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LIFESTYLE LETTER

OCTOBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Douglas McDermott douglas.mcdermott@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Falling For Autumn

Julie Brown Patton julie.patton@lifestylepubs.com

WITH THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER BEHIND US, WE SHOULD START

Jeff Robinson

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

TO USHER IN COOLER WEATHER -- SIGNALING IT'S TIME TO PULL ON

AD DESIGNER

BOOTS AND GO FOR BRISK WALKS AMONG THE CHANGING LEAVES OF

Rachel Chrisman

PEAK PENNSYLVANIA LANDSCAPES. Until then, consider participating in the

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Color 5K to take place on Oct. 9 at Everhart Park in West Chester; see page 34.

Emily Lisenbee

It's also time to think about Halloween and upcoming holidays. It was a pleasure

Miles Boyer, Heather Conboy, Ira Raider

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

to spotlight the sixth annual "Shyamaween" Halloween dance party and fundraiser that's scheduled for Oct. 23. For details, see page 20. We applaud the new Dry Eye Center of Excellence that the team at Siepser Eyecare is launching for our region. We're also eager to see the fresh, dedicated eyecare areas and equipment to be established at Community Volunteers in Medicine, a free healthcare center in West Chester. On page 28, we join Michael Duncan, Chester County Hospital president and chief executive officer, in celebrating his tenth year of leading the complex components and 2,600-plus employees of the hospital. Their range of healthcare accolades

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

demonstrate the quality-driven initiatives being applied there.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Hope to see you around town during this new season.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Douglas McDermott, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER American filmmaker

and actor Manoj Nelliyattu "M. Night" Shyamalan

and

wife,

Dr.

Shyamalan, co-founders of the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation. Night produced the recently debuted thriller movie "Old."

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILES BOYER 4

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Bhavna

West Chester Lifestyle | October 2021

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

Proverbs 3:5-6 West Chester Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Chester areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Chester Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2021

FEATURES 14 A Welcome Sight Dry Eye Center Of Excellence Opens As Siepser Eyecare Celebrates 40th Business Anniversary

20 It's Back! Shyamaween Exclusive Annual Adult Halloween Party On Oct. 23 Raises Funds For M. Night Shyamalan Foundation

28 Michael Duncan Meet Chester County Hospital's 'ICARE' Leader

34 Color 5K Returns West Chester Special Event Oct. 9 To

14 20

Raise Funds To Fight Drug Addiction, Overdoses, Deaths

34 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Now Open

20 Giving Back 28 Healthy Lifestyle 34 Our Town

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AROUND TOWN No. 8—Reading Hospital No. 9—St. Luke's University HospitalBethlehem Campus No. 10—Lankenau Medical Center No. 11—Pennsylvania Hospital No. 12—Doylestown Hospital No. 13—Jefferson Health-Abington Hospital No. 14—Bryn Mawr Hospital No. 15—Chester County Hospital No. 16—Paoli Hospital No. 17—UPMC Passavant No. 18—WellSpan York Hospital No. 19—St. Clair Hospital No. 20—Geisinger Medical Center

NEW HEAD OF HUMAN SERVICES APPOINTED BY CHESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Upon the retirement of Kim Bowman, Patrick

No. 21—Jefferson HealthJefferson Torresdale Hospital No. 22—Temple University Hospital No. 23—Allegheny General Hospital No. 24—UPMC Hamot

Bokovitz was appointed the director of the Chester

No. 25—St. Mary Medical Center-Langhorne

County Department of Human Services.

No. 26—Riddle Hospital

Patrick directed Chester County's Department of Community Development and the Workforce Development Board for 14 years. He is responsible for the direction and supervision of the County's largest department, encompassing all human service-related sectors, and representing 48 percent of the County's annual budget. He earned a bachelor's degree in Geography

No. 27—Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia No. 28—UPMC Altoona For the sixth consecutive year, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, claimed the No. 1 spot.

