Every year, we get the opportunity to showcase some of the cutting-edge technology, modern solutions, forward-thinking partnerships, award-winning programs and dedicated practitioners all working in tandem to continually elevate an already exemplary regional medical presence. This year is no exception, and we’re proud to once again highlight the variety of care, support and treatments available to our community and neighbors.
Jefferson Health NJ
Expanded Cardiology Services
Coronary heart disease accounts for one in every five deaths in the U.S. To combat this, Jefferson Health New Jersey has expanded its cardiology services to meet the needs of local communities.
Having a comprehensive program is key to effectively treating heart disease. A designated Heart Failure Program launched in January 2025 at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. Now, both hospital patients and outpatients have access to specially trained Jefferson heart failure physicians and support services close to home.
Jefferson will soon offer electrophysiology (EP). Patients in need of procedures such as pacemaker implantation will be able to receive care at Jefferson Stratford Hospital with a high-caliber clinical team.
In 2024, Jefferson Washington Township Hospital received required state approvals to perform elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also known as elective angioplasty, which is a lifesaving procedure to prevent heart attacks. PCI, commonly performed following diagnostic cardiac catheterization, provides patients relief from symptoms of obstructed arteries without the need for invasive heart surgery. Since the program’s launch, some 500 catheterizations have been performed—a number expected to double by next year.
In addition, more than 100 heart attack patients have undergone emergency PCI (angioplasty) since the hospital received state approval in 2023 to perform the procedure.
Identified as a U.S. News & World Report “Best Regional Hospital,” Jefferson is committed to continuing its mission of improving lives right here in southern New Jersey.
Virtua Health
Leading in Robotic Surgery
Compared to other types of surgical procedures, robotic-assisted surgery offers many benefits to patients, from faster recovery to diminished pain and fewer complications. That’s why Virtua Health has embraced these leading-edge techniques for nearly 20 years. In fact, the South Jersey health system has become a top robotic-surgery provider for dozens of procedures, both regionally and nationally.
“Virtua has performed more than 43,000 robotic-assisted surgeries since 2006 including hernia repairs, joint replacements, colorectal, gynecologic and urologic procedures, as well as many others,” says Dr. John Matsinger, Virtua’s executive vice president and chief operating officer.
That degree of experience is important, he noted.
“Practice makes perfect,” Dr. Matsinger continues. “Our surgeons and teams perform robotic-assisted procedures every day, which leads to quality outcomes. That includes smaller incisions and less time in surgery and under anesthesia.”
The largest health system in South Jersey, Virtua has more than 70 board-certified, robotically trained surgeons across 10 specialties, using 22 next-generation robotic surgical systems. Virtua’s strong commitment to robotic-assisted surgery enables the best possible results for patients, according to Virtua surgeons.
“Robotic assistance makes me a better surgeon,” says Dr. Jeremy Reid, a Virtua joint replacement specialist. “I’m able to execute the plan for that patient with greater precision every time.”
With robotic surgery, the surgeon uses highly advanced tools that enhance the surgeon’s control and precision. The surgeon is at the helm, making every movement to perform delicate procedures with unmatched accuracy.
Samaritan
Pathways’ Patient-Centric Care
For 45 years, Samaritan has been a trusted provider of care and compassion, guiding families through life’s most tender moments. This dedication to person-centered care is at the heart of Samaritan Care Pathways.
Providing comprehensive care for patients with serious illnesses as early as the time of diagnosis, the new service enhances life for patients and their caregivers by offering specialized support across the continuum of primary care, palliative medicine and hospice care.
“The complexity of health care is significant, and often does not align with the patient’s goals for quality of life,” says Sara Pagliaro, DO, Samaritan’s chief medical officer. “We provide a comprehensive approach, knowing that Samaritan’s expertise and clinical staff bring patient goals to the forefront.”
Samaritan Care Pathways addresses the multifaceted needs of patients living with advanced illnesses. By integrating various health care professionals into an interdisciplinary team, Samaritan provides advanced clinical expertise and extraordinary compassion to help patients and families navigate the challenges of serious illness and options for care.
When a patient has multiple medical providers, it may be difficult for them to gather information and formulate a decision about next steps. By coordinating care into one seamless experience, Samaritan helps patients and families navigate complex health-care systems and make informed decisions about care plans.
