We appreciate and are proud of our Redeemer Health nurses. For National Nurses Week, May 6 – 12, view our gallery of comments from across our health system to showcase our nurses’ dedication to service and commitment to care.

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It is always an honor to be nominated by your peers and recognized as a Top Doc in Philadelphia Magazine. This year we congratulate the following employed and affiliated physicians for receiving the award.

We appreciate each of our physicians for their service and commitment to care. All of our skilled, compassionate professionals provide personalized, customized care to help you live your best life.

Dr. John R Frederick
Dr. David R Goldstein
Dr. Marcia M Klein
Dr. Stacy L Krisher
Dr. Craig R Lem
Dr. Lawrence J Leventhal
Dr. David L Litt
Dr. Mark J Mullen
Dr. Andrew J Mustin
Dr. Mona L Nedjar
Dr. Galina Privorotsky
Dr. Hong S Ra
Dr. Keith E Sadel
Dr. Jessica A Berman
Dr. Joseph M Bruno
Dr. Marc Chernoff
Dr. Harris B Cohen
Dr. Brian C Cronin
Dr. Jason A Damsker
Dr. Steven A Fassler
Dr. Martin F Freedman
Dr. Gregg S Gagliardi
Dr. Victor E Ghantous
Dr. Eric B Goosenberg
Dr. Harvey Guttmann
Dr. Lee Jaffee
Dr. Soo Y Kim
Dr. Felice H LePar
Dr. Ho Pak
Dr. Peter V Pickens
Dr. Joseph L Potz
Dr. Daniel A Ringold
Dr. Rachel E Rosen
Dr. Michael Seidman
Dr. Ned M Weiss
Dr. D Mark Zebley
Dr. Michael Rachshtut
Dr. Jocelyn T Kuryan
Dr. Brad Paddock
Dr. Steven D Smith
Dr. Arthur J Castelbaum
Dr. Aaila I Chaudhry
Dr. Jacqueline N Gutmann
Dr. Colleen P Halfpenny

We're proud of all our doctors. Find a Redeemer Health provider. 

Redeemer Health's success at promoting and supporting breastfeeding has led to Keystone 10 (K10) designation by the PA Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics Pennsylvania Chapter. To earn this special designation, Redeemer Health completed a series of 10 evidence-based steps that demonstrated achievement in such elements as breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, and rooming-in.

K10 designation is especially meaningful because studies have shown that breastfeeding is the single most important way to improve infant health outcomes. It has been found that babies who receive their own mother’s milk are healthier and experience fewer hospitalizations. Additionally, women who breastfeed lower their risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes compared with women who do not breastfeed.

“Keystone 10 designation shows our dedication to promote and support breastfeeding for all of our mothers and babies. It demonstrates our overall goal of improving breastfeeding care and rates, and ultimately improving the health of mothers and babies," says Christina Marczak, Director of Maternal Child Health at Redeemer Heath.

Redeemer Health’s support of breastfeeding begins even before a baby is born. We provide free online prenatal breastfeeding classes to prepare expectant moms for their breastfeeding journey and help them feel confident about latching, positioning, feeding amounts, and where to access breastfeeding resources and products. Once in our maternity center, new moms receive one or two visits from a lactation consultant, as well as supplemental breastfeeding education and assistance from maternity nurses. Additionally, we provide breastfeeding booklets and feeding logs, as well as supportive devices if needed.

To view Redeemer Health’s online prenatal breast classes, visit redeemerhealth.org/prenatal-breastfeeding-classes. For more information about maternity care at Redeemer Health, visit redeemerhealth.org/maternitycare.

About Redeemer Health

Redeemer Health, a fully integrated health system serving patients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, announced the expansion of its cardiovascular services at Holy Redeemer Hospital to include treatment with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, and leadless pacemakers. The new device therapy options augment Redeemer Health’s offerings for treatment of dangerous heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias.

In February, the Pennsylvania Department of Health granted Holy Redeemer Hospital’s request to implant ICDs, which are designed to prevent an at-risk person fr­om dying suddenly ­from an arrhythmia. Redeemer Health began offering ICD evaluation, placement and management later that month.

“Arrhythmias can have an immense impact on one’s quality of life,” says Dr. Harpaul Sandhu, a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist, echocardiologist and nuclear cardiologist who has led Redeemer Health’s efforts to adopt ICD technology since joining its cardiology department in 2020. “I’m excited to be able to offer this procedure that may provide immediate and dramatic relief from a potentially life-threatening problem, right here at Holy Redeemer Hospital.” 

