An Appointment With: Patti Drolet, VP, Revenue Cycle
November 2019
While Patti Drolet’s career in healthcare may have started in an entry-level clerical role, today she is the vice president of Revenue Cycle Operations at Northwell Health. Her experience at every level allowed her to gain well-rounded knowledge in all areas of revenue cycle. She accepted a leadership position at Northwell Health in 2004, where she has been using her strengths and history to help elevate the department’s performance and outcomes.
“As a leader, I take great pride in the role I have at Northwell,” says Patti. “To strategize and lead in the transformation of a business at this level requires commitment, passion, and authenticity in order to drive high-performing initiatives and teams.”
We sat down with Patti to discuss Revenue Cycle and why it’s an exciting career to join at Northwell in this month’s Appointment With.
What is revenue cycle and why is it important to Northwell Health?
Revenue cycle represents the business side of a health system and is responsible for billing and collecting all hospital receivables – a monumental task in today’s ever-changing healthcare environment.
Our role is to secure financial strength, enabling the health system to provide extraordinary quality of care in modern facilities by our clinicians. We have an impact on patient care and the patient experience, and we take pride in knowing that our efforts help Northwell succeed in its mission.
What career opportunities are available in revenue cycle?
In revenue cycle, roles and skill sets range from entry-level clerical to leadership positions. Someone can begin in patient-facing areas, such as patient registration in our hospitals, patient financial counseling and customer service. Revenue cycle is also in non-patient-facing areas, such as insurance verification/scheduling, accounts receivable billing and follow-up, and in Health Information Management (HIM) documentation management. Additionally, there are clinicians on our team who specialize in medical billing appeal writing, the Clinical Documentation Initiative (CDI) that validates the quality of our patients’ medical records, and in the Denial Prevention Unit (DPU) which helps us secure authorizations from our patients’ insurers for emergent admissions.
There is a very broad assortment of fulfilling careers available within the department. And we are always looking for talented people!
What are four fun facts about working in revenue cycle at Northwell Health?
- We have a unique opportunity to touch upon many different areas within the health system, such as patient experience, clinical departments and hospital executive leadership, among others.
- Most of our leadership team began their careers in entry-level clerical positions.
- We have a fun committee! We provide interactive activities for our team members throughout the year to engage in the community and the areas we serve.
- We have a mentoring program for team members in addition to Northwell’s development opportunities at the Center for Learning and Innovation
What is your career advice to candidates looking for a career in revenue cycle?
If you have the passion and desire to work in a fast-paced, challenging and dynamic business environment, with a mission to improve the health system’s financial viability, this department is for you. Understanding all aspects of revenue cycle and learning the intricacies of this business makes for an exciting career. Having experienced this firsthand, the opportunities available within revenue cycle and meeting the challenges of our ever-evolving health care system can be very rewarding.
Faces of Oncology Care: Clinical Laboratory
November 2019
Clinical laboratories, like those you’ll find at Monter Cancer Center and our Imbert Cancer Center, serve a crucial role in the assessment and treatment of oncology patients. Our laboratories work together to deliver precise, accurate test results to ensure patients get the right treatment.
Meet some of the members of our oncology clinical laboratory team who are making a difference at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, where we provide cancer care to more New Yorkers than any other healthcare provider.
La Donna’s decade of lab experience has provided a lot of insight into how a laboratory technologist can work collaboratively with the entire care team. Her peers and colleagues at Northwell share a remarkable commitment to excellence in patient care and patient experience.
La Donna was initially drawn to oncology lab work because of the pace and the emphasis on accuracy and precision. And at Northwell, she’s convinced that our commitment to emerging diagnostic technologies will keep her skills sharp while allowing her to actually contribute to the innovation taking place.
However, the greatest reward for La Donna is her sense of fulfillment and impact on the lives of others: “Your work makes a remarkable difference in patient care for one of the most vulnerable patient populations. Even though lab technologists are mostly unseen, I know that I’m a big part of each patient’s visit.”