NORTHERN GOSHAWK RAPTOR BEING CONSIDERED FOR ENDANGERED LIST IN PENNSYLVANIA

from Ohio Wesleyan University, and holds a mas-

Environmental officials in Pennsylvania recom-

ter's degree in Administration, Urban and Regional

mended the northern goshawk be added to the bird

Planning from West Chester University.

endangered list. If approved, the northern goshawk

SEE WHERE PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITALS RANK IN NEW U.S. NEWS LIST

would become the 22nd species on Pennsylvania's endangered list. Known for its cunning, speed and indiscrimina-

Several Pennsylvanian hospitals are among the

tion in choice of prey, northern goshawks are most

best in the nation, according to The 2021-22 Best

commonly found in Pennsylvania's large, mature,

Hospitals new rankings released by U.S. News and

higher elevation forests.

World Report. More than 4,750 medical centers

Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners

nationwide in 15 specialties and 17 procedures/

cite the unpredictable changing nature of habitat

conditions were compared. Seven new procedures

conservation efforts in a region experiencing rapid

were added: heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, dia-

development and shrinking woodland as the major

betes, kidney failure, hip fracture, back surgery.

factor in the goshawks' dramatic drop in numbers

Rankings: No.

3—Jefferson

over the past two decades. Audubon Society proHealth-Thomas

Jefferson

University Hospitals

jections indicate the bird could lose up to 60 percent of its summer habitat in Pennsylvania, if aver-

No. 4—Lancaster General Hospital

age temperatures increase by 3 degrees Celsius

No. 5—Lehigh Valley Hospital

through climate change.

No. 6—UPMC Pinnacle No. 7—Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Northern goshawks are one of several raptor species declining in the United States. Northern harriers, sharp shinned hawks, rough-legged hawks and CONTINUED >

West Chester Lifestyle | October 2021

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AROUND TOWN American kestrels also suffered notable declines, according to the latest numbers from the Raptor Population Index Project, which is informed in part by Hawk Mountain Sanctuary along the Appalachian flyway in eastern Pennsylvania.

WEST CHESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT SEEKS VOLUNTEERS There are opportunities to volunteer at one of West Chester Fire Department's three locations for those who are 14 and older. Specifically needed are active firefighters and administrative support with fundraising and maintenance. No prior experience is necessary, as the department provides 100% of all of the training required at no cost to volunteers. The West Chester Fire Department is com-

WEST CHESTER'S NEW POLICE OFFICERS UNDERGO TRAINING

prised of three 100% volunteer fire companies. On

Newly hired officers who joined the West Chester

average, West Chester firefighters respond to more

Borough Police Department are being trained for

than 1,200 calls for service each year.

"Force on Force" scenarios. The officers were put

Earlier this year, department leaders placed into

in real-life situations that simulate actual police

service two new fire engine trucks; both were built

encounters. They practice their de-escalation skills,

by Custom Fire Apparatus, Inc. in Wisconsin.

verbal engagements and use of force techniques.

To volunteer or to pose questions, visit JoinWCFD.org.

FARMERS’ ALMANAC FORECAST FOR 2021-22 WINTER Across the United States, Farmers’ Almanac forecasts near-normal amounts of snow, but its organizers forewarn there will be month-tomonth variations. Pennsylvania, and much of

The department partnered with Good Fellowship Ambulance & EMS Training Institute to use their rehab trailer, as well as Kirk's Martial Arts & Krav Maga for providing the much-needed role players for these scenarios. Photos courtesy of the West Chester Borough Police Department

SEEN THE NEW WEST CHESTER DOWNTOWN GUIDES?

the East Coast, should expect a stormy January

New guides designed by West Chester Business

and a relatively quiet February. This publication,

Improvement District staffers offer all sorts of ben-

which dates to 1818, is different than The Old

eficial details regarding downtown WC being the

Farmer’s Almanac.

heart of Brandywine Valley, including dining, shop-

January is predicted to bring an active storm

ping, parking, lodging and area attractions.

front along the Atlantic seaboard and provide

For a supply of guides or regarding questions,

a mixed bag of precipitation in the form of rain,

call the BID office at 610.738.3350 or email

snow sleet and ice. Western Pennsylvania and the

jobrien@wcbid.com or emcguire@wcbid.com.

