Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Family Medicine Physicians

November 2011


Harkirat Kaur

Kristianna K. Roberts
Hawthorn Medical is pleased to welcome Harkirat Kaur, MD, and Kristianna K. Roberts, DO, Family Medicine physicians, who have joined the group practice. Their office is located at 535 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth. Both physicians are welcoming new patients of all ages, including infants. Appointments can be made by calling 508-996-3991.

Dr. Kaur is a graduate of Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies. She completed a Family Medicine residency at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center in Syracuse, New York. She is a member of the American Association of Family Practice. Dr. Kaur has special interest in children's preventative medicine and women's health. In addition to speaking English, Dr. Kaur is fluent in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.

Dr. Roberts is a graduate of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. She completed a Family Medicine residency at Phoenix Baptist Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Roberts has special interest in adolescent medicine, sports medicine, and women's health as well as caring for patients with diabetes.

Community Foundation's Hawthorn Medical Charitable Fund Awards Grants

November 2011

HAWTHORN MEDICAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Every year, Hawthorn Medical Associates supports a number of local organizations through sponsorships, corporate memberships, and donations or advertisements in event program books. View a list of this year's supported organizations >>
The Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Mass. has awarded $19,000 in grants to local programs that meet the region's basic needs. The programs funded include a number of soup kitchens, food pantries and hunger-related programs, as well as one that will help homeless women learn to manage their finances.

"At this time of year and at this state in our economy, we are especially mindful of those who lack the basic necessities," said James Gularek, CEO of Hawthorn Medical Associates. "In support of our mission to serve the health needs of our community, we are reaching out to organizations and groups that help provide food and other basic needs."

The grants were awarded to:

  • Damien's Place—Family Pantry, $1,500 to purchase Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas hams, along with other holiday food, to distribute to its Wareham area clients.
  • Church of the Good Shepard Soup Kitchen and Pantry, $1,500 to help it continue serving a free meal each Thursday evening to anyone in need of food, fellowship or community ties. The Wareham-based food pantry also helps an average of 115 low income families each month.
  • The Salvation Army New Bedford Corps. On-Site Meals Program, $1,500. The program serves free, hot meals twice a week to low or no-income individuals; the number attending each meal has doubled over the past three years.
  • YMCA SouthCoast Sharing the Harvest, $5,000. A partnership with the United Way's Hunger Commission, this Community Farm is a grass roots effort to alleviate hunger at the local level. The farm at the Dartmouth YMCA was created for the express purpose of providing fresh, local fruits and vegetables for distribution by the Hunger Commission.
  • Grace Episcopal Church Food Pantry in New Bedford, $1,500 to buy a large refrigerator to preserve vegetables, cheese, and other perishable foods, and also to buy specific foods not provided by other donors.
  • United Way of Greater New Bedford Hunger Commission, $1,500. At a time when demand at soup kitchens and food pantries is at an all-time high, rising fuel costs are a major obstacle in the Hunger Commission's expansion efforts. The Hunger Commission plans to use this grant to expand the scope of its delivery network.
  • Greater New Bedford Youth Development Food Pantry, $1,500 for "Project Food Pantry," an intergenerational project that will enable youth ages 11 to 19 to collaborate with the Town of Acushnet Council on Aging to meet the nutritional needs of the senior citizens of Acushnet. The youth will coordinate and implement food drives in the community and deliver food to the elderly.
  • YWCA Steps to Stability, $5,000. Steps to Stability is an economic empowerment educational program for women who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. The grant will be used to help homeless women understand their finances, from learning the basics of managing a checking account to understanding credit, budgeting and maintaining healthy financial living and property expenses, and how their personal habits can affect their financial stability.

The availability of these grants is the result of the creation of a $500,000 endowment by Hawthorn Medical Associates at the Community Foundation.

Hawthorn Medical Expands Oncology Rehab Services to Cancer Survivors, Earns Star Program Certification

October 2011

Hawthorn Medical Associates is pleased to announce that it has earned STAR Program Certification from the Massachusetts-based Oncology Rehab Partners (ORP), leading consultants in the field of survivorship care.

Hawthorn Medical is the first center in New England to offer patients this rehabilitation-based program providing comprehensive care to cancer survivors. This certification uniquely qualifies Hawthorn Medical to offer premium oncology rehabilitation services to survivors who suffer from the debilitating side effects caused by cancer treatments.

