsy compared to manual techniques and the ability to diagnose lung cancer at the earliest stage when it is most treatable.”
St. Joseph’s Health and Hackensack Meridian Health: 20th Anniversary of Acute Rehabilitation Unit & One-Year Anniversary of Rehabilitation Partnership
“We are delighted to celebrate the one year anniversary of our rehabilitation clinical affiliation with St. Joseph’s Health,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health. “Throughout the state, our rehab experts have been improving lives through their vast expertise in healing and restoring quality of life after a serious illness or traumatic episode. This affiliation has placed our advanced services closer to home for residents of Northern New Jersey.”
Jersey Shore University Medical Center Now Providing Innovative Group Healthcare for Families
Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Jane H. Booker Family Health Center is now providing families with a CenteringParenting® healthcare model. The Centering model combines health assessment, interactive learning and community building to deliver better health outcomes and a better care experience for families.
Hackensack Meridian Long Term Acute Care Hospital Officially Opens To The Public
“We are excited to open our 18th hospital in the Hackensack Meridian Health network. This new LTACH will provide numerous benefits to our patients, their families and our community, which will lead to optimizing patient outcomes,” said Robert Garrett, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health.
New Guidelines from ASE Set Standards to Perform Transesophageal Echocardiographic Screening for Structural Heart Interventions
New guidelines published this year by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), Standards for the Performance of Transesophageal Echocardiographic Screening for Structural Heart Intervention, provide a unique teaching resource for interventional cardiologists, a growing group of heart specialists who perform echocardiography.
Five Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Centers Among Nation’s Top in Treating Heart Attack Patients
Five Hackensack Meridian Health medical centers have received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2022. These medical centers join only 240 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.
New Jersey’s First Dual-Chamber Leadless Pacemakers Implanted at Jersey Shore University Medical Center
The cardiovascular team at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center recently implanted New Jersey’s first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker systems in patients, as part of Abbott’s AveirTM DR i2i clinical study.
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and its top research leader Dr. Eileen White selected to lead global Cancer Grand Challenges team taking on cancer cachexia
A world-class team of researchers assembled and led by Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and its Deputy Director and Chief Scientific Officer Eileen White, PhD, has been awarded a $25 million Cancer Grand Challenges grant to tackle the condition of cancer cachexia.
Rutgers to Lead Regional Large-Scale Coastlines and People Megalopolitan Coastal Transformation Hub with Nearly $20M from National Science Foundation
Advancing its mission and leadership role to improve climate risk management critical to societal well-being, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey will lead a multi-university Megalopolitan Coastal Transformation Hub (MACH) made possible by a grant through the National Science Foundation’s Coastlines and People (CoPe) Program with expected total funding of $19.9+ million over the next five years.
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Clinical Leader Recognized as Fellow of the American Society of Radiation Oncology
Dr. Salma Jabbour has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Radiation Oncology (FASTRO). This distinction honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the society and to the field of radiation oncology through research, education, patient care and service to the field.
Protecting your Heart Before, During and After Cancer Treatment
Therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and other novel targeted treatments that are used to combat many cancers have the potential to contribute to cardiac toxicity. Rutgers Cancer Institute expert sheds light on the field of Cardo-Oncology, which focuses on the prevention and treatment of cardiac-related issues in cancer patients.
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and RWJBarnabas Health Leader Recognized as NJBIZ 2021 Healthcare Hero
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Director Steven K. Libutti, MD, FACS, who is also senior vice president of oncology services at RWJBarnabas Health and vice chancellor for cancer programs for Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, has been named by the business journal NJBIZ as a 2021 Healthcare Hero in the healthcare professional category.
Eagleton Experts on the NJ Gubernatorial Primary
Experts from Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics are available for commentary and analysis about the New Jersey Gubernatorial Primary Election. John Farmer, Jr., Director, Eagleton Institute of Politics; Director, Miller Center for Community Protection and Resilience Farmer can discuss the…
Most New Jerseyans Support Fully Reopening Public Schools in Fall, Requiring Vaccinations for Healthcare Workers, Rutgers Poll Shows
As vaccination rates increase and prospects of normal life return more than a year into the coronavirus pandemic, New Jerseyans differ on various aspects of this “new normal” and how comfortable they feel, according to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton Poll.
About One in Six New Jerseyans Say They Won’t Get COVID-19 Vaccine
Seventy-three percent of New Jerseyans say they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and while another 10 percent say they will likely roll up their sleeve for it, 16 percent remain unwilling, according to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton Poll.
Microscopic fossils record ancient climate conditions
Researchers report the climate clues that can be found by analyzing magnetic fossil particles, or magnetofossils.
36 Dwarf Galaxies Had Simultaneous “Baby Boom” of New Stars
Three dozen dwarf galaxies far from each other had a simultaneous “baby boom” of new stars, an unexpected discovery that challenges current theories on how galaxies grow and may enhance our understanding of the universe. Galaxies more than 1 million light-years apart should have completely independent lives in terms of when they give birth to new stars. But galaxies separated by up to 13 million light-years slowed down and then simultaneously accelerated their birth rate of stars, according to a Rutgers-led study published in the Astrophysical Journal.