Ohio Valley will have “more than their fair share” of snow that month. Farmers’ Almanac staffers predict a “winter whopper” for portions of the Northeast and Ohio Valley toward the end of February. Unseasonably cold temperatures are forecast for much of February. A late winter storm is predicted for the East Coast and Midwest around the middle

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

of the month, and a nor’easter is expected along

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

the East Coast near the month’s end.

WestChesterPA using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

West Chester Lifestyle | October 2021

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A Welcome Sight

Michelle Pendrak Bush, O.D., leads Siepser Eyecare's new Dry Eye Center of Excellence.

ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

DRY EYE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE OPENS AS SIEPSER EYECARE CELEBRATES 40TH BUSINESS ANNIVERSARY

An estimated 4.88

million Americans age 50 and older have dry eyes.

+ As many as 49 million Americans have dry eyes + Google searches for “dry eye syndrome" doubled between December 2010 and July 2020 + Global dry eye treatments are expected to top $6.6 billion by end of 2027 Statistic Source: Dry Eye Directory

West Chester Lifestyle | October 2021

Of these, more than 3

million are women and 1.68 million are men.

Source: Healthline Media

Rocio Pasion, O.D.

(Left to right): Siepser Eyecare doctors Rocio Pasion, O.D., Steven Siepser, M.D., F.A.C.S., and Michelle Pendrak Bush, O.D.

EVER HAVE STINGING, BURNING, RED, LIGHT-SENSITIVE, BLURRY, GRITTY-FEELING EYES? Those could be signs of evaporative dry eye disease (DED), a prevalent problem that many eye patients battle. Siepser Eyecare optometrists and specialists recognized this pervasive issue seven years ago and took action to help patients develop customized treatments. Additionally, the Siepser staff is elevating patient assistance to new levels this fall by launching an official Dry Eye Center of Excellence at their Wayne office, located at 860 East Swedesford Road. Founder of the company, Steven Siepser, M.D., F.A.C.S., says the advanced, dedicated center and a new eyecare community initiative are elements of observing the practice’s 40th business anniversary this year. DED negatively impacts one’s vision, overall health and productivity; left untreated, it can cause infections, impairments, permanent eye damage and a diminished quality of daily life. Siepser’s Michelle Pendrak Bush, O.D., is leading operational aspects for the center of excellence. She also manages primary vision care for patients of all ages, as well as provides post-operative care for many of Dr. Siepser’s surgical patients. She graduated from Pennsylvania College Of Optometry in 2008.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

NOW OPEN (CONTINUED)

Community Volunteers in Medicine eye area. Photo by Ira Raider.

“We’re super excited about doubling-down on the space we’re

Based on data from the most current National Health and

dedicating to help those with dry eyes,” Dr. Pendrak Bush says, citing

Wellness Survey, 6.8 percent of the U.S. adult population

that they will offer new light therapies.

(approximately 16.4 million people) have been diagnosed with

As one of the region’s leading doctors treating the challenging

DED, also referenced as dysfunctional tear syndrome. The preva-

origins of dry eye, she says 86 percent of DED cases are caused

lence increased with age (2.7 percent in those 18 to 34 years old

by clogged oil glands in eyelids. “The treatments we used to have

versus 18.6 percent in those 75 years old or older), and was higher

for DED should have lasted about a year, but often only helped four

in women than men.

to six months. It was so frustrating not to be able to do more for patients. Now we can!”