"Many cancer patients benefit from supportive multidisciplinary care to reach their maximum level of function and quality of life," said Sherry Spencer-Brown, PT, CLT-LANA, STAR Program Clinician and Liaison. "Now, with our STAR Program Certification, Hawthorn Medical can provide vital comprehensive oncology care from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. We look forward to following the progress of our patients as they work with our skilled clinical staff to improve their health and well-being."

To receive STAR Program Certification, Hawthorn Medical implemented ORP's unparalleled Star Program an evidence-based model of oncology rehabilitation service delivery, successfully applying the program's evaluation and treatment protocols. These new services are covered by health insurance providers and will be offered to patients by knowledgeable and sensitive physicians and staff who are specially trained to work with survivors of all forms of cancer.

Specialty caregivers from a pool of disciplines, including physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, dietitian, licensed social worker, and others, have completed intensive certification training. They work together with each patient to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan to increase strength and energy, manage pain and improve daily function and quality of life.

ORP founder and cancer survivor Julie Silver, MD, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, said, "With its STAR Certification, Hawthorn Medical is committed to helping survivors heal from the debilitating side-effects of treatment. Similar to cardiac rehab for people with heart disease, oncology rehab will be the standard of care in all hospitals and centers that treat cancer patients. Offering this program will reduce symptoms like pain, fatigue, weakness, memory loss and depression, and positively impact the lives of survivors and their families. By becoming STAR Program Certified, Hawthorn Medical has made survivorship a distinct and important last step at the end of acute cancer care. In doing so, it has fulfilled its responsibility to provide its cancer patients with the most comprehensive medical care available, and the best possible outcomes for recovery."

Hawthorn Medical Associates Invites Public to Tour Newly Renovated Rehabilitation Center

October 2011

The public is cordially invited to an Open House on Thursday, October 20, at 12:30 pm in the newly renovated and relocated Hawthorn Medical Rehabilitation Center, 535 Faunce Corner Road.

Located just off the lower level elevator for convenient patient access, the new center includes additional state-of-the-art cardio and strengthening equipment to complement manual therapy techniques as patients strive toward fulfilling their therapy goals. Hawthorn Medical's rehabilitation services include physical and occupational therapy and speech pathology. Recently, several members of the rehab team became certified by the STAR Program and now provide specialized oncology rehabilitation services.The STAR program is a nationally recognized survivorship program and the first of its kind to be launched in New England. By redesigning the center, the team can meet the needs of all patients while accommodating new oncology rehabilitation programs.

"By continuing to offer the highest level of care with specialized services, we further our goal of returning patients to their optimum level of independence," said Deborah Days Fraine, OTR/L, CHT, Rehabilitation Center Manager. "Our experienced and highly skilled team members provide individualized evaluations and treatment for a wide variety of diagnoses. The team's vision is for patients to have a positive, enjoyable experience as they face the challenges of their rehabilitation programs. We invite everyone to join us on October 20th as we officially open the doors to our new state-of-the-art expanded facility."

Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Several New Physicians

Fall 2011

Hawthorn Medical Associates is pleased to welcome Gynecologist Vrunda Bhavsar, MD, Facial Plastic and Hair Restoration Surgeon Agata Brys, MD, Gastroenterologist Alexandra Retana, MD, Vascular Surgeon Harmandeep Singh, MD, and Gynecologist Susan E. Vogler, DO, to the practice.


Vrunda Bhavsar

Agata K. Brys

Alexandra Retana

Harmandeep Singh

Susan E. Vogler

A graduate of the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Dr. Vrunda Bhavsar completed an Obstetrics/Gynecology residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell. She also completed a fellowship in Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery at Northshore University Hospital in New York. Dr. Bhavsar provides gynecologic care to women of all ages, from young adulthood through menopause. Her special interests include minimally invasive surgical techniques including laparoscopic, single incision and robotic surgery for the treatment of benign gynecological conditions.

Dr. Agata K. Brys is a graduate of Boston University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. She completed a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Hair Restoration Surgery at the Rousso Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic in Birmingham, AL. Board certified in Head and Neck Surgery by the American Board of Otolaryngology, Dr. Brys specializes in facelifts, brow lifting, upper and lower eyelid surgery, scalp reductions, hair restoration surgery, rhinoplasty/nasal surgery, lip enhancement, skin resurfacing, dermal fillers and BOTOX/Dysport injections.

