Griffin Faculty Physicians welcomes OB-GYN to medical group in Derby

DERBY - Griffin Faculty Physicians is pleased to welcome Julien Chedid, M.D., a highly skilled and compassionate OB-GYN, to its multi-specialty medical group.

Dr. Chedid joins Griffin Faculty Physicians OB-GYN after serving as the Educational Chief Resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology at BronxCare Health System in New York City, where he cared for people from many different cultures and backgrounds, reinforcing his focus for listening deeply to his patient to provide exceptional care.

“I chose OB-GYN because it brings together so many parts of medicine,” Dr. Chedid said. “I get to help people through some of life's most joyful moments, like welcoming a baby, and through difficult moments that call for clarity, support, and trust. When people come to see me, I want them to feel heard, respected, and fully involved in their care. My goal is for them to know that their voice matters, their questions matter, and that I'm here to guide them and support them every step of the way.”

Dr. Chedid earned a degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences and his medical degree at University of Balamand in Lebanon. He completed a clinical observership in gastroenterology and was a was an acting intern for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Dr. Chedid expanded his training in OBGYN as a resident physician at Saint George Hospital University Medical Center and Mount Lebanon Hospital in Lebanon.

He is fluent in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish.

Dr. Chedid is currently seeing patients at the Griffin Faculty Physicians OB-GYN office at 300 Seymour Ave., Suite 102. For more information or to make an appointment, call 203-516-5303.

Griffin Faculty Practice provides patient-centered, personalized care with primary care locations in Ansonia, Naugatuck, Seymour, Shelton, Southbury and Oxford. 

In addition, the practice provides specialized care in urology, rheumatology, OB-GYN, cardiology, cardiac electrophysiology, gastroenterology, cardiothoracic surgery, breast surgery, general surgery, and endocrinology. 

For more information, visit https://gfp.griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Vascular surgeon joins Griffin Faculty Physicians in Shelton

SHELTON - Griffin Faculty Physicians is pleased to welcome Dr. Michael Sergi, MS, MD, FACS, a highly skilled and experienced vascular surgeon, to its multi-specialty medical group.

Dr. Sergi brings more than 20 years of experience as a board-certified vascular surgeon, recently serving as a member of The Vascular Experts. 

His attentive approach has helped him to build lasting relationships with patients managing chronic and progressive vascular disease, helping them improve circulation, mobility and alleviate painful symptoms. 

He specializes in vascular disease evaluation and management, venous disease, vein treatment, and complex wound care.

“I was drawn to medicine because I’ve always liked fixing things and helping people,” Dr. Sergi said. “My father was a surgeon, and being around medicine early on showed me the kind of impact it can have. One of the things that makes vascular surgery unique is continuity of care. These conditions are often chronic and progressive, so I’m not just treating a single event. I’m following patients over time, monitoring how things change, and helping decide what needs to happen next.”

Dr. Sergi earned his medical degree at New York Medical College. He completed his residency at St. Vincent's Hospital Manhattan and was fellowship-trained at Yale-New Haven Hospital. 

He has an extensive background in vascular disease research, with peer-reviewed publications. 

In addition to his clinical and research work, Dr. Sergi has contributed to medical education as a faculty member at the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, where he has been involved in training medical students in vascular and surgical principles.

He was named a Connecticut Magazine Top Doctor from 2021-2025.

Dr. Sergi is currently seeing patients at Griffin Faculty Physicians Vascular Medicine, located in the Ivy Brook Medical Center, 2 Ivy Brook Road, Suite 105, Shelton. 

For more information or to make an appointment, visit https://gfp.griffinhealth.org/specialty-care/vascular-medicine or call 203-635-6292.

Griffin Faculty Practice provides patient-centered, personalized care with primary care locations in Ansonia, Naugatuck, Seymour, Shelton, Southbury and Oxford. 

In addition, the practice provides specialized care in urology, rheumatology, OB-GYN, cardiology, cardiac electrophysiology, gastroenterology, cardiothoracic surgery, breast surgery, general surgery, and endocrinology. 

For more information, visit https://gfp.griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

 

Griffin Health in Derby honors nurse with DAISY Award for extraordinary care

DERBY - Griffin Health recently honored Milly Delaney, BSN, RN, of Milford with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day. 

Winners can be nominated by patients, patients’ family or friends, or fellow caregivers for their exemplary care.