“Humans typically blink at a rate of 16 to 18 times per minute. But with increased computer work and screen time on personal

The new light therapies will offer low level as well as intense pulse

devices, we blink more like only four times a minute. That leads to

options. “They’re masks with the light devices built-in, and we use

less tears hydrating our eyes. Stress, too much caffeine, contact

them to improve cellular metabolism to keep the glands unclogged,

lenses, allergens, certain sleep patterns, environmental factors and

and to wipe out the bad flora living on eyelashes and lids,” says Dr.

medicines for chronic illnesses also contribute to dry eyes,” Dr.

Pendrak Bush. “These new therapies have wonderful anti-aging ben-

Pendrak Bush explains.

efits, too, such as minimizing puffy eyes, decreasing red splotches and making skin look great.” 16

West Chester Lifestyle | October 2021

She says the new equipment and techniques also will address the root causes of ocular rosacea.

Rocio Pasion, O.D., and Michelle Pendrak Bush, O.D., work together at Siepser Eyecare to solve clients' eye challenges.

EYE CARE PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY INDIVIDUALS

and glaucoma. She graduated from Pennsylvania College Of

One of Siepser Eyecare’s new community outreach programs

Optometry in 1999. She’s fluent in Spanish and enjoys exercising

is helping establish a working eye exam lane at Community Volunteers

this language with patients. She says she’s enthused about not

in Medicine, a free healthcare center in West Chester. Maureen

needing a translator for Spanish-speaking CVIM patients.

Tomoschuk, CVIM president and CEO, says they provide medical

“Our goal is to set up a proper eye exam space at the clinic. Right

care, hope and healing to uninsured, low-income families in the

now, eye-related diagnostics there are scattered, including conduct-

Chester County region from the facility at 300-B Lawrence Dr.

ing exams in the hallway. We’re eager to diagnose, treat, manage and

Spearheading CVIM’s new community eye care effort is Siepser’s Rocio Pasion, O.D., who discovered a long waiting list of patients and antiquated, non-functioning equipment when she went to the

educate patients there,” she declares. To contact the center, visit CVIM.org or call [English: 610.836.5990, extension 122 | Spanish 610.836.5990, extension 148].

clinic about a year ago. “We’re reaching out to our resources to get

Maureen says CVIM is committed to providing comprehensive

a slit lamp, phoropter, projector and loose lenses case for the clinic.

services to the vulnerable patients they serve. “We appreciate

We’re also seeking O.D/M.D. volunteers to conduct free eye exams

very much the Siepser Eyecare partnership to help us address our

at CVIM, along with those who can provide reduced surgical fees

patients’ eye care needs,” she adds.

for CVIM’s underserved patient base,” she adds. Dr. Pasion is a board-certified optometrist specializing in pri-

info@siepservision.com

mary care, low vision and specialty contact lens fitting. She evalu-

610.665.3277

ates and co-manages diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration

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GIVING BACK

scoop MNSF was founded in 2001.

motivation Eliminate barriers by helping others achieve safety, connectivity, education and social reform.

impact More than $4 million provided to communities around the globe.

M. Night Shyamalan and wife, Bhavna Shyamalan (nee Vaswani)

HOW SHOULD WE TRE AT OTHE RS? “THE RE ARE NO OTHE RS,” ASCRIBE S INDIAN HINDU SAG E AND J IVANMUKTA R A M ANA M AHARSHI, AS IN WE’RE ALL ONE AND EQUAL .

West Chester Lifestyle | October 2021

ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY MILES BOYER

It's Back!

SHYAMAWEEN EXCLUSIVE ANNUAL ADULT HALLOWEEN PARTY ON OCT. 23 RAISES FUNDS FOR M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN FOUNDATION

chance, anyone can manifest a better future for themselves, their family and their community.” UNLIKE CONCEPTS TRADITIONALLY ASSOCIATED WITH

Night says they rather seek to support individuals and commu-

CHARITY, THE M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN FOUNDATION INITIA-

nities to meet their potential and realize their dreams. “Our founda-

TIVES INVEST IN AND EMPOWER COMMUNITY LEADERS

tion is about more than removing the barriers created by inequity

WHO ARE CHANGING THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER, ESPE-

and oppression so people can thrive. It’s about shifting belief systems

CIALLY IN THE FIELDS OF EDUCATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE.

and narratives so individuals and communities become empowered

The nonprofit foundation was co-founded by American-Indian blockbuster filmmaker and actor Manoj Nelliyattu “M. Night” Shyamalan and his wife, Bhavna Shyamalan (nee Vaswani), Ph.D.

to create their own changes,” he adds. He says local leaders are central to this process because they’re the “breeders of belief.”