Dr. Alexandra Retana earned her medical degree at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and completed a residency in Internal Medicine at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. She completed her Gastroenterology and Hepatology fellowship at University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Retana has special interest in general Gastroenterology/Endoscopy, video capsule Endoscopy and women's health. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Russian.

Dr. Harmandeep Singh specializes in the evaluation and treatment of diseases of the arteries and veins outside of the heart. These diseases include thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms, arterial blockages in the carotid arteries, lower extremities, cerebrovascular disease, hemodialysis access, and varicose veins. Dr. Singh completed a Vascular and Endovascular Surgery fellowship at the University at Buffalo. His General Surgery residency was done at Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. He earned his medical degree at Baba Farid University of Health Sciences in India. He is fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi.

Board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Susan Vogler has special interests in laparoscopic procedures, preventive medicine, menopausal changes and mid-life issues as well as the specific needs of young adults. Her practice will be limited to gynecology only. She is a graduate of New England School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed an Obstetrics/Gynecology residency at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, CT. She comes to Hawthorn from a private practice in Portsmouth, NH.

These physicians are all accepting new patients. Appointments can be made by calling 508-996-3991.

Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Sachin Maskey, MD

July 2011


Sachin Maskey
Hawthorn Medical Associates is pleased to welcome Sachin Maskey, MD, a Family Medicine physician, who has joined the group practice. His office is located at 535 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth.

Dr. Maskey earned his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed his Family Practice training at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, Bronx, New York. He is board certified by the American Academy of Family Practice.

Dr. Maskey has special interest in preventive medicine, smoking cessation and care of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. He is accepting new patients of all ages (children and adults) for primary care. Appointments can be made by calling 508-996-3991.

Hawthorn Medical Awards Scholarships to Area High School Seniors

June 2011

Five years ago, Hawthorn Medical Associates established a scholarship program for graduating high school seniors who will pursue education in the health care field. Since then, Hawthorn Medical has awarded nearly $100,000 to 34 high school seniors to help support these outstanding students in their goal.


Pictured from left: CEO James Gularek, Ryan Fox, Alyson Warr, Chinenye Wachuku, Allison Lacrosse, Allison Johansen, Jaime Pimental, Alexander Ferreira and President James P. Tracey, MD

Students who each received a $3,000 scholarship are: Alyson Warr, Apponequet Regional High School, will study biology at University of Massachusetts Amherst; Ryan Fox, Dartmouth High School, will attend Brandeis University to study pre-medicine; Allison Johansen, Fairhaven High School, will study nursing at Northeastern University; Chinenye Wachuku, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, will study biology/pre-medicine at the University of Massachusetts Boston; Kristi Herbert, New Bedford High School, will study nursing at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth; Allison Lacrosse, Old Rochester Regional High School, will study nursing at Salve Regina University; and Alexander Ferreira, Westport High School, will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst to study nursing.

In addition, Jaime Pimental, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, was awarded the William Holliday III, MD, Memorial Scholarship to study nursing at Curry College. "Doc Holliday" was a beloved physician who worked at the Hawthorn Urgent Care Center for eight years before passing away in January 2009.

Hawthorn Medical's scholarship program promotes and encourages academic preparation in the field of healthcare in areas such as nursing, pre-med, radiological technology, laboratory sciences, pharmacy, and physical therapy.

Hawthorn Medical Diagnostic Imaging Department Receives Accreditation

June 2011

The Diagnostic Imaging Department at Hawthorn Medical Associates was recently notified that it has achieved accreditation status for its Nuclear Medicine and Nuclear Cardiology Laboratories.

The laboratories were awarded accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories (ICANL). The ICANL provides a peer review program to encourage and recognize the provision of quality nuclear cardiology and nuclear medicine diagnostic evaluations. The process is voluntary and accreditation provides a high level of confidence for patients, referring physicians and managed care organizations that the highest quality care is being provided.

There are more than 100 different nuclear medicine tests available, which are capable of diagnosing or ruling out diseases in every major organ system in earlier stages than with other available medical procedures. In the Nuclear Cardiology Laboratory, tests evaluate the pump function and the blood flow of the heart. These complex imaging techniques rely on the experience and training of both the physician and the technologist.

The Diagnostic Imaging Department at Hawthorn Medical provides testing in a number of imaging modalities and is accredited in the areas of mammography, MRI, ultrasound, CT, and vascular.

