The Middlesex & Mercer Counties Medical Society 2023 Annual Meeting

2ND LEADERSHIP IN MEDICINE; EMPOWERING PHYSICIANS TO LEAD AND IMPROVE HEALTHCARE

On May 24th the Middlesex Mercer Counties Medical Society hosted its 2^nd Leadership in Medicine Event, Empowering Physicians to Lead and Improve Healthcare, at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal. More than 150 physicians and other professionals participated in the evening’s festivities, culminating in an inspirational keynote presentation from former NASA astronaut Ron Garan.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Myriam Mondestin-Sorrentino, president of the society, extended her gratitude to the various sponsors and guests who made the evening possible. She raised awareness about shocking yet pervasive social problems: the high suicide rate among physicians when compared to those in other professions, the high maternal mortality rate in the United States when compared to other developed nations (a problem that is exacerbated by significant racial disparities), food insecurity while surrounded by tremendous affluence, and the senseless loss of lives due to gun violence. She suggested why considering a broader perspective might be what is needed to address these persistent challenges more effectively.

Mr. James Demetriades, CEO of Penn Medicine, Princeton Health and a leading sponsor of the event introduced the keynote speaker, retired Astronaut and combat veteran, Mr. Garan.

Mr. Garan shared his “The Orbital Perspective”, to help address a broad range of issues, including those affecting healthcare. He inspired us to consider ourselves first as planetarians.   He discussed the long-term and big picture perspective. He further highlighted our power to affect change in ourselves, our communities, our nations, and our world, allowing us to create open and transparent collaboration that will fuel tremendous growth.  

Following the keynote presentation, Dr. Keith Lewis, an expert in patient safety and author of “OK to Proceed? What Every Health Care Provider Should Know About Patient Safety” joined Mr. Garan on stage for a fireside chat moderated by Dr Mondestin-Sorrentino. Dr. Lewis also graciously donated copies of his book to the audience.

Our program also honored five physicians that had been nominated by sponsoring institutions within the two counties for their outstanding leadership and service.  This year’s Leadership Award recipients included: Dr. Omega Ball from Capital Health, Dr. Michael Gordon from Robert Wood University Hospital Hamilton, Dr. Christopher Gribbin from St. Peter’s University Hospital, Dr. Craig Gronczewski from Penn Medicine Princeton Health, and Dr. James Salwitz from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital New Brunswick. The awardees received etched glass awards and a proclamation from the New Jersey State Legislature which had been secured by Hon Nancy Pinkin. Mr. Garan and Dr. Lewis graciously joined Dr Mondestin-Sorrentino and handed out the awards to the various recipients—who were joined by their respective nominators.

On behalf of the society, Dr Mondestin Sorrentino extended her gratitude to her board of directors, executive director Dawn Wilno and her team, the various sponsors, guests, friends, and colleagues who made the evening possible.

A special recognition went to the following individuals for the role they played in securing sponsorship from their organizations: Dr Al Maghaze and Capital Health,  Mr. James Demetriades and Penn Medicine Princeton Health, Dr. Jim Saltwitz and Astera Cancer Care, Mr. Mark Swartz and Dr. Jack Ritchiz from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Cardiac Center, Dr. Niranjan Roa,  Dr. Maureen Cernadas and Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, Kristen Berhrens MBA,  Dr. Julie Moldenhauer and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Fetal Diagnosis & Treatment, Mrs. Diane Grillo and RWJ-Barnabas-Hamilton, Dr. Ronnie Bochner and RWJ-Barnabas-New Brunswick, Dr Christopher Gribbin and University Radiology.