1. Message from the President
Facing an Unprecedented Challenge
Two weeks ago, we experienced one of the most significant issues to affect
a healthcare system. Taking all our computer systems offline was
unprecedented, but necessary to effectively recover from the virus attack.
Our IT teams throughout MedStar, and here at MedStar Good Samaritan
and MedStar Union Memorial hospitals, worked tirelessly around the clock
to make sure our patient and associate data remained secure and to bring
our systems back online as quickly and safely as possible. These teams
did a tremendous job and they deserve our heartfelt thanks for all the energy, knowledge,
and dedication with which they approached this challenge.
While our IT teams were recovering our systems, our associates came together to implement our
backup systems and find new ways to communicate with each other all while providing quality,
safe patient care. We did what we do best – kept focused on our patients and their needs.
I thank each of you for your commitment and for exemplifying our SPIRIT values—particularly of
Patient First, Innovation, and Teamwork—during these challenging weeks.
Until next time,
Good Catch, Till Olickal
Till Olickal, Ph.D., Pharm.D., from our Inpatient Pharmacy, recently
was awarded a Good Catch for his mindfulness to validate and verify
a patient’s condition and history before dispensing medication.
His prompt response and collaboration with the ED team helped
ensure the patient received the appropriate treatment based on all
the clinical factors. Good catch, Dr. Olickal!
Healthy Beverages Premiere April 15
MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital is committed to helping our associates achieve and maintain
healthy lifestyles. As was announced last month, beginning on Friday, April 15, MedStar Good
Samaritan Hospital will not offer sugar-sweetened drinks in the Belvedere Bistro, Courtyard
Coffeehouse, vending machines throughout the campus, and the Gift Shop. Beverages that
will be offered include:
• Diet Coke • Coke Zero • Cherry Coke Zero
• Fanta Zero (new) • Diet Sprite • Diet Ginger Ale
• Minute Maid Lite • Vitamin Water • Smart Water
• Dasani Water (flavored/plain) • Unsweetened tea • Diet Tea
• Milk •100% juices
Having these healthy beverage choices is a natural addition to our overall Wellness Program and
is the right thing to do for our associates and the right thing to do as a trusted leader in caring
for people and advancing health in our community and our workplace.
Better Health by the Book
Get ready for the next meeting of the Better Health by the Book club by reading Susannah
Cahalan’s Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness, which is the author’s own story of overcoming
a medical mystery. Come to the discussion on Tuesday, May 10, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the
Good Health Center. Call 443-444-4100 for more information or to register.
April Associate
Calendar of Events
Organ Donor Day Flag Raising Ceremony
Wednesday, April 13 • 3 p.m.
Main Entrance
Caregiver Support Group
Thursday, April 14 • 3:30 to 5 p.m. • Free
Russell Morgan Building Conference Room 1
Healthy Beverage Launch
Friday, April 15
2016 NKF Kidney Walk
Sunday, April 17 • 9 a.m.
Camden Yards Sports Complex
Contact: Jackie Hires at ext. 3979
Lunch and Learn:
Addressing Difficult Discharges
Tuesday, April 26 • Noon to 1 p.m. • Parker 4
Massage Therapy or Integrative Reflexology
Day or evening by appointment
Good Health Center
Fee: $30 for 30 minutes or $55 for an hour
Call 443-444-4663
Blood Pressure Screenings
Monday through Friday • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Good Health Center • Free; just drop in
Cardio Sculpt
Every Monday • 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. • FIRM
Meditation Classes
Every Wednesday • 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Good Health Center • Free; just drop in
Fitness Fusion
Every Wednesday • 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. • FIRM
Dance into Fitness
Every Wednesday • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Good Health Center • Free
Ab Attack
Every Thursday • Noon to 12:30 p.m. • FIRM
Stretch Class
Every Friday • 12:30 to 1 p.m.
Good Health Center • Free; just drop in
Acupuncture
Fridays by appointment
Good Health Center
Fee: $150 for initial two-hour evaluation and
$85 for additional appointments
Call 443-444-4663
Till Olickal, Ph.D., Pharm.D., (center) was recognized with a Good Catch award by Robin Craycraft
and Ken Walsch from the department of Quality, Risk Management, and Patient Safety.
GoodnewsA weekly publication of MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
April 11, 2016
15-MGSH-4634.042016