Yolanda came to Northwell with more than two decades of lab technology experience. She was drawn to the Hematology/Oncology Department at Monter Cancer Center because she was attracted to the commitment and excellence that the department provides.
Delivering results for patients in oncology lab requires speed, precision and accuracy. “Workflow starts with the lab results. Without the baseline results, doctors cannot diagnose; pharmacists cannot prepare the dose for chemo treatment; nurses will be awaiting instructions; and patient treatments will be delayed.”
Innovation is key to deliver the best quality of care and Yolanda believes that Monter’s newly acquired automated analyzers expedite testing times and lead to fast results for patients. It’s a perfect match between resources and culture. “It’s fulfilling when a patient’s lab result shows progress after receiving treatments. It gives such satisfaction knowing that I’m a part of their healing process while working behind the scenes.”
Since she joined Northwell Health in June 2017, Esperanza has found countless opportunities to pursue her career interests and focus on the science of the human disease processes. This passion drew her to the medical laboratory technologist role and has fueled her appreciation of the challenges she experiences at the Imbert Cancer Center.
Here her knowledge, skill sets and love of the science fit right in with Imbert’s unique mission and culture. “I love it here. It’s caring, professional, relaxing and great a place to come daily. The contribution each one of us makes creates a mountain of knowledge and significant difference impacting the care and treatment of patients.”
As the lead technologist within her department, Esperanza also mentors staff and collaborates with team members throughout the system. “Every day renews my professional commitment and intense compassion for our patients in support of an extremely caring and innovative, institution of Northwell Health.”
Peter joined Northwell in December 2016 at Long Island Jewish Medical Center as a supervisor in the hematology laboratory. He transferred to Imbert Cancer Center in April 2019 because he was drawn to oncology care and the ability to impact cancer patients directly. Compared to other employers, Northwell stands out in Peter’s mind because “they care more about the patients and their issues. They also treat the employees with respect, and admire our diversity.”
Hired as an oncology lab manager, Peter appreciates the fact that the facility is close-knit and personal. This provides him with the opportunity to help out with the practice side, the treatment side and the laboratory. He can see and experience how each section of our facility comes together to do what’s right for the patient.
“My favorite aspect of my job is greeting the patients each and every day and to personally see how they are doing. It’s also working with a great team that has the same caring attributes that I do.”
Northwell Relay: Casual for Cohen – turning small change into big results
November 2019
Each year, thousands of employees choose to give back to Northwell by participating in Casual for Cohen, a fundraising event where you can wear jeans to work for one or two days, for the donation of $5 per day. What some may consider small change adds up to big results for Cohen Children’s Medical Center — a cause very close to all of our hearts, including Dotti Ward’s, operations manager in Northwell’s Office of the Chief Information Officer.
Personal connections, professional pride
Dotti’s connection to Cohen Children’s stems from her personal experience, when her daughter became very ill with a virus at three years old. She was treated at the hospital and as Dotti remembers, “The level of empathy, compassion and professionalism was exceptional. I walked through those doors with a very sick child – now she’s a very healthy, happy young woman. I almost lost her. They saved her life.”
Dotti leads the employee activity committee in Information Services. She spends a lot of her time coordinating fundraising initiatives and over the years has seen her colleagues go above and beyond many times. “Our department is very supportive, they’re 100% behind us and they do everything they can,” says Dotti.
Last year, the department held a charity basketball tournament around the same time as Casual for Cohen, so Dotti spoke to the team captains and they all agreed to donate the proceeds to help Cohen Children’s. For Dotti, that’s what employee giving is all about, connecting people and spreading the message — why it matters and what fundraising can achieve.
What matters most
Dotti regularly sees huge acts of generosity at Northwell, which she puts down to the “absolute pride and honor of doing what we do for our patient community.” It’s the same mix of professional pride and personal empathy she experienced from the hospital staff. They’re leaders in pediatric care, but they’re also mentors and friends.
As a nonprofit organization, to keep doing what we do, we rely on the support of our communities. We already go the extra mile, for colleagues, patients and families, but together we can make things even better. Through What matters most, our employee giving program, we can develop more life-changing treatments, strengthen morale and meet our collective mission.
