PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY PROGRAM GRADUATES 2019-2022

These are some of the career paths of SJH pediatric residency graduates 2019-2022:

PICU Fellowship - Loma Linda University, California

Allergy & Immunology Fellowship - Stanford University, California

General pediatrician & part-time hospitalist - Kaiser Permanente, Northern California

Pediatric Hospitalist Fellowship - SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, NY

Global Health Fellowship - University of California, San Francisco

PICU Fellowship - DuPont Children’s Hospital, Delaware

Pediatric GI Fellowship - Golisano Children's Hospital - University of Rochester, New York

Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship - The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio

Developmental Pediatrics Fellowship - Children's Hosp. at Montefiore - University Hosp., Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY

Pediatric ID Fellowship - University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland

Hospitalist - Virtua Memorial Hospital - Mount Holly, New Jersey

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship - Children's Hosp. at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Med.

Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship - Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio

NICU Fellowship - SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York

Neonatal ICU Fellowship - Holtz Children’s Hospital University of Miami, Miami, Florida

Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Fellowship - New York Presbyterian Hospital – Columbia University

Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics Fellowship - Arkansas Children’s Hosp., University of Arkansas

Pediatric ICU Fellowship - Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Florida International University, Miami, Florida

Neonatal ICU Fellowship - Brenner Children’s Hosp., Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC

Neonatal ICU Fellowship - Robert Wood Johnson University Hosp., New Brunswick, New Jersey

Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship - Advocate Children's Hospital, Oak Lawn, Illinois

Pediatric Hospitalist - CHOP at AtlantiCare, New Jersey

NICU Fellowship (2 graduates) - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA

Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship - New York University, New York

Some of our graduates joined General Pediatric practices in the following states – New Jersey; New York; California; North Carolina; Texas; Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan

PATERSON, NJ (December 7, 2022): St. Joseph's Health presented eight research papers at the National Association of Spine Specialists (NASS) meeting in Chicago.  For this annual event, spine specialists from around the country came together to discuss all aspects of surgical and non-surgical research related to spine health. NASS is a global, multidisciplinary medical organization dedicated to fostering the highest quality, ethical, value-based and evidence-based spine care through education, research and advocacy.

“At St. Joseph’s Health, our Orthopedic Surgeons are dedicated to remaining at the forefront of all cutting-edge research and advancements in spinal cord surgery,” said Arash Emami, MD, Chairman of Orthopedics and Chief of Spine Surgery at St. Joseph's Health. “The eight research papers represents the largest number of submissions by any health system in New Jersey at this year’s conference. We are honored to share our research with our colleagues in order to help improve surgical outcomes for our patients.”

One abstract featured a seven-year study of a patient who was recovering from a minimally invasive procedure to repair a damaged disc.  Additional papers highlighted other minimally invasive procedures developed to improve patient outcomes by reducing recovery time and preventing further complications. 

“I want to commend Dr. Emami and his research team for representing our dedication to providing exceptional patient care at this year’s NASS meeting,” said Kevin J. Slavin, President and CEO, St. Joseph’s Health. “These abstracts showcase our commitment to high quality-research at St. Joseph’s Health and the wide-range of orthopedic services our team of experts provides.”

Abstract titles included:

• Seven-Year Outcomes of ACDF Versus Minimally Invasive Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy In the Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy
• The Impact of Patient Characteristics on Outcomes of Surgically Managed Vertebral Osteomyelitis in the United States: Insights from a National Database Study
• Anticoagulation Therapy in Cervical Spine Fractures: Insights from a Large Healthcare Database Analysis
• Anterior Lumbar Spinal Fusion Perioperative Morbidity and Mortality Utilizing the National Inpatient Sample (NIS): 2005-2013
• Comparing Five Year Outcomes Between Matched Open and Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in The Treatment of Single Level Lumbar Degenerative Disease
• Anterior Versus Lateral Lumbar Fusion: A Comparison of Two-Year Outcomes in the Treatment of Degenerative Spinal Disorders
• Comparing Long Term Deformity Correction and Other Outcomes Between Single Level Circumferential XLIF and MI-TLIF: A Retrospective Review with 5-Year Minimum Follow Up
• Five-Year Minimum Outcomes of MI-TLIF in Obesity: A Matched Cohort Analysis

Orthopedic surgeons and physicians in the Department of Orthopedics at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center diagnose and treat a variety of chronic and acute conditions of the musculoskeletal system, including disorders of bones, joints, spine, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. They care for patients of all ages with developmental disorders, athletic injuries and trauma, as well as older adults with arthritis.

“Our doctors are leaders in innovative treatment options and procedures, including state-of-the-art robotic surgery,” said Joseph Duffy, MD, Chief Medical Officer, St. Joseph's Health. “Each presentation at this year’s NASS meeting demonstrates our passion for innovation and distinguish us as true experts in Orthopedic Surgery.” 