“You can live well while living with diagnoses such as heart failure, kidney disease, COPD, dementia, cancer and others,” Dr. Pagliaro adds. “Wherever you are on your health-care journey, Samaritan is here for you—at every step, at every stage.
AmeriHealth
Community Outreach
For nearly two decades, AmeriHealth has supported the private, nonprofit Larc School, which caters to students aged 3-21 with disabilities, and also offers an adult day program. AmeriHealth's unwavering support has facilitated numerous initiatives, most notably the Cooper Norcross Run the Bridge event. As the presenting sponsor of this 10K race held every November, AmeriHealth extends involvement beyond sponsorship by having many of its associates volunteer at the race. All event proceeds benefit the Larc School, raising millions of dollars over the years. In 2023, the AmeriHealth Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council selected the Larc School as its Community Impact partner; since then, a dedicated fundraiser brought new books and learning tools to the school's library, including 2024's interactive mural. For the AmeriHealth team, both sponsoring and proactively supporting the Larc School align with the company’s mission to give back, and everyone involved finds the work rewarding beyond measure.
Inspira Health
Clinical Trial for Chemo Patients
Inspira Health is one of four health systems in the U.S. enrolling patients in a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of a device designed to prevent hair loss in women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. The Lily Device fits like a bicycle helmet and applies gentle pressure to the scalp, reducing blood flow to hair follicles both during and immediately after chemo treatments.
Hair loss, a visible and often upsetting reminder of one’s illness, impacts 65-99% of chemotherapy patients to some degree. In early European studies of the device, nearly 75% of participants experienced no hair loss.
“This first-of-its kind treatment is here in rural South Jersey, eliminating the burden of travel when you’re not feeling well,” said Sami Abate, AVP of Research and Nursing Excellence. “It’s a privilege to contribute to the science that might make a difficult journey just a little easier for our patients.
Cooper University Health Care
A Surgical Milestone
Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care team members at Cooper University Hospital in Camden surpassed 1,000 cardiac surgeries in 2024, the highest in South Jersey and the state’s third highest. This significant milestone represents a tremendous amount of dedication, skill and teamwork from the entire staff.
“This milestone is a testament to Cooper and Inspira’s commitment to providing high-quality cardiac care and improving the lives of our patients,” says Phillip A. Koren, MD, FACC, FSCAI, director of Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care and the Cooper Heart Institute.
Studies show that higher surgical volume is associated with better outcomes for complex procedures.
“Not only does this achievement signify the positive impact Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care has had on the lives of countless patients and their families, but each surgery also represents a unique story of hope and healing,” says Michael Rosenbloom, MD, FACS, FACC, head of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Cooper University Health Care and member of Cooper and Inspira Cardiac Care.
Penn Medicine
Pursuing a Breakthrough
A new anticancer strategy has shown powerful effects against multiple cancers in researchers’ preclinical study at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The experimental approach using tiny capsules, or small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), may offer new immunotherapy treatment.
“We’ve seen that many patients have benefited from advances in cancer immunotherapy but know there’s more to work to do,” says senior author Xiaowei ‘George’ Xu, M.D., Ph.D., professor of pathology and laboratory medicine and member of the Tara Miller Melanoma Center. “This is our motivation for seeking new strategies for cellular therapies, particularly in solid tumor cancers, like melanoma, where current immunotherapies only work for about half of patients.”
As they’re manufactured and stored relatively easily, sEVs have potential as “off-the-shelf” therapy without retrieving patients’ cells. The team plans to refine the manufacturing process to scale production for clinical-grade sEVs and conduct safety studies to prepare for human clinical trials.
Deborah Heart and Lung Center
National Recognition for High-Quality Care
Deborah earned the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) Get With The Guidelines – Heart Failure Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to improving outcomes for patients with heart failure (HF).
This award goes to hospitals demonstrating a commitment to treating HF patients with the most current evidence-based guidelines and latest research. The program aims to increase healthy days at home and reduce hospital readmissions for HF patients, as an estimated 6 million U.S. adults are living with HF—a number expected to exceed 8 million by 2030.
“Deborah Heart and Lung Center is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Aaron Kugelmass, MD, Deborah’s executive vice-president and chief medical officer. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people can experience longer, healthier lives.”
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Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 15, Issue 3 (March 2025).
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