PTSMC Named a Top Workplace for 10th Straight Year!
OCTOBER 2020
PTSMC TRADITIONS There is a distinct chill in the air these days, and of course the sun is setting earlier every evening, which can only mean one thing autumn is officially upon us. As much as I love summer, I enjoy the change of seasons that living in Connecticut provides. The cool nights for sleeping, leaves changing colors, and getting to throw on your favorite sweaters again are symbolic of this time of year. Autumn also brings on some long-standing traditions at PTSMC. The Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest This year’s famed inter-office competition will welcome new competitors from Danbury, Lock Street in New Haven and Simsbury, totaling 28 pumpkins! As in years past, each office will have the opportunity to enter ONE pumpkin decoration in the contest. The winning pumpkin will be the entry that receives the most votes in our survey and engagements on PTSMC’s Facebook page. Year after year I am amazed at the creativity and competitive nature of PTSMC’s people, though I guess it should come as no surprise that a group filled with such smart, motivated, enthusiastic people would garner so much spirited competition. I hope the energy and enthusiasm continues. Have fun everyone!
The Annual Fall Management Meeting PTSMC’s leadership has a two-day meeting every fall. Traditionally, we have a very long and productive first day followed by a team dinner and team building activities. We typically stay overnight somewhere and wrap up the second day at about 1pm. This meeting is often built around an “80/20” approach, which means that 20% of the time and topics are related to the year that has passed, while 80% is dedicated to looking ahead.
Thanks to employee participation and feedback, PTSMC was named a Top Workplace for the 10th consecutive year. We ranked 5th in the Hartford Courant Region and 12th in the Hearst Region. We’re proud to be on list for 10 years running!
StriveHub Fab 5
“Everyone is very knowledgeable and compassionate. They push you but always check to see how the plan is working. I love the team approach - if one PT is out, others can care for you. I like the emailed exercise plan as well.” We are still working out the logistics and content, however the overall goal of making PTSMC better for our people and those we serve remains - Essex The safety concerns we all continue to face has resulted in this year’s meeting going virtual. This is a personal disappointment for me, as I really enjoy spending time with this ever-growing group of leaders in person. I always learn and I always laugh with them.
the same. If you have thoughts or ideas you would like to add to this process, please take some time to talk to your Director or reach out to me personally.
“Everyone at PTSMC Guilford, from the front desk, the aides, to all the therapists, is kind, professional, As always, we are tasked with plotting a course for the following year, and we know that this time around we have a few more potential enthusiastic and excellent at what they challenges than usual to consider. We will continue to adjust and adapt do. My experience there has been PTMSC’s Annual Food Drive to anything that comes our way. wonderful. I truly felt taken care of. My Over the years, through our annual food drive, the generosity of our therapist, John Galer, is wonderful and people and patients has provided thousands of meals to those in need. I am facing this challenge with confidence because of PTSMC’s This year I feel especially passionate about this initiative because I fear twenty-year tradition of growing our people, growing our business, and deserves special recognition for his many people in the communities we serve have faced, and will most importantly, bringing our PTSMC level of care to more and more compassion, knowledge, and patience.” continue to face, some of the most challenging times in memory. people across Connecticut. - Guilford Staff and patients who are fortunate enough to be able to share with others are asked to contribute whatever they can. This year I am setting a company goal of 2,020 items collaboratively collected across PTSMC. Let’s work together to make this the most impactful food drive in our twenty years! See page 9 for 2020 Pumpkin Decorating Contest and Annual Food Drive dates and details.
I have great faith in who we are and what we do. Together we can survive and thrive in 2021 and beyond.
Alan
Welcome to PTSMC Lock Street!
Patient Trends
PTSMC has become the physical therapy provider for Yale Health Plan, the network for all Yale employees and students. The facility on Lock Street in New Haven is run by Danielle Butsch, who has been with PTSMC for two years as a practice liaison and physical therapist at both Middletown and New London.
