Upstate Announcements for April 28, 2022
Upstate Commencement is this Sunday
Upstate will award 474 degrees and certificates during its Commencement Sunday, May 1 at Upstate Medical University Arena. Ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. Honorary degrees will be presented to three individuals: Vanessa Northington Gamble, MD, PhD, Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, and Tait Shanafelt, MD. For more information on the recipients, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/news/articles/2022/2022-04-24-honrarydegree.php.
Masks will be required to be worn at all times during the ceremony. Proof of Covid vaccination or a recent negative Covid test are also required for admission. A live stream of Commencement will be available here.
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Mentors sought for Mercy Works/Synergy summer internships
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion seeks Upstate staff and faculty to mentor and support high-achieving college students this summer though the Mercy Works Synergy Summer Internship Program. Upstate provides real work experience and practical learning for participating students who bring innovative ideas, updated skills and new perspectives as they pursue their career interests in the medical field. To learn more about applying, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/diversityinclusion/initiatives/internship.php or email Connie Gregory at GregoryC@Upstate.edu.
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Upstate Foundation kicks off annual The Power of Us employee giving program
During the first week of May, all Upstate employees will receive an email with information about making a contribution to the Upstate Foundation’s annual The Power of Us employee giving program. Employees can support Upstate by donating to one or more of the Foundation’s 1,000 funds that benefit patient care, education and research. Please consider contributing to a fund that is meaningful to you. Donations can be made through payroll deduction up until June 17, or by cash, check or credit card until June 30. To participate online through Epledge, log into Self Serve and click on the Power of Us logo, or go to https://www.upstatefoundation.org/EmployeeGiving. For more information, contact Jennifer Janes at 315-464-7864.
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Upstate Employee Assistance Program now offering weekly online tips
Weekly wellness tips will now be featured on Upstate’s Employee Assistance Program website: https://www.upstate.edu/eap/. For more information on the EAP, email Annemarie Cristino at CristinA@Upstate.edu.
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Patient Experience launches new iPage
The Patient Experience Initiatives iPage is now live and features photos, websites, Press Ganey solution starters and other helpful documents that focus on improving scores and rewarding staff. Nursing units and clinics are welcome to share ideas on how staff can be recognized and ways to provide a great patient experience. For more, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/ihospital/intra/patient_exp/index.php. Login is required.
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Volunteers sought for spring cleanup April 29
The Upstate community is invited to help Sarah’s guest House, Upstate’s 2022 Your Cause partner, with spring cleanup. To volunteer, email Susan Bland at BLANDmeS@upstate.edu or Kelly Dolan at dolank@upstate.edu. Shifts will run from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 3 to 5 p.m. Wear a Team Upstate shirt, if possible. Sarah’s Guest House is a local 501C3 charity whose mission is to provide lodging, transportation, meals and comfort to patients and families receiving medical care in Central New York. The house is the only healthcare hospitality house for adults in Central New York.
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Retirement reception for Linda McAleer is April 29
A retirement reception for Linda McAleer, deputy nursing director of pediatrics at Upstate, will be held April 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Performance Center on the 11th floor of Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. For more information, email Mary Melice at melicem@upstate.edu.
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Advocates fundraiser for Upstate ends April 29
Want to throw out a first pitch at a Syracuse Mets game this season? Participate in Advocates for Upstate’s drawing to win a Syracuse Mets First Pitch Experience gift basket valued at $150. Proceeds will go toward the Advocates’ grant funding program to benefit programs and services at Upstate University Hospital and Upstate Community Hospital. The experience also includes four game tickets, a food voucher, and free parking. In addition, a baseball, a shirt fan finger and more have been added to the basket. The raffle will be held through Friday, April 29 at 11:30 a.m. with the drawing to take place at noon the same day. The winner will be randomly selected and contacted by email or telephone immediately following the drawing. Tickets are $5 each or three tickets for $10. The first pitch experience must be redeemed by the end of the Mets season. For more information, call 315-464-5610 or email advocates@upstate.edu. To purchase tickets, https://advocates-for-upstate.square.site/.