Their mission is to support the grassroots efforts of emerging local

This humble, humanitarian couple is wildly enthused about return-

leaders as those movers and shakers work to remove the spectrum

ing to their annual Foundation fundraiser on Oct. 23. Launched in

of hurdles and eliminate inequities created by poverty.

CONTINUED >

“We feel that charity implies a hierarchy and an approach to giving that’s driven by a sense of pity. Pity fails to acknowledge the strength of the person in front of you or their power to change their own lives,” says Bhavna. “We believe that, if given a fair CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

West Chester Lifestyle | October 2021

Bhavna Shyamalan (nee Vaswani) and husband, M. Night Shyamalan

2014, this will be the sixth annual “Shyamaween” Halloween dance

about a decade ago, focusing on the leaders in troubled or

party, with the 2020 event skipped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

oppressed communities. Rather than giving one-time scholar-

The VIP Hour that evening begins at 8 p.m. General admission kicks

ships, they now focus on leaders who create better teachers

in at 9:30 p.m., with the event concluding at 2 a.m.

through focused coaching, or who work with all the kids in a

Shyamaween is always held in a “secret” location within the

school to ensure they have an achievable post-secondary path.

Philadelphia area, a fun hot spot disclosed just before the event date.

These leaders create ripple effects in the communities, changing

Tickets are purchased online via the nonprofit’s website.

them for future generations.

“It’s been a year. A year of loss, a year of change, a year of reflec-

Night says their philosophy is that these leaders need to be

tion. For the leaders we support through the Foundation, it’s been

pre-vetted by life a bit. “There are a million people who have won-

a year that’s required them to step up in new ways to support their

derful ideas and are deserving of help, but we wait for one step

communities, with many of them providing emergency aid and

further, I think, for life to have thrown everything at them and yet

rethinking their own programming as the world collectively stayed at

they still succeeded. At that point, we ask, ‘What else do you need?

home,” says Bhavna. “Now as we all look forward to being together

How can we help you take this from Step 1 to Step 3?’”

again, why not get back out in the best way, with a chance to be bad and do good at Shyamaween 2021?”

Bhavna says she and Night firmly believe that impactful change is driven by community leaders who have the fortitude, charac-

The Foundation started with efforts such as providing schol-

ter and cultural expertise to enable their communities to reach

arships to teens, but that didn’t always result in successful out-

toward bold visions for future achievements. “We see these leaders

comes, as there were many other factors at play. Realizing it’s the

as the experts on issues in their communities. We do not dictate or

people involved in any organization that truly make differences,

prescribe solutions, once we decide to support the work of a leader,

the Shyamalans decided to take a more structured approach

we simply follow their lead,” she explains.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

Having been married since 1993 and living in a Philly suburb

“Those leaders are doing amazing things to change the world.

(fun fact: Night frequently uses Philadelphia as the backdrop in his

We’ll be bringing on new leaders before year’s end, and during

movies), she and Night take a thoughtful, partnership approach to

2022, we’re looking to increase the number of leaders we sup-

the Foundation’s support by providing community leaders with a

port. We’re becoming more engaged in the social justice move-

combination of:

ment and criminal justice reform, which is urgent and critical

+ Unrestricted funding + Opportunities to convene and share best practices

right now,” she asserts. Bhavna says she and Night also continue to conceive more ways