We’re currently spreading that message across the organization with the What matters most Relay in the run-up to employee giving day on December 3. Clinicians can show support by wearing blue accents — socks, a tie, jewelry or any accents that align with departmental protocols.
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Why Joseph chose finance at Northwell over Wall Street
November 2019
When Joseph Baglio accepted a position in Northwell Health’s Administrative Fellowship in 2003, he was walking away from a job on Wall Street.
“The same week I was offered a fellowship at Northwell, I was offered a job on Wall Street as an analyst,” recounts Joseph. “I did some soul searching and thought I wanted to invest my time in healthcare. I made the choice to come to Northwell for a year-long program and I’ve been here ever since.”
Today Joseph has advanced his career from starting as an administrative fellow to associate executive director of finance at Plainview Hospital and Syosset Hospital. In his role, he is responsible for the finance and operations management for both hospitals. Along with making sure his team have the resources they need to provide the best experience for our patients, Joseph manages the hospitals’ annual operating budgets, monitors patient volume, and develops capital and business planning. Joseph is also a mentor in Northwell’s 10-week Healthcare Management Program internship where he pays it forward to provide someone the education and experience he received starting his career.
It was his background in the Administrative Fellowship program that Joseph feels provided him with the experience to succeed in a role that balances operations alongside finance. “I’ve been exposed to different areas at Northwell which helped me prepare for the future,” says Joseph. “When you look at other organizations and roles in finance, they spend a lot of their day primarily only on finance. At Northwell, we’re the finance role of the future that’s just as much operations as it is finance. It makes for a career that’s not just emotionally fulfilling but intellectually stimulating.”
That is why he encourages other business majors to join the Northwell finance team. “There are so many opportunities here for those who are interested in finance. From hospital operations to corporate finance such as, accounting and financial reporting, it gives an individual a good foundation of how a healthcare organization operates from a numbers perspectives. Working in healthcare also means Joseph’s job is never boring: “Every year we are faced with many new challenges as the health system grows with the ever-changing industry.” It keeps the job from becoming routine and lets him use his experience and knowledge to help make sure our operations are fiscally viable.
But at the end of the day, it’s still all about having the ability to help people. “At Northwell, I am able to deal with a lot of day-to-day challenges that I would deal with in the market in a traditional finance role but I can feel good about my job because I’m helping people. It’s rewarding because I get the balance of being close to patients while still being on the business end of things.”
And Joseph’s work at Northwell isn’t over yet. “For me, I feel that not only has the organization invested in me through the fellowship program and other educational opportunities, I’ve invested a lot of time here too. It’s a two-way street, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Are you Made for a finance career at Northwell? Apply Today
Explore our careers culture at Northwell Health
November 2019
When you work at Northwell Health, you’re not just getting a job – you’re getting a career. We’re proud to have cultivated a culture that focuses on our team members from diversity to recognition and wellness to giving back to our community. Watch our videos below to discover what it’s like to be a part of our Northwell family.
Meet Truly Ambitious Nurse Practitioner Santpal Chawla
November 2019
This post is part of a blog series highlighting Northwell Health’s Advanced Clinical Providers (ACP). Each Northwell Health employee was nominated by their manager as an individual who exemplifies a Northwell Health value.
This month, we’re proud to introduce to you Santpal (Paul) Chawla who currently works as a nurse practitioner in the Department of Cardiothoracic (CT) Surgery at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH). Read below to learn more about him and his journey as an ACP at Northwell Health.
Paul started his Northwell career as a registered nurse in Oncology at NSUH. While he loved being able to work and learn from the exceptional nurses there, he knew he wanted to push himself even further in his career.
With this growth in mind and with help from Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program, Paul obtained his Family Nurse Practitioner certification in 2003. “The main reason for becoming a nurse practitioner was that I wanted to challenge myself and further grow as a nurse,” says Paul. “I had no idea how fulfilling this role would become for me.”