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Digital commensality is May 2
Eat, talk and connect with coworkers in a WebEx breakroom May 2 at noon. To join, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/meet/brisks.
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Advanced Practice Grand Rounds is May 3
Linda Bartlett, MSN, NP, will present on PrEP Guidelines from noon to 1 p.m. at Advanced Practice Grand Rounds. To join, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/upstate/j.php?MTID=m53044f20dfcd55d870877121fc127dae. For more information, email Melissia Wheeler at wheelerm@upstate.edu. CME credit will be available for participants
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Advocates annual luncheon is May 3
The Upstate community is invited to attend the annual meeting and luncheon of the Advocates for Upstate May 3 at noon at the Collegian Hotel, 1060 E. Genesee St. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and a business meeting for members will be held at 11:45 a.m. Upstate University Hospital CEO Robert Corona, DO, MBA, is the guest speaker. Tickets are $15 each for Advocates members and $20 each for guests, and are available through April 27. To purchase tickets online, visit: https://advocates-for-upstate.square.site. For more information, email Advocates@Upstate.edu or call 315-464-5610.
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Self-care presentation with NY Project Hope is May 4
Experts will discuss stress, self-care, coping during Covid, tips and relaxation exercises during a presentation on self-care by NY Project Hope May 4 at noon. To join, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/meet/brisks. To learn more about NY Project Hope, visit: www.nyprojecthope.org.
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May Well NYS challenge activity is May 5
The May Well New York State challenge is to dance or move to your favorite song. Join Linda Carignan-Everts, NYS EAP coordinator, May 5 at noon to learn how to increase daily activity. Register here: https://meetny-broadcast-pilot.webex.com/meetny-broadcast-pilot/k2/j.php?MTID=td12ce495fd40e2248bf803075abd5d69
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Strikes Against Stroke is May 6
Strikes Against Stroke will be held May 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Flamingo Bowl in Liverpool. To register, visit: https://www.upstatefoundation.org/strikes.
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Volunteers sought for 14th annual Cazenovia Hillbender Cycling Festival May 7
The 14th annual Cazenovia Hillbender Cycling Festival will be held Saturday, May 7 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Cazenovia Ski Club near Chittenango Falls. The event, a 19-mile bike ride and 38-mile bike race, benefits the Madeline Cote Fund. The fund, held at the Upstate Foundation, supports the Golisano Center for Special Needs’ inclusive fitness and adaptive design programs for children and young adults with physical and developmental disabilities. To register, visit: https://www.upstatefoundation.org/CazHillbender. Volunteers are needed to direct and stop traffic along the course route. For more information contact Terry Toscano Shenfeld at shenfels@upstate.edu or 315-464-4284.
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Walk for Brain Cancer Research is May 8
The Walk for Brain Cancer Research will be held May 8 at 9 a.m. The walk begins at SU’s College Place Lot (formerly Quad 4 lot) and ends at Upstate Cancer Center. Proceeds benefit Debbie’s Brain Cancer Research Fund held at the Upstate Foundation. Registration is $5 for the walk. Participants who raise $50 or more will receive a free T-shirt. The event is hosted by the Upstate chapter of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. For more information, email Nneka Onwumere at OnwumerN@Upstate.edu. To register, visit: https://www.upstatefoundation.org/WalkForBrainCancerResearch.
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Patient Experience trivia game open through May 10
Upstate’s Patient Experience office has created an interactive trivia game with questions on Upstate, Magnet, patient survey information, and other fun facts. To download the digital game, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/ihospital/intra/patient_exp/trivia.php. Log in with Upstate credentials is required. Patient Experience will accept answer sheets now through May 10. For more information, email Cassandra Cleary at ClearyC@Upstate.edu.
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Easy For You is May 10
Easy for You, Upstate's tobacco treatment program, will be held Tuesday, May 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in 7335B Upstate University Hospital. Everyone with an Upstate ID is welcome to receive help quitting tobacco, chew, and vape. Free nicotine replacement therapy is available. For more information contact Theresa Hankin or Carolyn Walczyk at 315-464-3519 or walczykc@upstate.edu.