Photo caption

St. Joseph's Health presented eight research papers at the National Association of Spine Specialists (NASS) meeting in Chicago last month.  Left to Right: Kumar Sinha MD, orthopedic surgeon; Ki Hwang MD, orthopedic spinal surgeon; Arash Emami MD, Chairman of Orthopedics and Chief of Spine Surgery at St. Joseph's Health; Nikhil Sahai, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon; and Neil Patel, MD, Physician Research Assistant, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center.

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH’S HEALTH

Founded in 1867 by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, St. Joseph’s Health is a world-class hospital and healthcare network supported by more than 5,000 leading and renowned physicians, nurses and care teams. From its humble beginnings, St. Joseph’s Health has become one of the premier health systems in the state, serving more than 1.5 million patients annually. The organization continues to evolve as the leading health resource in the community, the largest employer in Passaic County, and one of the largest providers of charity care in New Jersey.

The St. Joseph’s Health system is one of the leading clinical teaching and academic centers in the country, and has been recognized for its innovative programs and cutting-edge services. The health system operates a full continuum of care, including a regional tertiary care medical center (St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson), an acute care medical center (St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, Wayne) a state-designated children’s hospital (St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Paterson), a rehabilitation and long-term care facility (St. Joseph’s Healthcare & Rehab Center, Cedar Grove), an outpatient facility (St. Joseph’s Totowa Health Campus, Totowa) comprehensive home care (Visiting Health Services of New Jersey), and multiple ambulatory care centers located throughout Northern New Jersey. The system is further supported by St. Joseph’s Health Medical Group, which operates more than 100 physician medical and specialty practices across northern New Jersey.

Among its awarding-winning specialties, St. Joseph’s is home to the nationally acclaimed Alternatives to Opioids (ALTO®) program; the first accredited Geriatric Emergency Department in New Jersey; and recognized by US News with a top nursing home award and a five-star rating. In addition, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center is a five-time recipient of the prestigious Magnet® Award for Nursing Excellence, the profession’s highest honor.

In September 2019, St. Joseph’s Health established a strategic and clinical partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, one of New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive and integrated health networks. Together, the two health systems operate a jointly-owned home health and hospice agency, serving patients and families across Bergen, Passaic and Morris Counties. In addition, St. Joseph’s and Hackensack Meridian have collaborated on clinical affiliations in acute rehabilitation (with the HMH JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute) and comprehensive oncology care (with the HMH John Theurer Cancer Center).  For more information, please visit www.stjosephshealth.org.

PATERSON, N.J. (November 23, 2022) — St. Joseph’s Health is pleased to announce that Bledi Zaku, MD, a renowned Cardiothoracic Surgeon, has joined St. Joseph’s Heath, where he is assuming the role of Chief of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery.

Dr. Zaku is a board certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. He performs all aspects of adult cardiac surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).  His other specialties include mitral valve repair and replacement, minimally invasive transcatheter valve repair and replacement (MitralClip, TAVR), and complex reconstructive surgery of the aorta.  This includes valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction, allowing patients to preserve their own native valve while replacing the diseased aorta around it, and aortic arch surgery, for the treatment of large aneurysms.

At St. Joseph’s Health, Dr. Zaku will provide leadership and oversight of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery services and functions across the St. Joseph’s Health system, including St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson and St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center in Wayne.

“As we continue to expand our surgical services throughout northern New Jersey, we are excited to welcome Dr. Zaku to the St. Joseph’s Health team,” said Mark Connolly, MD, Chairman of the Department of Surgery. “Dr. Zaku is an innovative surgeon who brings an impressive combination of clinical expertise, outstanding patient care and pioneering research to this important leadership position.  His collaborative style and ambitious vision will be key as he leads our program and maintains its prominent position as one of the best in the region.”

Dr. Zaku received his doctorate in medicine at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, Vermont and completed his general surgery residency at Morristown Medical Center. While in Medical School, he dedicated one year to clinical research in cardiac surgery outcomes at Mount Sinai Hospital. He completed his cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at New York Presbyterian - Weill Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

“I’m delighted to be joining the St. Joseph’s team of experts in heart and vascular care,” said Dr. Zaku. “St. Joseph’s has a longstanding reputation for providing compassionate care while effectively treating heart disease, no matter how complex.  These are exciting times for cardiovascular and thoracic surgery as new techniques and innovative therapies will offer enhanced options and outcomes for patients.”

To make an appointment with Dr. Zaku, please call 973-754-2486.

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH’S HEALTH

Founded in 1867 by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, St. Joseph’s Health is a world-class hospital and healthcare network supported by more than 5,000 leading and renowned physicians, nurses and care teams. From its humble beginnings, St. Joseph’s Health has become one of the premier health systems in the state, serving more than 1.5 million patients annually. The organization continues to evolve as the leading health resource in the community, the largest employer in Passaic County, and one of the largest providers of charity care in New Jersey.