Upon becoming an NP, Paul joined the Medicine Service Line. It was there found he was able to combine the compassion and knowledge he gained as an RN with the critical thinking skills of an NP. And after a few years of working as a medicine NP, Paul moved onto to join the CT surgery team – a decision that he hasn’t regretted.
“The support from the CT Surgery team is the backbone of my success here,” says Paul. “I have seen this service grow in ways I never thought imaginable. We have the opportunity to save lives each day because of the resources and dedicated staff. The heart transplant and ECMO programs have challenged my skill sets and enabled me care for the most critically ill patients.”
It’s his combination of compassion and ambition that led to Paul being the most recent recipient of NSUH’s Nurse Practitioner of the Year award. The award is an honor that he considers to be the biggest highlight of his career. “My job in the CTICU is not possible without all the amazing nurses, physicians, PAs and fellow NPs. They have given me the education and tools to succeed,” says Paul. “I have the honor of working with some of the best NPs and PAs here at Northwell and to get this award from my colleagues is an amazing feeling.”
Throughout his career, Paul has always felt his ambition for growth supported by his team, leadership and the organization itself. As he says, “the sky is the limit at Northwell Health.”
If you’re Made for working with a team of exceptional ACPs, explore our opportunities here.
My first year: what it takes to be a nurse practitioner
November 2019
The road from nurse to nurse practitioner (NP) presents new and exciting challenges, from managing complex care on a new team and oftentimes, working in a new environment. Taking this new path involves stepping outside your comfort zone to follow your passion.
In recognition of National NP Week, we spoke with NPs across our hospitals to get a look inside their journey thus far, including lessons learned and how they’re continuing to grow and develop as an NP.
It involves teamwork
As a new NP graduate, it’s important to communicate effectively with other clinicians on the care team – that includes not being afraid to ask questions and providing support to one another. Scott Snorteland, FNP-BC, from North Shore University Hospital feels a support system is crucial to a smooth transition into the role. “Without the help of my supervisor and my colleagues, I don’t know how I would have gotten through the first month. Teamwork is crucial to your role as an NP,” says Scott.
Merin Jacob, MS, ANP-C, who works in Employee Health Services (EHS) for Lenox Hill Hospital believes teamwork is most effective when you’re working with likeminded people. “Working in healthcare, we all have the same goal – to better the health of our patients and take care of each other. It’s important to put their safety and health first, and it makes it easier when you’re surrounded by those likeminded people who have the same goal in mind as you.”
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
When you’re faced with new responsibilities and a new work environment, it can be overwhelming. However, it’s important to get past your insecurities, stay positive and be able to accept those new challenges. Meghan Billia, MS, FNP-C, who practices palliative care at Huntington Hospital found having a mentor helped her get through the first couple of months. “It’s so important to have people to go to and ask for advice or bounce ideas off of. My mentor, Nanci Berg, NP-C, was that person for me and really helped me through that transition period.”
A new challenge can also be exciting. Scott went from an RN in pediatrics at Cohen Children’s Medical Center to now working with adults as a family nurse practitioner in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. “I knew going into this role that it was going to be challenging for me, but that’s partly why I took it. Getting out of your comfort zone and overcoming your fears is how you continue to grow.”
It’s more than clinical work, it’s about making connections
As a NP, making connections with your patients goes far beyond the bedside. You follow patients through a continuum of care – from 1:1 consults in an outpatient office to an inpatient stay, through discharge and back for follow-ups – it goes full circle. You build a sense of trust with your patients and it makes caring for them that more efficient.
Merin says working as an NP in EHS makes her feel like she’s part of a small community. “I spend time talking and building relationships with my patients because I know they may need to come back for follow-ups or new needs. You build a sense of trust with them and it’s a continuity of care outside the walls of the exam room that really makes a difference.”
Continue to grow
Every time you treat a patient, you’re faced with another opportunity to sharpen what you’ve learned. And ongoing education is crucial to being a successful advanced clinical provider. Scott, now seven weeks into his role as an NP, says he’s learned so much and is looking forward to continuing to intellectually challenge himself and advance his career.