New Patients per Month
Lock Street Employees! Danielle Butsch, Director Christine Hill, Network Coordinator Alex Rosenberg, Physical Therapist Maggie Thomas, Physical Therapist Abraham Abdel-Hack, PT Aide Brandon Isolano, PT Aide Caley Nigro, PT Aide View their pictures in the New Employees section on pages 4-5!
Visits per Month
“Excellent care by the physical therapists, Sam (McMullen) and Dana (Earle), and the aides and front desk staff are fabulous and helpful. They are making everyone comfortable in this difficult COVID time. They all take the time to really help and take care of their clients.” - Southington “My Physical Therapist, Maggie Thomas, is spot on with her diagnosis and treatments. She’s proactive, tries different methods, and works with me until I find relief, then she follows up on my progress. Maggie Thomas has given me a better quality of life....thank you!” - Lock Street “The team here is very proactive in getting the patient back to health. Emily (Hansen) is very knowledgeable in all aspects of physical therapy. She really listens to the patient and then executes a plan. The entire staff is there for you!” - Simsbury
CLINICIAN’S CORNER MENISCUS ALLOGRAFT TRANSPLANTATION By Gabby Didiano, PT, DPT Physical Therapist at PTSMC Middletown In an orthopedic clinical setting, we as clinicians commonly treat patients with meniscus pathologies including injury to or surgical history of meniscus tissue repair/removal. Often these symptomatic patients are of a younger age in which artificial joint replacement is not yet indicated or the loss of the peripheral meniscus is not yet severe enough despite the possible articular cartilage wear, knee instability, and progression of osteoarthritis. While our efforts can assist in reducing pain and preserving or repairing damaged meniscal tissue, there are cases in which the meniscus is not amendable to repair after injury. Although traditional repair of meniscus is seen to have fair to good results, the healing potential of meniscus tissue remains a challenge secondary to its lack of vascularization in addition to its predisposition to secondary osteoarthritis.1 Meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) is becoming an increasingly researched and practiced procedure for meniscus tissue injuries in hopes to improve clinical results. For appropriately indicated patients with symptomatic meniscal deficiency, MAT has demonstrated potential for a surgical solution to reduce pain, improve function, and limit degenerative changes.1,2 However, MAT is a technically demanding procedure in which surgeon familiarity is critical in addition to appropriate candidate selection for successful outcome. Although research is continuing to evolve, the general indications for MAT found consistent through all studies include: • Patients younger than 50 years old with a chief complaint of pain limiting their desired activities • BMI < 35 kg/m2 • Previous meniscectomy (or non-viable meniscus state) with pain localized to the affected compartment • Normal or correctable coronal and sagittal alignment • Normal or correctable ligamentous stability • No or minimal arthritis • Willingness to comply with rehabilitation protocol • Realistic post-surgical activity expectations1,2,3 Meniscus allografts can be cryopreserved, fresh-frozen or deep frozen, fresh, or lyophilized or freeze-dried. Fresh frozen or deep frozen grafts, despite low cell viability, have been most commonly used because of lower disease transmission risks, maintenance of biomechanical properties, and overall relatively higher success rates. Appropriate graft sizing is crucial to promote tissue healing and restore the chondroprotective role of the meniscus. Lateral meniscus graft length is determined as 70% and medial meniscus graft length as 80% of the sagittal length of the tibial plateau.1,2 As far as surgical technique, there have been a variety reported although arthroscopic-assisted or all-arthroscopic have been most suggested. The specific technique utilized by surgeons is often dictated by laterality of injured tissue or need for concomitant procedures.2,3 Graft fixation techniques include either all-suture fixation or bone fixation. Bone fixation techniques are variable and include the use of bone plugs (more common for medial meniscus tears) or the use of a bone bridge (more common for lateral meniscus tears).2 The difference in technique for lateral versus medial meniscus tears is associated with the need for proper placement of the