+ Increased exposure and access to the Foundation’s wide network

to involve their three daughters -- Saleka, Ishani and Shivani -- in

+ Guidance on strategy and planning

the Foundation. “This has always been a family effort and now that

+ Fundraising opportunities

they’re adults, it’s fun to get more input from them and keep them

+ Advocacy

engaged. They have wonderful ideas and are passionate about this

“Our partnerships typically last several years, during which time

work,” she adds.

we hope to help set our leaders up for long-term success and increase the scope of their impact. And, while we cannot provide

BHAVNA’S 20 OBSERVATIONS IN HONOR

funding in perpetuity, we consider our leaders to be members of

OF 20TH ANNIVERSARY

our family for life. We will remain their champions until their vision is

1. “Get over yourself; it’s about more than you.” We don’t have the

realized,” assures Bhavna.

luxury to fret as the world continues to suffer; we must act.

THE FOUNDATION TURNS 20

tural expectations and limited perspectives on what’s best for those

2. Let community leaders lead; don’t try to impose your own culAs the Foundation’s 20th anniversary is celebrated this year,

whose lives we don’t live.

Bhavna confirms they’re really inspired to continue sharing informa-

3. There is no other. Every individual from every community

tion regarding what the foundation is about, and more importantly

I’ve connected with has expressed the same needs, hopes, dreams,

who their leaders are.

wishes and capacity as me. I could have been them, and them me.

West Chester Lifestyle | October 2021

4. The ability to adapt and iterate is more important than finding “the” solution, because the latter doesn’t really exist. 5. Passivity is not neutral. Not acting has an impact. 6. NGOs need an operating budget to operate. We don’t expect a business to run without operational costs – why should NGOs be different? Yet somehow we hold this belief that people who want to dedicate their lives to lifting the struggles of others should themselves struggle to live. 7. Never forget the gift you hold in that moment of meeting a woman in a village, to show them what they have M. Night Shyamalan and wife, Bhavna Shyamalan (nee Vaswani)

always deserved to be shown: that they matter. 8. Kids in the slums seem to smile more. 9. Poverty looks different in different communities. 10. There IS hope in humanity. There is goodness, and angels do exist. I’ve been lucky and humbled to have met some. 11. Don’t forget to spray your clothes with bug spray before you leave. 12. Always pack snacks. 13. Plan to arrive at your first destination in the evening so you can get some sleep before the first site visit. Jet lag is real. 14. If someone steals your water bottle, know they needed it more than you did. 15. The night skies in South Sudan sparkle in a way I have never seen anywhere else I’ve ever been. 16. Within-continent flight times in Africa are “suggestions” at best. Anything can happen. 17. Women everywhere love to dance. 18. Bring tissues and wipes – for outdoor bathrooms and tears. 19. Women are the strength of every community...whenever it gets tough, women rise and take on the burden of keeping things going. 20. Words will never be enough to adequately describe the depth and beauty of visiting the programs I am so humbled I get to visit. 18 Campus Blvd., Suite 100, Newtown Square info@mnsfoundation.org MNSFoundation.org CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CHESTER COUNTY HOSPITAL

Michael Duncan MEET CHESTER COUNTY HOSPITAL'S 'ICARE' LEADER

“CHESTER COUNTY HOSPITAL’S CULTURE IS LIKE NIRVANA FOR ME,” PROCLAIMS MICHAEL DUNCAN, CCH PRESIDENT AND CEO. During 2021, Mike is celebrating his tenth year of leading all facets and 2,600-plus employees of Chester County Hospital. He attests he hasn’t seen over his 35-year career anything quite like the hospital’s customs and unbelievable stability. “It’s filled with warmth, empathy and a family feeling. There’s low employee turnover and high patient satisfaction.” He counts his proudest accomplishment from the decade as being that he “didn’t mess up the hospital’s culture.” In 2013, this West Chester-based medical facility became part of Penn Medicine, a premier provider of health, medical and physician services. During this March, CCH was named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals in America for the second year in a row. It ranked as the 85th best U.S. hospital and the fifth best hospital in Pennsylvania. “We’re committed to one mission, and that’s to be the leading provider of care in the region, and a national model for quality, service excellence and fiscal stewardship. This honor reinforces that goal, and is a direct reflection of the quality, patient-centered care our frontline team provides,” Mike says. Even with the impressive ranking, this grassroots president is quick to add that “we always see things we could do better.” When Mike got out of the U.S. Navy, he says he read the self-help book, “What Color Is Your Parachute?” From that, he learned the top three elements he seeks in jobs was to motive and influence people; 28