The St. Joseph’s Health system is one of the leading clinical teaching and academic centers in the country, and has been recognized for its innovative programs and cutting-edge services. The health system operates a full continuum of care, including a regional tertiary care medical center (St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson), an acute care medical center (St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, Wayne) a state-designated children’s hospital (St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Paterson), a rehabilitation and long-term care facility (St. Joseph’s Healthcare & Rehab Center, Cedar Grove), an outpatient facility (St. Joseph’s Totowa Health Campus, Totowa) comprehensive home care (Visiting Health Services of New Jersey), and multiple ambulatory care centers located throughout Northern New Jersey. The system is further supported by St. Joseph’s Health Medical Group, which operates more than 100 physician medical and specialty practices across northern New Jersey.

Among its awarding-winning specialties, St. Joseph’s is home to the nationally acclaimed Alternatives to Opioids (ALTO®) program; the first accredited Geriatric Emergency Department in New Jersey; and recognized by US News with a top nursing home award and a five-star rating. In addition, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center is a five-time recipient of the prestigious Magnet® Award for Nursing Excellence, the profession’s highest honor

In September 2019, St. Joseph’s Health established a strategic and clinical partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health, one of New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive and integrated health networks. Together, the two health systems operate a jointly-owned home health and hospice agency, serving patients and families across Bergen, Passaic and Morris Counties. In addition, St. Joseph’s and Hackensack Meridian have collaborated on clinical affiliations in acute rehabilitation (with the HMH JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute) and comprehensive oncology care (with the HMH John Theurer Cancer Center).  For more information, please visit www.stjosephshealth.org.

St. Joseph’s Health and Hackensack Meridian Health this month are celebrating the one-year anniversary of their clinical affiliation that brought the expertise of the Hackensack Meridian Johnson Rehabilitation Institute to serve residents of North Jersey at the St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center campus. 

In addition, St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center is commemorating the twentieth anniversary of its 20-bed inpatient Acute Rehabilitation Unit. Since opening in November of 2002, the unit has provided individualized care to thousands of patients to help them regain function and return to an independent lifestyle.  

“As we celebrate twenty years of delivering comprehensive, acute inpatient rehabilitation services, I want to thank our dedicated, multi-disciplinary rehab team for the outstanding care they provide to every patient – day-in and day-out,” said Kevin J. Slavin, president and CEO of St. Joseph’s Health. “This high-quality rehabilitation program is a shining example of St. Joseph’s commitment to offering advanced care and leading expertise to meet the healthcare needs of our entire community.”

In 2021, St. Joseph’s Health partnered with Hackensack Meridian Health to bring the expertise of the Hackensack Meridian Johnson Rehabilitation Institute (JRI), offering the highest levels of rehabilitation medicine. Recognized as one of the nation’s top acute rehabilitation hospitals by US News, with leading experts and specialty programs, the Johnson Rehabilitation Institute services are now available at St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center.

“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.”

For more than 50 years, the nationally-acclaimed JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, located in Edison, New Jersey, has been a leader in the field, breaking ground in the areas of stroke rehabilitation, innovative orthopedic programs, cutting edge sports rehab, and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. 

“My team was warmly welcomed by the St. Joseph’s staff,” said Roger Rossi, DO, medical director, Acute Rehabilitation Unit at St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center. “We, in turn, are grateful for the collaborative approach to care and for the opportunity to help more patients in their journey to recovery from a debilitating medical condition or accident.”

Dr. Rossi’s team at St. Joseph’s includes Veronica Chehata, MD, who joined the team in October 2022 after completing a fellowship in care for spinal cord injury several years ago, in addition to Anthony Doss, MD. These physicians treat patients with complex rehabilitation injuries such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, amputations, neuromuscular and neurological conditions, major trauma, and other medical complexities. Dr. Rossi’s extensive background in Parkinson’s has expanded care in focus to include more functional and neuromuscular disorders like Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis and post stroke care.

“Our team shares a passion about reducing disability and maximizing functional independence after a patient sustains an injury or suffers from a debilitating disease that has compromised their functional ability,” said Priscilla Kaszubski, DO., Chair, Rehabilitation Medicine, St. Joseph’s Health. “We are dedicated to the treatment and recovery of our patients to improve the quality of life to the greatest possible extent.”

“The success of this program at St. Joseph’s has exceeded our expectations,” said Sara Cuccurullo, MD, chair, vice president and medical director of JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute. “Our highly trained experts are advancing the work in helping patients reach their highest levels of recovery.”

Since St. Joseph’s Health is certified as a Comprehensive and Primary Stroke Center, reflecting the highest level of competence for the treatment of serious stroke events, patients and families can be assured that inpatient rehab is delivered according to national quality standards. Other patients who benefit from care at the Acute Rehabilitation Unit include those recovering from hip fractures, joint replacements, trauma, amputations, and neurological disorders.

Three years ago, St. Joseph’s Health and Hackensack Meridian Health announced a clinical and strategic partnership that deepens both organizations’ commitment to providing access and delivering the most advanced care throughout the region. Expanding rehabilitation services is one such example of how the partnership is bringing additional expertise to the community.