anterior and posterior horn fixation sites while respecting the anatomical differences. At this time, surgical complications remain fairly low but can include mechanical failure, no change in symptoms, and graft extrusion.2,3,4 In regards to rehabilitation post MAT, researched protocols and healing timelines are very similar to that of meniscus repair:5,6,7
While outcome data remains relatively limited and inconclusive, some evidence suggests that MAT has been successful at reducing patient pain levels and providing short term functional benefit. Current research also suggests MAT to be chondroprotective with allografts having the potential to heal completely or partially to knee capsules close to one hundred percent when assisted arthroscopically.6,7 It has also been shown that lateral MATs have higher success rates and lower failure rates than medial MATs.3 However, short term follow up research suggests only about half of patients return to pre-injury level of play in addition to higher failure rates in ACL-deficient knees2,3, which should be consistent with the athletic population considering such surgical procedure. Although research is promising and can be a great choice for our symptomatic patients, there is still much to consider regarding MAT including understanding the long-term outcomes of MAT and the ability of MAT to prevent or prolong knee arthroplasty. 1. Lee SR, Kim JG, Nam SW. The Tips and Pitfalls of Meniscus Allograft Transplantation. Knee Surgery & Related Research. 2012;24(3):137-145. doi:10.5792/ksrr.2012.24.3.137. 2. Frank RM, Cole BJ. Meniscus transplantation. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. 2015;8(4):443-450. doi:10.1007/s12178-015-9309-4. 3. Searle H, Asopa V, Coleman S, Mcdermott I. The results of meniscal allograft transplantation surgery: what is success? BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2020;21(1). doi:10.1186/s12891-020-3165-0. 4. Figueroa F, Figueroa D, Calvo R, Vaisman A, Espregueira-Mendes J. Meniscus allograft transplantation: indications, techniques and outcomes. EFORT Open Rev. 2019;4(4):115-120. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.4.180052 5. Southworth TM, Naveen NB, Tauro TM, Chahla J, Cole BJ. Meniscal Allograft Transplants. Clin Sports Med. 2020;39(1):93-123. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2019.08.013 6. Noyes FR, Heckmann TP, Barber-Westin SD. Meniscus Repair and Transplantation: A Comprehensive Update. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2012;42(3):274-290. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3588 7. Young J, Tudor F, Mahmoud A, Myers P. Meniscal transplantation: procedures, outcomes, and rehabilitation. Orthopedic Research and Reviews. doi:10.2147/ORR.S94378
HUMAN RESOURCES CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES REMINDERS Payroll Email Payroll@ptsmc.com when communicating any of the following items: • Direct Deposit adds or changes (Document must be password protected) • Tax Status changes • Address changes • HSA Contribution changes • ATC coverage in schools other than your home school • Employee coverage in clinics other than your home clinic • Timesheet completion regarding Audit, DOCS, Residency Program Teaching and Mentoring Hours • If manual entry is needed for vacation hours above the negative allowed - this will occur if vacation requests have been approved and not used yet
Timesheet Problems Contact Sandra Boccialetti for timesheet issues and problems at sandra.boccialetti@ptsmc.com or 860-409-4595 ext. 303.
Requesting Time Off Time off requests need to be completed through Time and Attendance. Click on the following icons to request personal, sick or vacation days. Personal time needs to be requested under Holiday. Once your Director approves your request, the approved time will be posted to your timesheet.
Minimum Wage CT Minimum Wage was increased to $12.00/hr on September 1, 2020.
STUDENT PROGRAM UPDATE We’re pleased to welcome the following students completing clinician rotations with PTSMC! Casey Anthony (AIC) is in West Hartford hosted by Miguel Santiago. Nick Casagrande (AIC) is in Branford hosted by Ted Raczka.
Patient Services Coordinator Essex Fairfield Guilford Middletown New Haven New Milford Watertown Wethersfield Windsor
Physical Therapy Aide Branford Danbury Fairfield Middletown Lock Street Westbrook
Check www.PTSMC.com/job-openings for our most up-to-date postings, and feel free to share! Call Jenn or email at Jenn.Detlefsen@ptsmc.com for PT Aide positions.Call Karen or email at karen.havlicek@ptsmc.com if you are interested in another position.