“We always strive to put those we care for first in our decision making,” said Dr. Kevin Lax, a board-certified specialist in cardiovascular disease at Redeemer Health affiliate Doylestown Health Cardiology. “As a community-based, patient-centric organization, we can provide high-quality, technically advanced care for a wide variety of conditions in an environment that is still compassionate and caring. By adding ICDs, CRT, and leadless pacemakers, Redeemer Health expands its ability to offer the best possible care to patients with advanced heart failure.”

Dr. John J. Green, a board-certified specialist in electrophysiology and cardiovascular disease at Doylestown Health Cardiology, noted, “I am very thankful for the ability to provide additional device therapy options in the management of arrhythmias. We expect to improve a patient’s quality of life through the use of CRT devices and look forward to providing protection against sudden cardiac death with ICDs.”

Dr. C. V. Kishan, the director of the cardiac catheterization lab at Holy Redeemer Hospital and a board certified cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology physician with the Pennsylvania Heart and Vascular Group explains, “As cardiologists, we have the privilege of alleviating sickness and making a difference in people’s lives every day. Our providers work hard to keep up with new technology and advanced treatments. With this procedure we now have a greater opportunity to prevent sudden deaths in appropriate patients and reduce morbidity and mortality.”

About Redeemer Health

During a snowstorm in March, Redeemer Health Home Care Nurse Jackie Ford, RN, did not let the icy road conditions and several inches of snow stop her from delivering care to one of her home health patients.

Jackie, an avid hiker, had a patient visit scheduled and the icy roads made it nearly impossible to drive to the patient’s house safely and on time. Without hesitation, Jackie put on her hiking gear, bundled up, and trekked a half mile from her home in Wyncote to her patient’s home in Jenkintown.

“I would do anything for my patients, as would a lot of Redeemer Health nurses,” says Jackie. “We take seeing our patients and helping them to heart, and we make sure our patient’s needs are met!”

Jackie’s dedication to deliver care to her patient highlights Redeemer Health’s mission to Care, Comfort, and Heal. Visit us for information about Redeemer Health Home Care.

^{L to R: Anita Bader, SJM Resident Harmony Square, Rabbi Ariel Tarash, SJM Chaplain, and Jennifer Louie, Recreational Therapist, SJM Harmony Square}

In celebration of Passover, the staff at St. Joseph Manor provided a traditional meal and program for residents of the Jewish faith.

Rabbi Ariel Tarash, MA, MSW, MAHL, who serves as the Jewish chaplain at St. Joseph Manor and rabbi for Holy Redeemer Hospice, worked with Cura Hospitality to provide nearly 200 residents and staff with a traditional Passover lunch on March 29th. The menu included Matzah ball soup, roasted chicken quarters, carrot tzimmes with raisins, and fresh-cut fruit for dessert.

“Food brings back so many memories for our residents, and the smells and tastes of food can connect them to those memories,” says Rabbi Ariel. “For the St. Joseph Manor residents of Jewish faith, this means a lot to them that we are observing and celebrating Passover.”

To help ensure the safety of residents and staff, the Passover meals were hand-delivered to each resident’s room while Rabbi Ariel led a virtual celebration via Zoom featuring popular holiday songs and a retelling of the Passover story.

The Passover celebration at St. Joseph Manor represents just one of the many ways we embrace opportunities to celebrate beloved traditions that inspire joy and kinship as we honor the rich diversity of our patients, families, and staff. 

To reaffirm our ongoing commitment to Care, Comfort, and Heal in a modern world, we are excited to announce the launch of our new Redeemer Health website.

Our refreshed website—along with our new name—is part of a renewed promise that all members of our community can access the same high-quality care they’ve come to value, as well as valuable information and opportunities to connect.

The new website includes expanded information about our providers, including physician ratings, bios and some videos. Through the website, our patients also have access to a convenient patient portal allowing quick and secure access to their medical and health information. Additionally, patients can pay bills online and request diagnostic testing.

The new website also features inspiring stories about the meaningful connections we share with patients and families. Do you have a story to share? We'd love to hear from you! You can share your Redeemer story here.

While our name and website have changed, our devotion to Care, Comfort and Heal does not waver. Most importantly, our mission—our calling to care for bodies, minds and spirits—remains the same as it was nearly a century ago.

Welcome to Redeemer Health, a new era and expression of who we are and the care we are dedicated to provide.

You’re not alone if you’ve ever pondered when and why it is necessary to visit the Emergency Department. When faced with some events, such as heart attack, stroke and severe illness, every minute counts. Life-saving interventions may be needed to improve the chances of recovery.

