To strengthen its medical school affiliations and ensure continued excellence in its academic programs, the North Shore-Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Health System announced the appointment of Dr. Lawrence G. Smith, as chief academic officer and senior vice president of academic affairs. Smith, whose appointment takes effect May 1, comes to North Shore-LIJ from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in Manhattan, where he serves as dean and chairman of medical education, director of Mount Sinai's Institute for Medical Education, professor of medicine and an attending physician. "Dr. Smith has a stellar reputation as a leader in academic medical affairs," said Michael J. Dowling, president and chief executive officer of the North Shore-LIJ Health System. "Having such a highly respected professional join our team will enable us to strengthen our graduate medical education programs and expand the medical school affiliations we have already forged, significantly enhancing our ability to recruit medical students and residents."Smith will oversee the health system's education programs, as well as academic faculty appointments. "The recruitment of a chief academic officer of Dr. Smith's caliber bolsters the health system's reputation in academic and medical circles, better positioning the organization to recruit top-level clinical talent," said Dr. Jon Cohen, chief medical officer at the North Shore-LIJ Health System, who spearheaded the recruitment effort."I look forward to the challenge of overseeing and expanding the fine academic infrastructure at North Shore-LIJ," Smith said. "My No. 1 goal is making sure that the students and residents we work with have meaningful educational experiences here, which will help them perfect their skills, and better serve their patients and the community."
LBMC receives $100K grant
Long Beach Medical Center (LBMC) has received a grant of $100,000 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to expand its work in preventing teen alcohol and substance use in Long Beach and the surrounding communities. The grant will enable the Medical Center to continue sponsoring the Long Beach Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking, whose membership includes professionals in the field of alcoholism and substance abuse, representatives of city government, the police department, the school district, the district attorney, local merchants and the Herald community newspapers."Our efforts are having an impact," said Patricia Hincken, Director of LBMC's alcohol counseling services, which oversees the Coalition's efforts. "But there is still much work to be done. We plan to focus on changing community norms that encourage substance use, such as looking the other way when those under the age of 21 drink. We are working on legislative issues that include banning alcohol advertising on beaches and holding adults legally responsible when they provide alcohol or allow its use by underage persons."Through a variety of programs, the Coalition works to increase awareness about underage drinking, educate parents and youth on the seriousness of substance use, enlist law enforcement to enforce penalties on retail owners who sell alcohol to anyone underage and engage the community in mindful discussions on the short and long term dangers of substance use in teens.For more information on the Long Beach Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking, call 897-1250.
Quit smoking at Mercy
Mercy Medical Center offers the American Cancer Society's Fresh Start Program to those who are trying to quit smoking. Participants are provided with information and strategies needed to direct their own efforts at quitting smoking. Individual situations are given more attention. It is designed to help people stop smoking in two weeks. Each meeting is 90 minutes and meets for four consecutive weeks. The program is run by the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department. Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. in the St. Anne's Center. There is no fee for this program. For more information, call 705-2687.
Calling all blood donors
Franklin Hospital and Long Island Blood Services will hold a blood drive on March 16 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the hospital's Shankman Auditorium. Hospital staff strongly encourage the community to join with its employees in donating blood.Due to new guidelines on blood donor criteria and eligibility, the community's blood supply could shrink by 25 percent.Individuals age 17 to 76, weighing at least 110 pounds and who are in good general health, are eligible to donate. A photo ID is required at the time of donation, during which donors will also receive a free mini-medical exam that includes checking temperature, pulse, blood pressure and iron count. To make an appointment, call 256-6397.
Mercy League scholarship applications available
Applications are now being taken for the Sister Mary Grace Memorial Scholarship in Health Care, sponsored by the Council of Leagues of Mercy Medical Center. Sister Mary Grace, a Moderator of the Leagues of Mercy for many years, encouraged individuals to pursue service to the sick. The scholarship in her memory, which in the past have ranged from $500 to $2,000, are provided on a one-time basis to worthy students in financial need who are studying careers in the healthcare field and demonstrate community service to people in need.For more information regarding this scholarship or to obtain an application, please call the office of Sister Anne Reekie, CIJ, Vice President for Community Health at Mercy at 705-1834, or Mary McNiff, administrative assistant at 705-1833. The deadline for submitting applications in April 30.