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS Christine Boyd Meaghan Brunelle Sandra Balavender Becky Passante Paige Brunner Caley Nigro Shirley Siguenza Marcus SantaMaria Pam Subtil Jonna Tomasello Miranda Jasiwnowski Cindi Theriault Erin Carlson Fred Havlicek Alex Rosenberg Curtis Henry Stephanie Santos Caitlyn Ayotte Nicole Perin Erica Drake Gabe May Alyson Whelan Jennifer Cook Noah Rattet Logan Edwards Meghan Blanusa Mike Rutt Caty Halpin Justin Delgado
3 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 12 12 13 14 14 14 15 16 18 18 21 21 21 23 28 28 29 31
Branford Windsor Admin Guilford Windsor Lock Street Danbury Essex New Haven Westbrook Groton Southington Southbury New Haven Lock Street Guilford Watertown New London Fairfield Guilford Avon Essex Branford Guilford Windsor Naugatuck West Hartford Westbrook/Admin Guilford
OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES Anthony Faria Charles Brooks Faith Rotas-Burns Grace Martin Joan Porper
Middletown Newtington East Hampton Wallingford Admin
Mario Paredes Megan Holt
PT Aide PSC PT Aide PSC Director of Payer Relations Physical Therapist PT Aide
Meghan Blanusa
Physical Therapist
Naugatuck
Cindi Theriault
PSC/Massage Therapist
Southington
Pete Catuccio
Partner & Director
Watertown
Allyson Hickey (Quinnipiac University) is in Wallingford hosted by Ashley Tighe.
Orange Essex
EMPLOYEE NEWS
NEW EMPLOYEES
Abraham Abdel-Hack, Lock Street PT Aide
Ian Bergere, Westbrook PT Aide
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Christina Capito, Fairfield PT Aide
Erica Breive, New Milford Physical Therapist
Bac e m o c
Wel
Amy Demers, Branford Physical Therapist, former student
Jenna Covello, Southington PT Aide
Christine Hill, Lock Street Network Coordinator
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Kevin Howard, Orange Physical Therapist, former PT Aide & student
Justin Etsy, Danbury PT Aide
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Bac e m o c
ack me B
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Welc
Karen Ann Deoliveira New Milford PT Aide
Wel
Brandon Isolano, Lock Street PT Aide
Thomas Mango, New London Physical Therapist, former student
Not Pictured
Jacquelyn Beltram, New Haven PT Aide Drew DaSilva, Southbury PT Aide
Katelyn Mogelnicki, Newington PT Aide
EMPLOYEE NEWS
NEW EMPLOYEES
Caroline Murphy, Orange PT Aide
Caley Nigro, Lock Street PT Aide
Ruth Pena DelaRosa, Waterbury PT Aide
Carole Pimenta, Guilford PSC
k!
Sarah Passaretti, New Haven PT Aide
Jorge Paucar, New London PT Aide
Isabella Pirola, Southbury PT Aide
Alex Rosenberg, Lock Street Physical Therapist
Olivia Schaub, Simsbury PT Aide
Pamela Subtil, New Haven PT Aide
Bac e m o c
Wel
Marcus SantaMaria Essex PT Aide
Stephanie Santos, Watertown Physical Therapist, former PT Aide
Maggie Thomas, Lock Street Physical Therapist
Heather Vieira-Lemay, East Hampton PT Aide
Getting a Flu Shot This Year?
LET US KNOW!
The CDC strongly recommends everyone over the age of six months gets a flu shot, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When you get yours, you will be entered into a $100 raffle! Email Mallory Mason at Mallory.Mason@ptsmc.com with a picture of your band-aid. Deadline for entry is noon on November 6th. The winner will be picked and announced by the end of the day. *If you already got your flu shot, please email Mallory.