Delaney, a nurse for Griffin Hospital’s inpatient units, was nominated by a patient’s caregiver for her compassion and dedication to caring for her patients and their family.

“Milly immediately exhibited compassion and empathy for our mom and cared for her as if she were part of her family," the nomination for Delaney stated. “It is an honor and privilege to have met Milly as a nurse and person. She brought dignity, respect, and care to my mom. She brought us comfort, empathy, and concern.”

Information about the DAISY Award is included in Griffin Health patient information packets and nomination forms are available online and at all Griffin Health locations. 

The award recipients are chosen by a committee at Griffin and the award is presented throughout the year. 

For more information, visit griffinhealth.org/daisy.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. 

The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Volunteers sought for elder life program at Griffin Hospital in Derby

DERBY - The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) at Griffin Hospital is looking for volunteers to provide additional support for elderly patients.

Research shows that between 30 and 50 percent of seniors can experience a decline in their physical and cognitive abilities during a hospital stay.

HELP is a comprehensive, evidence-based, patient care program that provides important connections between volunteers and patients, including mealtime assistance, daily orientation, therapeutic activities, and range of motion exercises, to help patients maintain their optimal level of well-being. HELP volunteers also work in partnership with the doctors and nursing staff to highlight issues specific to geriatric care and to provide education to patients and their families.

Anyone 18 years and older is eligible to volunteer for HELP. No previous medical experience is required, and training and supervision are provided. 

Volunteers are required to give a minimum six-month commitment of one three-hour shift per week for a total of 150 hrs. The program is most needed on weekdays from 4-7 p.m. Limited day shifts are also available, including Saturdays.

College students looking to enter the medical field are encouraged to apply as this opportunity will provide hands-on patient care experience. College scholarship incentives are also available.

To apply or to find out more information, call 203-732-1553 or visit griffinhealth.org/volunteer.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin's Wonderland of Trees raises $12,800 for Spooner House in Shelton

From left: Griffin Health Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Todd Liu; Griffin Health Volunteer Program & Guest Relations Supervisor Kathryn Browne; Griffin Health Planetree Services Coordinator Wendy Farrington; and Spooner House Board of Directors member Bryan Bostic pose in front of some of the donated trees that raised a record $12,800 for Spooner House as part of the Griffin Health Annual Holiday Wonderland of Trees fundraiser.

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s 2025 Annual Holiday Wonderland of Trees fundraiser collected a record $12,800 for Spooner House in Shelton to help provides meals, shelter, and security to families in the Naugatuck Valley throughout the upcoming year.

As part of Griffin’s Planetree Person-Centered Care Philosophy, the Holiday Wonderland of Trees calls on hospital departments to decorate three-foot artificial evergreen trees that are raffled off every December. 

The fundraiser aims to help improve health and well-being of the Griffin community by supporting the Spooner House’s services.

This is the 15th year of the fundraiser, which has raised more than $116,000 in total.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Health in Derby expands advanced prostate cancer treatment

DERBY - Griffin Health, a leader in precision cancer care, recently launched a Pluvicto® (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan) Theranostics program in its Nuclear Medicine Department, expanding access to a groundbreaking treatment option for patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Developed by Novartis, Pluvicto is a FDA-approved radioligand therapy for the treatment of adult patients with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have previously been treated with androgen receptor pathway inhibition and taxane-based chemotherapy. 

This therapy targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-positive cancer cells, delivering a radioactive payload directly to the tumor, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

“With the launch of the Pluvicto Theranostics program, Griffin Health continues its commitment to bringing cutting-edge, evidence-based cancer care to our community, ensuring our patients have access to the most advanced treatments close to home,” said Griffin Health Vice President of Diagnostic and Cancer Services Christine Cooper, MS, CNMT, RT(N), RSO, FACHE, FAB. “This therapy revolutionizes personalized medicine and provides new hope for patients who have exhausted other treatment options.”

The Griffin Health Pluvicto Theranostics program is designed to expand access to a cutting-edge, targeted radioligand therapy, enhance coordination of care for men with advanced prostate cancer, and improve quality of life and potentially extend survival for eligible patients. It offers a person-centered multidisciplinary care model, including physicians in Nuclear Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Radiation Oncology as well as Nuclear Medicine Technologists, nursing staff, and patient navigation teams to ensure safe, effective, and personalized treatment delivery. 