Hawthorn Medical Adds Certified Lymphedema Therapist for Oncology Rehabilitation Program

May 2011


Sherry Spencer-Brown
The Hawthorn Medical Associates Physical and Occupational Therapy Department announces that Sherry Spencer-Brown, PT, CLT-LANA, has become a full-time member of the staff. Ms. Spencer-Brown is an experienced physical therapist and a nationally certified lymphedema therapist. She specializes in the care of oncology patients and vascular patients who have symptoms of lymphedema.

With the addition of Ms. Spencer-Brown, the Physical and Occupational Therapy Department is able to offer its patients a progressive and comprehensive approach to oncology rehabilitation. Ms. Spencer-Brown's expertise will ensure that cancer patients have access to rehabilitation that will assist them in their recovery. Patients that will benefit include those with symptoms of lymphedema, joint pain, limited range of motion, loss of function, decreased independence in home and work activities, and deconditioning.

A graduate of Northeastern University, Ms. Spencer-Brown was most recently employed at St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River as a lymphedema specialist. She has also been in private physical therapy practice and is a past manager of the rehabilitation department at Morton Hospital in Taunton.

Referrals to Physical and Occupational Therapy are accepted from all area physicians. For more information, call 508-961-2925.

Look for Hawthorn Medical at Upcoming Community Events

March 2011

New Bedford Half Marathon
Hawthorn Medical will be participating in the 34th Annual New Bedford Half Marathon on Sunday, March 20 with an informational table set up near the YMCA on Union Street. In addition to health information for runners and information about our services, there will be a number of give-aways for those who visit. More than 2,600 runners participate in this 13.1-mile race. In conjunction with the run, Downtown New Bedford, Inc. will hold the third annual Downtown Run from 12:00-5:00 pm. This event offers visitors a guide to participating businesses to eat, drink and shop.

Tiara Classic 5K Race
Hawthorn Medical is also participating in the Women's Fund 5th Annual Tiara Classic Mother's Day 5K Race on Sunday, May 8. Hawthorn is a major sponsor of the race. In addition to staffing a first aid station, members of the Physical & Occupational Therapy department will be on hand to provide information about our services. The race kicks off at 9:30 am (with a Kids Run at 9:00 am). The race starts/finishes at Oxford Creamery on County Road in Mattapoisett. For more information visit www.womensfundsema.org.

Hawthorn Medical Employees Earn Awards of Excellence

January 2011


"Partners in Excellence" Award Winners
Five Hawthorn Medical Associates employees were presented with "Partners in Excellence" Awards at a recent ceremony. Recipients of the award were Ana Alcock, Laura Chandler, Cheryl Cofer, Cindy Costa and Melissa Lavoie. The "Partners in Excellence" Award was established by Partners HealthCare System to recognize talented and dedicated employees each year for their contributions to the organization.

Ms. Alcock joined Hawthorn Medical in 2009. She is a Clinical Coordinator who oversees the daily function of all providers and clinical staff. Her nominator stated that she is resourceful and always mindful of the patient experience.

Ms. Chandler is a medical secretary in the Urology Department. She has been with Hawthorn Medical since 2007. Her nominator noted that she has outstanding organizational skills, a calm temperament and a pleasant attitude.

An employee of Hawthorn Medical since 2002, Ms. Cofer is an electronic medical record associate. Her nominator stated that she goes above and beyond her duties and has worked tirelessly to improve the medical records system.

As a medical secretary in the Pulmonary Department, Ms. Costa works with many severely ill patients. Her nominator noted she is always courteous and professional and treats the patients in the best possible manner. She has been employed at Hawthorn Medical since 2001.

Ms. Lavoie is a licensed occupational therapy assistant who joined Hawthorn Medical in 2009. Her nominator stated that she is confident and efficient and has a strong desire to facilitate her patient's independence.

Hawthorn Medical Associates is affiliated with Partners HealthCare and Partners Community Healthcare, Inc. (PCHI), their community-based network of physicians and hospitals.

Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Neurologist Juan E. Cuebas, MD

January 2011

Hawthorn Medical Associates is pleased to welcome Juan E. Cuebas, MD, who has joined the group practice. Dr. Cuebas's practice is located at 535 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth, and he is accepting new patients.


Juan E. Cuebas
Dr. Cuebas is a graduate of University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Neurology at Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, where he served as chief resident. Dr. Cuebas most recently practiced Neurology and Sleep Medicine at St. John's Clinic, a large regional tertiary medical center in Springfield, Missouri.