“I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned from my first week as an NP to now. Going back to school provided me with the foundation I needed, but it always comes down to the hands-on experience. I’m still learning, and I’m OK with that because it’s how I’ll continue to reach my goals.”
Becoming an NP doesn’t just happen overnight or in orientation, recalls Tova Miller, AGACNP-BC, who practices internal medicine at Forest Hills Hospital. “It’s about understanding what you don’t know and utilizing what you do know. Being confident and continuing to learn helps you understand why we’re doing what we’re doing.”
Let your passion guide you
The hardest days can often leave the greatest impact on your career. It makes you remember why you made the choice to transition into an advanced role and challenge yourself to continue to do better.
“I feel that I’m really making a difference,” says Tova. “I make sure our patients are receiving the best patient care and it’s my goal to get them out of the hospital as soon as possible, and be safe while doing so. As an NP, I know I’m making a positive impact on peoples’ lives and it brings me happiness when I know I’ve done something to improve their quality of life.”
Making the transition is something you have to be ready for, according to Scott. “As challenging as it is some days, it’s equally rewarding. As nurse practitioners, we’re here to be role models and pave the way for higher education for other nurses. I’m excited I took this leap to advance my career and I hope others take the opportunity to do so.”
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Northwell Relay: Employee’s passion to honor a colleague gives birth to a new labor and delivery room
November 2019
Over the span of six weeks, follow along with us during our first-ever Northwell Relay. Hear stories from our team members who are passionate about giving back to Northwell to support what matters most and making a real difference in patients’ lives.
Marianne DiStefano never counted the number of babies she delivered in her 30-year career, but it’s safe to say there were thousands. Everyone she encountered — coworkers, patients and families — recognized how much she loved her job as head nurse in labor and delivery at Staten Island University Hospital. It brought her indescribable joy.
This spring her coworkers honored her passion through the 2019 Northwell Health Walk at Staten Island. After Marianne’s passing in February 2018, her colleague Linda Spadafina set a team goal of raising $25,000 to name a labor-and-delivery room in Marianne’s honor within the new Gruppuso Family Women & Newborn Center, slated to be open late 2021.
“Marianne was a mentor and leader to many nurses during her career at Staten Island University Hospital,” says Laura Wenzel, senior director of maternal and child nursing. “It was heartwarming to see Linda and the staff collaborate with Marianne’s family to keep her legacy alive. Marianne continues to live on in the hearts of the nurses and families she impacted over the years.”
A star fundraiser raises the bar
Since the inception of the Northwell Health Walk at Staten Island in 2016, Linda Spadafina has been an exemplary committee member and team player who is made for unwavering support. As captain of Team Baby Steps, Linda raised more than $34,000 in the walk’s first three years to benefit Staten Island University Hospital. From “Taco Tuesdays” and “Waffle Wednesdays” to hosting big-ticket raffles and events, Linda’s fundraising tactics exemplify her creativity.
With 2019’s walk goal to honor Marianne, Linda took ownership of the challenge, bringing the hospital community together. “Even though we are part of a large hospital system, Staten Island University Hospital is still very much a community hospital,” Linda says. “The support that was shown at that walk in May is certainly proof of that.” With her persistence and dedication, and support from the walk committee, fellow employees and community members, the team surpassed their goal, raising nearly $30,000.
Employee generosity benefits our communities
Linda and her team exemplify the dedication that Northwell Health employees bring to their patients, each other and the places they work.
Northwell’s employee giving program — What matters most — offers team members additional ways to help us meet our $1 billion Outpacing the Impossible campaign goal. They can make a one-time gift, enroll in payroll deduction or contribute their myRecognition points to support the program or hospital of their choice.
Through their generosity and passion, Northwell Health employees like Linda are leading the way in helping push boundaries and redefine health care.
“Simply put, it’s a labor of love,” Linda says. “I do all of these crazy things because I love raising funds for this hospital and the community it supports.”