By Jim Hungerford, CPA Director of Accounting and Finance
Student Loan Relief Extended Through End of Year In March 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided a six-month automatic payment suspension on federal student loans through September 30, 2020. In August, the President signed a memorandum to extend federal student loan relief through December 31, 2020. What does this mean for student loan borrowers? All borrowers with federally held student loans will have their payments automatically suspended through 2020 without penalty. In addition, no interest will accumulate on the loans — the interest rate will remain at 0% through 2020. Collections on defaulted loans will also be halted, and borrowers with defaulted loans whose employers continue to garnish their wages will receive a refund of those garnishments. The extension for student loan borrowers is automatic. Borrowers will be notified of the extension throughout the Fall and can expect to see the extension reflected in their student loan accounts. Should you continue to pay your student loans even with the extension? Borrowers still have the option to continue making payments on their federal student loans during the extension. In fact, if you can continue to pay your loans while the interest rate is at 0%, your payments will go toward reducing the principal balance, allowing you to pay off your loans sooner and at a lower cost. What if you have an income-driven repayment plan? If you have an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, payments you would have made, but are no longer required to make, will count toward IDR plan loan forgiveness.
It’s official! Danielle Dunn, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, CMTPT, was approved by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) to be an accredited Residency Program Director and Director of PTSMC’s Orthopaedic Residency Program. Danielle has been actively mentoring new graduates and teaching courses in PTSMC’s Development of Clinical Success (DOCS) Program since 2015. Since 2018, she has served as PTSMC’s Clinical Excellence & Mentorship Coordinator. We are excited to have someone with Danielle's level of experience and dedication in helping PTSMC clinicians develop and grow in their profession as the Director of the PTSMC Orthopaedic Residency Program!
For more information on U.S. Department of Education efforts to assist student loan borrowers during the pandemic, go to: www.ed.gov/coronavirus.
What Happened in october of 2000? October 26, 2000 - The New York Yankees defeated the New York Mets 4-2 in Game 5 of the “Subway Series” to win their 3rd straight World Series. Derek Jeter was named MVP.
October 31, 2000 - One American and two Russians were the first astroanuts launched to the International Space Station. It is the largest artifical object in space and the largest satellite in low Earth orbit.
Spirit day
Watertown
New Haven Lock Street
Clinics that Opened in OCTOBER Southington in 2010 (pictured getting their pumpkin in 2017)
Wallingford in 2011 (pictured in their Halloween costumes from 2019)
Simsbury
Plainville
Next Month Wethersfield in 2019 (pictured at their Grand Opening in February 2020)
PINK DAY - Tuesday, October 20th October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Wear pink to raise awareness.
CONGRATULATIONS! Traci O’Brien, New London Physical Therapist, welcomed a baby girl. Taylor Elizabeth O'Brien was born 8 lbs. 14 oz and 20 inches long.
Brian Vo, Windsor Partner & Director, got engaged to Abby Bascetta.
SoCIAl Media Sensation Emma Hart, Groton Physical Therapist
Emma Hart, Groton Physical Therapist, was the first PT featured in a new series, “PT Profile!” In these profiles, your colleagues will answer questions to help us and patients get to know them a little better. You can learn more about Emma, including why she joined PTSMC and some interesting tidbits like what superpower she would want to have, on our social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as well as on our blog at www.PTSMC.com/blog.
Life Beat 4 Uses for Pumpkins You Didn’t Know You Needed Treat your pup to a healthy and filling meal
Veterinarian approved, canned pumpkin is a great add in to your dog’s meal. It helps them feel fuller and provides a high amount of fiber to keep your dog happy & healthy.
Treat the environment by using pumpkins for potting instead of plastic A hollowed out large pumpkin makes a decorative and eco-friendly planter. Scrape all the insides out, fill halfway with soil, then plant a colorful mum inside to create the perfect front stoop decoration.
Treat the birds to an extra special snack by making a pumpkin seed “birdfeeder”
October is one of the best times of the year to #GetMoving. The cooler weather makes for a much more comfortable experience being active outside, which means fun and festive activities that get you off of Netflix...that is, unless you’re watching Halloween Town and Hocus Pocus. In other words, there is no better time for a #GetMoving challenge! This time around there will be other festive “wellness challenges” intertwined with the usual fitness challenges. Staying healthy is not only about physical activity, after all! Not only are we encouraging getting your body moving, there will also be challenges that focus on nutrition, hydration, nature, coming together in the virtual world, and of course, fun!