Orangutan Finding Highlights Need to Protect Habitat
Wild orangutans are known for their ability to survive food shortages, but scientists have made a surprising finding that highlights the need to protect the habitat of these critically endangered primates, which face rapid habitat destruction and threats linked to climate change. Scientists found that the muscle mass of orangutans on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia was significantly lower when less fruit was available. That’s remarkable because orangutans are thought to be especially good at storing and using fat for energy, according a Rutgers-led study in the journal Scientific Reports.
The Unique Role of the Oncology Nurse: Lifelong Learning, Healing and Helping
Oncology nursing is a unique specialty that requires specific knowledge of the biological and psychosocial dimensions of cancer and its effects on individuals and families. Oncology nurse at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey shares more on the role of oncology nurses and the importance of the oncology nurse certification.
Catastrophic Sea-Level Rise from Antarctic Melting is Possible with Severe Global Warming
The Antarctic ice sheet is much less likely to become unstable and cause dramatic sea-level rise in upcoming centuries if the world follows policies that keep global warming below a key 2015 Paris climate agreement target, according to a Rutgers coauthored study. But if global warming exceeds the target – 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) – the risk of ice shelves around the ice sheet’s perimeter melting would increase significantly, and their collapse would trigger rapid Antarctic melting. That would result in at least 0.07 inches of global average sea-level rise a year in 2060 and beyond, according to the study in the journal Nature.
What is Bladder Cancer?
The bladder, a part of the urinary system, is a hollow organ in the pelvis with the primary function of storing and then eliminating urine that drains into it from the kidney. Cancer of the bladder develops when abnormal cells in the bladder start to grow out of control. Rutgers Cancer Institute expert explains what you need to know.
Rutgers Champion of Student Health and Wellness is Retiring
When Melodee Lasky joined Rutgers University 19 years ago, behavioral and mental health services were scattered across the individual colleges with little coordination. Psychiatry and the Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program were part of student health, but counseling services were separated and college-affiliated. Lasky, a physician who recognized the connection between physical and emotional wellness, recommended that mental and behavioral health be integrated within the framework of student health. That led to the creation of CAPS – Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services – a program that helps about 4,500 students each year.
Rutgers Engineers Developing Rapid Breathalyzer Test for COVID-19
New Brunswick, N.J. (April 30, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick engineering professors Edward P. DeMauro, German Drazer, Hao Lin and Mehdi Javanmard are available for interviews on their work to develop a new type of fast-acting COVID-19 sensor that detects the presence…
Rutgers Professor Joan Bennett Elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences
Joan W. Bennett, a Distinguished Professor of plant biology and pathology at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. She joins neurosurgeon and CNN medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center atmospheric scientist Ann Thompson and media entrepreneur and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey.
Rutgers Experts Available to Discuss New U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Target
New Brunswick, N.J. (April 22, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick professors Robert E. Kopp and Pamela McElwee are available for interviews on President Biden’s new plan, unveiled on Earth Day, for the United States to roughly halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. “Stabilizing the global…
Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Supernova Discovery
New Brunswick, N.J. (April 21, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick astrophysicist John P. (Jack) Hughes is available for interviews on a supernova (exploding star) discovery published today in the journal Nature. The discovery, made with NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, features…
Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Spring Allergy Season in N.J.
New Brunswick, N.J. (April 20, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick allergy specialist Leonard Bielory is available for interviews on the spring allergy season in New Jersey. “One can expect a brisk allergy season this year since we had a lot…
Exploring a New Therapeutic Strategy for T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Researchers from Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, recently discovered that a mitochondrial uncoupling drug is toxic against leukemic cells, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy against T-ALL.
Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss How Exercise Behaviors Changed During COVID-19 Pandemic
New Brunswick, N.J. (April 14, 2021) – Rutgers expert Brandon L. Alderman, who focuses on the science of exercise and its impact on mental health and cognitive function, is available for interviews on how exercise behaviors have changed during the…
Rutgers Expert Can Discuss Dearth of Snow, Windy Weather and Record Heat in March in N.J.
New Brunswick, N.J. (April 13, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick climatologist David A. Robinson is available for interviews on the dearth of snow in March in New Jersey following a very snowy February, as well as the frequently windy weather and some…

Corals Carefully Organize Proteins to Form Rock-Hard Skeletons
Charles Darwin, the British naturalist who championed the theory of evolution, noted that corals form far-reaching structures, largely made of limestone, that surround tropical islands. He didn’t know how they performed this feat. Now, Rutgers scientists have shown that coral structures consist of a biomineral containing a highly organized organic mix of proteins that resembles what is in our bones. Their study, published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, shows for the first time that several proteins are organized spatially – a process that’s critical to forming a rock-hard coral skeleton.
Rutgers Expert Available to Discuss Viral ‘Pandemics’ in Oceans
New Brunswick, N.J. (April 6, 2021) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick microbial oceanographer Kay D. Bidle is available for interviews on the persistent and profound impact of viral infections on algae in the oceans. These infections influence the Earth’s carbon cycle, which helps…

With Testicular Cancer, Being Proactive is Key
To highlight testicular cancer awareness month, an expert from Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey addresses the basics of testicular cancer and the importance of self checks and talking to your doctor.