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From the Marine Corps to Human Resources: Jose’s career journey
November 2019
Jose Rivera served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps before starting his Northwell career in 2005. Today he is a senior HR manager at the Orzac Center for Rehabilitation.
It was in the Marine Corps where Jose learned key skills that helped him thrive throughout his career at Northwell. Throughout his Northwell career, Jose held several manager positions at different locations, including LIJ Medical Center and Southside Hospital, before moving to the Orzac Center.
“I learned skills in the military which have helped me throughout my healthcare career,” says Jose. “I learned to be adaptable to change and resilient during tough times. Most important, I learned the value of being an engaged and approachable leader.”
For Jose, he knows that the transition from the military to a civilian career can be a difficult and stressful time for service members. “Hiring veterans is our commitment to these heroes,” he says. Jose has seen firsthand that veteran team members help our organization flourish: “Veterans bring a wealth of knowledge from their individual work ethic to innovative spirit and skill set. They are also committed to Northwell’s mission.”
Working at Northwell was the perfect next mission for Jose, allowing him to utilize the values and passion for leadership that had served him in his military career. It’s the team spirit and commitment to serving the community that makes him proud to come to work every day. “My favorite thing about working at Northwell is our people. I have met the most amazing, kind and fantastic people during my tenure with Northwell,” says Jose. “We have fantastic caregivers and I am proud that as an HR professional, I care for the caregiver.”
Learn more about Northwell’s commitment to military members.
Our commitment to our team members’ well-being continues to evolve
November 2019
Just as much as we’re focused on improving the wellness of our patients and communities, we’re committed to improving the emotional and physical health of our employees through a robust offering of well-being programs and resources. This year we worked to find new and innovative ways to do this and introduced several new confidential programs that use assessments, coaching, and follow-up resources to aid our team members in improving their well-being.
These resources were designed to assist employees in building personal healthy habits, manage stress, sleep better, plan care, and more conveniently and confidentially. It’s just one more way that we show our commitment and support for their physical and emotional health.
The newest web-based resource myHealthyBody helps individuals prevent and manage aches, pains and injuries through two different plans. The Prevention Plan helps all team members prevent common aches and injuries (musculoskeletal conditions dealing with muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones) through a series of exercise videos. The Recovery Plan offers a comprehensive online health assessment for team members and their dependents 16 years of age or older who are enrolled in a Northwell medical plan and suggests the appropriate care setting for treatment or provides an exercise program to self-manage recovery.
myJoyable is a web- and app-based tool behavioral health resource designed to help individuals with everything from day-to-day stress to more challenging behavioral health experiences for full-time employees. this digital behavioral health resource is provided by the experts at Joyable, at no cost to our non-union, full and part-time benefits-eligible employees. With myJoyable, team members self-assess their level of well-being and select from a choice of services to pursue an eight-week, well-being journey. Services include basic tools or activities, digital coach therapy, or a referral in-person therapy.
Learn more about our benefits at jobs.northwell.edu/benefits
How our medical office assistants are making a difference in patient’s lives
November 2019
Medical office assistants are typically the first people our patients interact with during their visit, helping to assess the patients’ needs. They have the unique opportunity to gain invaluable healthcare experience while developing their own skills and passion for patient care. And at Northwell, medical office assistants enjoy the close-knit atmosphere of working at a practice while still having access to career opportunities at New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer with 750+ ambulatory locations and beyond. With an unmatched combination of ongoing training, educational opportunities and tuition assistance, our medical office assistants are able to deliver care while they grow their career.