West Chester Lifestyle | October 2021

solve complex issues; and do something important for others. His subsequent sales-related career included financial turnarounds.

KUDOS TO WEST CHESTER COMMUNITY Mike learned more nuances about the West Chester region during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Mike first interviewed with CCH board mem-

“We’re used to being in service for the community,

bers, they asked him how he would work in a hospital’s

but in this case, the community came together for us,

pressure-filled, complicated environment.

making sure we had enough PPE in the crunch we

“My military training about doing what each mission calls for guides my approach to circumstances,

were in,” he says. “We would’ve been in big trouble without that community support.”

and drives me toward establishing the highest pri-

More than 200,000 pieces of PPE were donated to the

orities. And the nuclear engineer in me sees every-

hospital from fellow local businesses, such as dentists

thing as a system, so it’s typically a matter of reorga-

and auto body shop owners, for example. Additionally,

nizing the system to be more efficient and effective

food, cards, signs, chalk drawings, letters and other

for patients,” he says.

supportive gestures poured in to lift up the hospital’s

At the time, Mike was serving as CEO and execu-

overworked and emotionally drained staff. “We felt like

tive director of ColumbiaDoctors, a 1,200‐physician

we were in an arena, with residents and the whole com-

faculty practice plan at Columbia University in New

munity cheering us on,” recalls this hospital chief.

York City. Prior to joining Columbia in 2006, he was

After COVID hit, Mike says he tried to balance

CEO of Temple University Physicians and vice dean

engaging with the frontline folks, along with taking care

for clinical operations at Temple University School of

of himself, so he was able to take care of them. “In the

Medicine in Philadelphia.

Naval Academy, I read about Gen. William “Bill” Slim, a

CCH board members decided Mike thoroughly

British general in the Burma War. [During the Second

aligned with their mission as a community‐based orga-

World War 1939-1945, this military leader inherited a

nization, and that his experience, intellect and leader-

disastrous situation which, with pragmatic skill and

ship skills would be important assets in the hospital’s

quiet charisma, he turned to ultimate victory.] Each

evolving healthcare environment while complementing

night, that general retreated to his tent, in the middle

the strong administrative team already in place.

of the battles, to read novels. So, that’s the practice I

Thus, Mike succeeded H.L. Perry Pepper, who retired from CCH in June 2010 after 34 years at the medical center.

adopted during the pandemic,” he explains. “On the whole, perseverance became our secret sauce,” he adds.

CONTINUED >

“We’re committed to one mission, and that’s to be the leading provider of care in the region, and a national model for quality, service excellence and fiscal stewardship," says Michael Duncan, Chester County Hospital president and chief executive officer CityLifestyle.com/WestChesterPA