This challenge runs for 4 weeks: Sunday, October 4th – Saturday, October 31st. The Challenge: Be active for 30+ minutes for 16 of the 28 days and you will earn a reward. Hungry for a bigger challenge? Achieve 24+ days of activity and you’ll earn the “next level prize!” There will be opportunities to earnbonus points and will be as easy as participating in weekend fall-themed challenges - no burpees required.
Start with a piece of cardboard, and cut it into cute shapes, like a heart or pumpkin. Punch a small hole at the top for string to hang it. Then, cover the cut out in peanut butter. Finally, stick on dried seeds from your gutted pumpkin!
Once again, we will be using the Slack app to submit activities and support each other over the four weeks. Each DAY you #GetMoving, post your activity in the group and it will count towards your running total. Your post can include a picture of your activity, you, your watch, your view, your dog, or a description without a picture.
Treat your skin with the rich nutrients from pumpkin with a homemade moisturizer
Other participants will be able to see your post on the app, like the post and offer some additional support. No one outside of the group will see your posts. The Slack group will also be where you get the latest challenge information, updates, and fun activities.
Ingredients • 1 cup coconut oil • 1 cup pumpkin puree • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Directions 1. Mix together all ingredients until smooth. 2. To use, rub into skin and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off. 3. Store body butter in the fridge.
How to sign up: email Mallory at the PTSMC Wellness Program email, Wellness@ptsmc.com. Sign-ups will run through October 3rd. Once the group is established there will be an email sent out with more detailed instructions for participants. We can’t wait to #GetMoving together!
PTSMC is proud to support Healing Meals!
For the 3rd year in a row, PTSMC employees will be participating in the Eversource Hartford Marathon races on October 8-11th to raise money for Healing Meals Community Project. Healing Meals is a non-profit that prepares and delivers delicious, organic meals to families dealing with a health crisis. This year, they have also been delivering meals to healthcare workers treating COVID-19. There are two ways to help!
1. Register to run, walk, or bike one of the virtual Hartford Marathon Races (marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k) and fundraise for Healing Meals. 2. Donate to Healing Meals through a PTSMC runner, walker, or biker by October 8th. Pictured is Marketing Director Peter Decoteau’s dog Milo who is on the pumpkin diet and loving it!
To learn more, register or donate, visit www.ptsmc.com/fundraiser.
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST O ontest Are you ready for the greatest PTSMC competition of the year?! The PTSMC Pumpkin Decorating Contest is upon us, and we know some of you have been planning since last Halloween. With our biggest year yet, employees and patients will be voting on the best of 28 pumpkins! Here’s what you need to know: O An admin staff member will be delivering a pumpkin to each clinic between October 19th – 22nd. O A picture of your clinic’s decorated pumpkin must be submitted by October 28th by emailing Emily at Emily.Fillion@ptsmc.com. O Voting will run October 29th – 30th. O The WINNER will be announced November 2nd! Votes are placed through a survey, as well as counted through social media engagement. This means, any Like, Love, Comment or Sharing of your clinic’s pumpkin photo on Facebook, will count as a vote. Need some inspo? Here are a few from last year:
Holiday Food Drive This is an initiative that all PTSMC clinics participate in! President Alan Balavender began this tradition many years ago as a way for our organization to give back to those in need in the communities we serve. Your clinic will choose a local group to donate to, and when to collect non-perishable food items during the Thanksgiving through New Year’s holiday season. Donations come from patients, employees, friends and family- basically everyone! This year we are setting a company GOAL of 2,020 items in honor of 20 years in 2020! Designate a food drive leader in your clinic and have them reach out to Mallory Mason. She will be the contact for all things Food Drive and will communicate more details over email soon!