Hear from some of our medical office assistants on how they are making a difference at Northwell:
Atthis Nunez, Senior Medical Office Associate
“I have worked at a few Northwell practices as a medical assistant before becoming a senior medical assistant and I love being able to help the patients and make sure their needs are met.“
Dana Signorelli, Senior Medical Office Associate
“As a senior medical assistant, I am able to make a difference in a patient’s experience. I always wanted to be in the medical field because I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age three and was always surrounded by medicine. I wanted to be the person I always looked for while going to all of my appointments who made the experience fun and less scary. Being able to feel firsthand what these patients are feeling makes me able to relate to them.“
Iren King, Medical Office Associate
“My favorite thing about being a medical assistant is my interaction with patients. The joy I feel when I am able to be involved with their care and treatment is sensational. It gives me the satisfaction that I am making a difference.“
Joshua McLeod, Medical Office Associate
“I make a difference as a medical assistant by helping pediatric patients and their parents remain calm in the examination room. I really enjoy interacting with patients prior to the doctor going into the examination room and building relationships with newborns and their parents that last as they grow to become teenagers.“
Nafis Salcedo, Medical Office Associate
“The best part of being a medical assistant is the bonds we form with patients as the first line of care in the clinical area. I’m able to make a difference by treating each patient in a unique way according to their needs. I think it is important to make each patient feel welcome and comfortable with our care.”
Sara Marcos, Medical Office Associate
“My favorite thing about being a MOA at Northwell is that with the ability to work with many specialties, I am able to learn different aspects of the medical field. I’m able to make a difference by ensuring the office provides quality care for all of our patients.”
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Northwell Relay: Northwell runner races for caregivers in TCS New York City Marathon
November 2019
Over the span of six weeks, follow along with us during our first-ever Northwell Relay. Hear stories from our team members who are passionate about giving back to Northwell to support what matters most and making a real difference in patients’ lives.
Our employees support the mission of Northwell Health every day with their energy, their enthusiasm and their expertise. On November 3, 2019, some will also support our mission with their feet.
As an official charity sponsor of the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon, Northwell Health secured 15 guaranteed entries for employees who wished to run the marathon as part of Team Northwell. Runners support Northwell by raising at least $3,000, designating the funds for What matters most to them. In addition, this year we are expanding Team Northwell. Employees who received their own lottery entry to the marathon are also eligible to join Team Northwell and fundraise for an area close to their heart.
First-time marathoner Michael Goldberg, MBA, MS, executive director of Long Island Jewish Medical Center, shared with us what inspired him to take up the challenge:
What’s the best part of your role at Northwell Health?
The best part of being the executive director of Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJ) at Northwell is the opportunity to interact with team members, patients and families, and the community. Each day I’m inspired by the accomplishments our team members share with me throughout the hospital. I see the pride they have in their accomplishments and in health care that represents a meaningful impact we’ve made in someone’s life.
This is further reinforced when I speak with the patients and their families, and they validate and share with me how our teams impact their lives. Seeing the results of our actions to constantly make how we deliver health care better makes this role at Northwell so rewarding.
What inspired you to run the TCS New York City Marathon?
Running the TCS New York City Marathon is recognized as a significant physical and mental challenge. I’m determined to run and finish the New York City Marathon because of how difficult it is. I’ve never been a runner, nor do I enjoy running; however, it’s the idea that I can work to achieve something so difficult that interests me. When I complete in the New York City Marathon, I want to show my daughters that with hard work and focused effort anything is possible.
Why is it important to you to give back to Northwell?
I’m proud of Northwell Health and the ways in which our organization makes an impact in the lives of so many. Over the past 19 years, I’ve had the opportunity to grow from an intern in the finance department to now serving as LIJ’s executive director, and for that I am forever grateful. Northwell offers our team members jobs that enable them to have a rewarding career and provide for their families. Additionally, Northwell invests in many ways to make our community a better place. I can’t think of a better organization to give back to.
What area are you fundraising for at Northwell Health? Why does this area matter most to you?
I’m running to help fundraise for and raise awareness of the need to expand the resources we provide to caregivers. Working at LIJ Medical Center, I see caregivers throughout our facility. They accompany a loved one to the Emergency Department. They occupy our waiting rooms while their friend or family member is in surgery or having a procedure. They are a patient’s ride to an appointment, they are their advocates and they are the ones by the bedside hoping for everything to be OK.
Most of what we do centers around the clinical services we offer to our patients, and I think we have an obligation to create a greater service to those who generously give their time, energy, and sometimes financial support to their loved ones.
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