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED) Michael Duncan

GAME CHANGER A recent, $300 million expansion has been a real game changer for Chester County Hospital. A total of 250,000 square feet of the most state-of-the-art environment for treatment and recovery in the county is helping to redefine community health care. It features the comprehensive Penn Heart and Vascular Center, 15 state-of-the-art operating suites, an innovative orthopaedics pod, and access to the world’s most advanced cancer treatments at the Abramson Cancer Center at CCH. There are new areas for non-invasive cardiology, 99 private inpatient rooms, a 700-car parking garage, an outpatient pharmacy offering over-the counter medications and prescription pick up and refills, a bistro and even a rooftop helipad. CCH now is the largest medical facility in Chester County, with 309 licensed beds, with an underpinning of innovation at an even more complex level. Mike says the expansion project allowed them to move out of a wing built 60 years ago. “We’re also enthused about our next project designed to double the size of the Breast Health Center. We’re building it around the patient experience so that all the medical care needed is all in one place,” he adds. A 26,000 square-foot expansion and renovation of the hospital’s Emergency Department also was completed, with enhanced security features and specialized exam rooms. ICARE For hobbies, Mike relishes being grandfather to two boys and one girl. “They live near the hospital, and I love every second I can spend with them,” he dotes. From living near Penn Oaks Golf Club, he says the summer day light often gives him enough time to get four or five holes in after work. Other free time is spent reading about military and political history. “I like to study leadership styles,” Mike confides. He believes his style can be summed up in four words: “Love people, expect excellence.” He says being part of the Penn Medicine network of six hospitals gives him the opportunity to discuss matters with five other CEOs, and to share best practices or to collaborate on quality-driven measures. Mike says he and all CCH employees live by a handful of values: innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect, excellence -- also and usually referred to as ICARE. He says he and senior managers have discussed what they want to achieve in the next 10 years, which is to turn the focus more toward partnering with community leaders and groups. “We want all patients to have great outcomes. And while they’re with us, we hope they feel like they’re with friends, from the valet to medical care to foodservice and housekeeping. We want to affirm that they’re respected and supported,” Mike summarizes. 30

West Chester Lifestyle | October 2021

Chester County Hospital board member Timmy Nelson presents Michael Duncan with the Spirit of Belonging award.

Michael Duncan

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Returns

Color 5K

WEST CHESTER SPECIAL EVENT OCT. 9 TO RAISE FUNDS TO FIGHT DRUG ADDICTION, OVERDOSES, DEATHS ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON

THE FIFTH ANNUAL CHESTER COUNTY COLOR 5K RUN AND

Commissioner Michelle Kichline, whose

WALK RAISES FUNDS TO COMBAT LOCAL OPIOID AND HER-

determination to address the opioid and

OIN ISSUES. Funds assembled through Color 5K specifically sup-

heroin crisis in Chester County led to

port Chester County’s innovative Community Outreach Prevention

the first and subsequent Chester County

and Education — or COPE — program.

Color 5K events, says, “Never before was

This year’s Color 5K will take place on Oct. 9 at Everhart Park

a service like the COPE program available,

in West Chester. Race-day registration begins at 8 a.m. and the

especially to the extent that it is now. We

race starts at 9 a.m.

were so disappointed to have to take a

Previous Chester County Color 5K events attracted 1,000-plus participants, and raised more than $160,000.

break from the Color 5K because of the pandemic, but on October 9th, we’ll be

Through the COPE program, overdose survivors who are treated

able to once again run – and walk – to fight

in emergency rooms at any hospital in Chester County can meet

the devastating control that opioids have

with a certified recovery specialist within an hour of entering the

taken on so many people that we love.”

ER. The peer specialist engages with the overdose survivor and

Chester County District Attorney Deb

provides personal support and a direct connection to treatment

Ryan says Chester County had 105 peo-

and recovery services.

ple die from drug overdoses in 2020, the

“The goal of COPE is to work with overdose survivors, helping to

majority of which involved fentanyl. “These

move them from the ER to treatment, with their approval, regardless of

deaths were preventable with intervention

insurance status,” says Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell.

and treatment. My office wholeheart-

Josh adds that COPE peer specialists also work with the overdose

edly supports the Color 5K because it’s

survivor’s family and friends to advise how to navigate insurance

a chance for our community to unite in a

coverage, ways to get treatment and to provide the emergency-re-

fun, healthy way against the devastating

versing Narcan nasal spray and educate them how to use it. “It has

effects of drugs,” she says.

already proven to be a successful program, and money coming from this year’s Color 5K will help to expand it,” he says. 34

West Chester Lifestyle | October 2021

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