As an easy reference, here are the top reasons to seek immediate care and visit the Emergency Department.

• Signs of heart or lung problems (including difficulty breathing, chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms, and pain in the arm or jaw)
• Signs of stroke (including weak or drooping on one side of the body, slurred speech, or inability to speak)
• Severe upper respiratory infection
• Sharp abdominal pain
• Broken bones and sprains
• Trauma and injuries (including head trauma, eye injuries, deep cuts, severe bleeding, and serious burns)
• Sudden, severe headache
• Animal bites
• Back pain
• Skin infections

Of course, this list is not exhaustive. If you unsure a condition warrants emergency care, always call 911.

Taking Extra Precautions to Provide Safe Care in the ER

Patient and employee safety has always been a distinct part of our culture, and we’re taking further steps to keep you and your loved ones protected to limit exposure to COVID-19. These safety precautions include thorough disinfection and cleaning, mandatory masking, careful social distancing, and stringent screening.

We’re Here 24/7

At Redeemer Health, we’ve been providing quality, compassionate care to our community for more than 40 years. If you or a loved one needs emergency care, it’s important to not delay the vital care you need. Our Emergency Department is here for you 24/7, and our team is ready to provide a fast diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and comforting experience.

At home colon screening tests have become more widely available. While a colonoscopy is still the most reliable way of preventing and detecting colorectal disease, an at-home screening test is an option for those who are not experiencing any symptoms and are considered a low risk for colon disease. While they’re not as precise and don’t allow for immediate treatment, they are better than skipping a screening altogether.

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has determined that at-home fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) are effective for people at average risk for colorectal cancer. A FIT detects blood in the stool that can be a red flag for several conditions, including hemorrhoids, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis), and colon and rectal cancer.

“There are some very good home screening tests out now that can detect DNA in the stool, suggestive of a cancer” explains Steven A. Fassler, MD, a surgeon with Colon and Rectal Associates, “But while the tests are reliable, the gold standard is still the colonoscopy. Additionally if the DNA is positive you will need to follow up with a colonoscopy”

What to expect

The tests must be ordered by your doctor, who will also receive the results.  You collect a small amount of fecal matter with a swab and mail it to a lab, where it will be analyzed for blood (a common indicator of colon cancer or precancerous polyps) as well as for any DNA changes in the cells. Results are usually sent out within two weeks.  If something is detected by the test your doctor will contact you or if you have question about the results, make a follow-up appointment with your doctor.  In many cases insurance will cover most, if not all, of the cost of an at-home test for those who meet the age requirement. Check with your individual insurance plan.

Is it right for you?

Ask your physician, based on other factors, family history, genetics or symptoms, they will be able to tell you if an at-home screening is appropriate for you. “The best defense against colon cancer is to get regular screenings,” said Dr. Fassler, “With diagnostic tools like in-home screening and regular colonoscopies, we can catch cancer early, when it is easier to treat.” While there’s nothing that definitively prevents colon cancer, a healthy lifestyle including exercise and a diet with limited red meat and processed foods, as well as regular screenings, can be helpful in reducing your risk.

Ready to get scanned? Talk to your primary care physician to see if you are a candidate for in-home screening or if you need a referral for a colon and rectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist call the Redeemer Health information and referral line at 800-818-4747 .

Easily Dispose of Old Electronics

Holy Redeemer Lafayette, a Redeemer Health Life Care community, will host a free e-waste recycling event on Saturday, April 17, 10am –1pm, in its large, outdoor parking lot.

During the event, The Junkluggers, an eco-friendly company that provides sustainable disposal services, will accept small appliances, printers, computers, laptops, VCRs, miscellaneous wire, random metal items, and other electronic items with a plug except TVs or monitors.

During the event, visitors will also be invited to tour Holy Redeemer Lafayette, a senior living community that offers maintenance-free living and features stylish apartments with all-inclusive services. In additional to tours, sales counselors will be available to answer questions, as well as provide information on services, amenities, floorplans, and move-in specials.

Holy Redeemer Lafayette is located at 8580 Verree Road in Northeast Philadelphia. The community, which sits amid scenic Pennypack Park, is easily accessible to residents throughout the Great Northeast and many suburbs including Abington, Jenkintown, Elkins Park, Huntingdon Valley, and Bryn Athyn.

For more information about Holy Redeemer Lafayette visit holyredeemer.com/lafayetteliving or call 215-214-2877.