Board Certified in Neurology and Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Cuebas is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Cuebas specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with symptoms and conditions such as stroke, headaches, memory loss, multiple sclerosis, seizures, Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, dizziness, numbness, and balance problems. He performs EMG/nerve conduction studies, EEG interpretations, and botulinum toxin injections. He also sees patients at the Hawthorn Sleep Center, providing comprehensive sleep evaluations and polysomnography interpretations for sleep disorders.

Appointments with Dr. Cuebas can be made by calling Hawthorn Medical Associates at 508-996-3991.

November 2010
Free Extreme Ski & Sports Seminar
November 2010
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Nephrologist Inas Almasry, MD
October 2010
Hawthorn Medical Diagnostic Imaging Department Receives Accreditations
September 2010
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Endocrinologist
July 2010
Vascular Surgeon Elected Member of Society for Vascular Surgery
July 2010
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Cardiologist
July 2010
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Endocrinologist
June 2010
Hawthorn Medical Associates Awards Scholarships to Area High School Seniors
April 2010
Hawthorn Medical Earns AAAHC Accreditation
March 2010
Hawthorn Medical Associates Employees Earn Awards of Excellence
February 2010
Neurologist Earns Board Certification
January 2010
Sleep Disorders Is Topic of Upcoming Program
December 2009
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Earl Potts Jr., MD
November 2009
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Wendell C. Jones, MD
October 2009
Hawthorn Medical Associates Receives Recognition
August 2009
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes General Surgeon
August 2009
Hawthorn Cancer Center Open House
July 2009
Staff Members Achieve Certified Diabetes Educator Status
July 2009
Hawthorn Medical Awards Scholarships to High School Seniors
July 2009
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Elliott J. Anderson, MD to Cancer Center
June 2009
Hawthorn Commercial to Air on Cable TV
April 2009
Orthopedic Surgeon Inducted into Academy
April 2009
Hawthorn Medical Diabetes Education Program Merits ADA Recognition
April 2009
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Vascular Surgeons
February 2009
Hawthorn Medical Sleep Center Earns AASM Accreditation
February 2009
Lonnie Houghton, PA-C, Recognized by the American Academy of Physician Assistants
January 2009
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Otolaryngologist Rachael Smith, MD
January 2009
Hawthorn Medical Associates Employees Earn Awards of Excellence
October 2008
Free Balance and Posture Screenings Offered
August 2008
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Paul M. Milhoua, MD, Urologist
July 2008
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Cardiologist Michael J. Rocha, MD
May 2008
Hawthorn Awards Scholarships to High School Seniors
June 2008
Special Program for Cancer Patients/Survivors
April 2008
Hawthorn Medical Associates Opens Ambulatory Surgery Center
April 2008
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Nephrologist David J. Shih, MD
April 2008
Hawthorn Cancer Center and American Cancer Society Present "Chemo Brain!—The Play
January 2008
Two Hawthorn Medical Associates Employees Earn Awards of Excellence
December 2007
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Cardiologist Jonathan D. Bier, MD, FACC
November 2007
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Cardiologist Jack A. Howard, MD, FACC
November 2007
State Road Laboratory Open on Sunday
October 2007
Hawthorn Physical Therapy Department Hosts Education Program
August 2007
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Matthew A. Kippe, MD
July 2007
Hawthorn Medical Associates Awards Scholarships to High School Seniors
May 2007
Annual Heart Party Held
April 2007
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Urologists
March 2007
Hawthorn Medical Introduces PET/CT Imaging Technology
March 2007
Hawthorn Medical Introduces High-Definition Endoscopy
February 2007
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes J. Mi Lee Haisman, MD
February 2007
Hawthorn Medical Welcomes Karmina P. Bautista, MD
January 2007
Two Hawthorn Medical Associates Employees Earn Awards of Excellence
January 2007
Emergency Medicine Physician Joins Urgent Care Center Staff
October 2006
Hawthorn Earns Nesson Award
November 2006
New Scholarship Program Launched
October 2006
Hawthorn Medical Associates Welcomes Thomas M. Vallone, DO
October 2006
Hawthorn Provides Free Mammograms
August 2006
Diabetes Education Program Merits ADA Recognition
August 2006
Janet Morgado Certified
July 2006
Open House at 535 a Great Success
May 2006
Hawthorn "Heart Party" a Success
January 2006
Two Employees Earn Awards of Excellence
October 2005
Free Mammograms During Breast Cancer Awareness Event
September 2005
"Dressing Down" to Help the American Red Cross

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