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Pathway to Wellness offers 10 minutes at 10 a.m. on May 10
Join Pathway to Wellness May 10 at 10 a.m. for 10 minutes of dance moves—including the macarena, cupid shuffle and electric slide—to circulate your blood and elevate your mood. To join, visit: https://upstate.webex.com/meet/brisks.
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DACA Task Force training is May 11
UndocuAlly Training: Policies Impacting Undocumented Patients and Students will be held May 11 from noon to 1:30 p.m. The training will focus on policies that affect undocumented patients and students. To register, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrdeihrjosGdOY6Il16OmrtsOJ94O1NsJp. For more on Pre-Health Dreamers, visit: https://www.phdreamers.org. Questions? Email Rachel Fabi at FabiR@Upstate.edu.
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Movement is Medicine is May 11
In celebration of National Hospital Week, Carol Sames, PhD, will present Movement is Medicine May 11. Sames will discuss physical activity guidelines, the benefits of physical activity and how to get started. The webinar will be available online here: https://www.upstate.edu/health/wellness/monthly-events.php under recorded events. For more information about the presentation, email Suzanne Brisk at BriskS@Upstate.edu.
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Chair yoga presentation is May 12
Pathway to Wellness will offer a presentation on chair yoga May 12 at noon. To join, visit: https://upstate/webex.com/meet/brisks.
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Upstate Trauma T-shirts available beginning May 16
In celebration of May as Trauma Awareness Month, Upstate Trauma T-shirts will be available for purchase beginning May 16 at 6 a.m. in the second-floor lobby of Upstate University Hospital. Shirts are $20. Cash, check, credit/debit will be accepted. Proceeds benefit the trauma account held with the Foundation. For more information, email Melaina King at KingMe@Upstate.edu.
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Professional Development and Learning seeks mentees by May 25
Professional Development and Learning seeks mentees to participate in an upcoming mentoring program. Space is limited and applications are due May 25. The 12-month program runs from July 2022 to June 2023. For more information, visit: https://www.upstate.edu/pdl/intra/services/mentoring1/request_mentor.php.
Questions? Email MaryAnn Stark starkm@upstate.edu.
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National Cancer Survivor’s Day is June 5
Upstate Cancer Center will host the 25th annual National Cancer Survivors Day event Sunday, June 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Cancer survivors of all ages are invited for a bite to eat, music, and special activities throughout the zoo. The event is free for cancer survivors and up to four guests. Roam the zoo to enjoy: DJ music, food stations, live animal demonstrations, photo booths, and entertainment. Space is limited, and reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. R.S.V.P. by May 22 at www.upstate.edu/ncsd
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Peer supporter training is June 16
Peer supporter training will be held June 16 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. This is open to those who are new to peer support and those who wish to refresh skills. Participants will learn how to help colleagues who are in distress. To register, email Theresa.Chung@Bassett.org and Dr. Kohman at KohmanL@Upstate.edu. A Zoom link and materials will be provided prior to start.
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Upstate Stroke Center T-shirts available to purchase
To purchase an Upstate Stroke Center T-shirt for $15, email Raisa Zhovklaya at Zhovklar@Upstate.edu.
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IMT Training Offers OneNote Instructor Led Demos in May and June
IMT Training offers one-hour virtual demos to introduce Microsoft OneNote, the digital note-taking app that provides a single place for note-taking and storage. The demo includes accessing OneNote for the first time, creating notebooks and pages, adding images, links and more. To sign up for a webinar visit https://www.upstate.edu/pdl/intra/register/index.php?topicid=165455 and register with your employee ID. To ask an IMT training question, or request a custom date for a demo for your team, visit https://forms.office.com/r/SYGFEA1B26. Resources for OneNote are also available at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/onenote.
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The Informed Patient podcast features Upstate experts
The Informed Patient podcast and HealthLink on Air radio show are produced by Upstate Marketing and University Communications. The Informed Patient interviews are available through podcast searches, and HealthLink on Air is broadcast on WRVO Public Media at 6 a.m. Sundays. Both the podcast interviews and the hourlong radio shows are also available at www.upstate.edu/informed, as both an audio recording and a written transcript.