As part of a continuous care model, Griffin Health offers PSMA PET/CT imaging for patients to confirm their eligibility before beginning therapy.

For more information, visit www.griffinhealth.org/pluvicto.

Griffin is now accepting referrals for its Pluvicto Theranostics program. Referring providers can contact the Nuclear Medicine Department at 203-732-7271 for more information and orders can be faxed to Central Scheduling at 203-732-1559.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin 5K Walk/Run raises record $85K for cancer care services

DERBY – The 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital set a new fundraising record Sept. 20 with sponsorships and more than 500 participants contributing more than $85,000 for local cancer care services and patient support programs.

“This 5K provides hope, comfort and resources to cancer patients,” said Griffin Health President and CEO Patrick Charmel. “Your presence here today supports the Center for Cancer Care in its mission to help your friends, family and neighbors with highly advanced, person-centered care, and treatment, crucial nourishment and free health education and programs that empower them to recover and enhance the quality of their lives.”

The event featured awards for the top individual fundraiser and top team fundraiser selected from the 23 teams. 

The winner of the William C. Powanda Memorial Award for the top fundraiser was Stephanie Ventimiglia, of Derby, who raised more than $3,600. 

Team Aversa, which participates in the event in memory of Dr. John M. Aversa, Sr. won the Team Synergy Award as the top fundraising team, raising more than $10,000. Kyle Mordecai was the winner of the Make It Happen Spirit Award, which recognizes an individual who exhibits tireless effort and support for the event.

The D’Addario Auto Group was this year’s Presenting Sponsor. Additional sponsors were Jefferson Radiology, The Edge Fitness, The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, Physicians Alliance of Connecticut, CED Technologies, Ion Bank Foundation, In-Home Angels, Centek Engineering, Forest Construction, Telix, Smilow Cancer Hospital, Stelray, Drs. Sudipta & Bindu Dey, Teamsters Local 1150, Star 99.9, and Key Auto Group.

Donations are still being accepted at griffinhealth.org/5k or via mail to The Griffin Development Fund, 130 Division St., Derby, CT 06418.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Hospital in Derby promotes prostate cancer awareness

DERBY - In recognition of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Community Health Resource Center at Griffin Hospital is promoting prostate health this month by highlighting 100 Questions & Answers About Prostate Cancer.

Receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis is a difficult experience, and leaves patients and their caregivers feeling anxious and overwhelmed. 100 Questions & Answers About Prostate Cancer provides both the doctor’s and patient’s point of view for a comprehensive discussion of what you can expect post-diagnosis along with patient commentary to give you a real-life understanding of what these steps might mean for your day-to-day life. 

Written by Dr. Pamela Ellsworth, a prominent urologist and best-selling author, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the uncertainty of a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Located on the ground floor of Griffin Hospital the HRC is a traditional free lending library that provides an array of medical and health information. 

The Center contains a collection of easy-to-read health and lifestyle related materials for patients and their families to become better informed and make more educated decisions about the various treatment options available to them. 

Discover more information at www.griffinhealth.org/library

Shared from Griffin Hospital's Facebook page.

Griffin Heatlh in Derby recognizes nursing support staff members

Griffin Hospital Mental Health Worker Leanne McKenna of Derby, at right, recently received the Heart of Caring Award from Vice President Patient Care Services Kelly Egan MSN, RN, FAB, at Griffin’s Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration./ Contributed photo

Griffin Hospital Patient Safety Monitor Tammy Lifrieri of Seymour, center, recently received the Heart of Caring Award from Vice President Patient Care Services Kelly Egan MSN, RN, FAB, left, and Clinical Manager Kristine Hall, MSN, RN, at Griffin’s Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration./ Contributed photo 

DERBY - Griffin Health recently hosted a Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration to recognize its more than 300 caregivers who make vital contributions as coordinators between patients and nurses and doctors, including medical assistants, multi-skilled technicians, certified surgical technicians, mental health workers, blood collection specialists, patient safety monitors, continuous video monitors, unit clerks, greeters, coordinators and schedulers.

"You are often the first to respond when a patient calls, the first to notice when something doesn’t seem right, and the steady, reliable presence that keeps the unit running smoothly,” said Griffin Health Vice President Patient Care Services & CNO Kelly Egan MSN, RN, FAB, at the celebration. 

“You are the eyes, ears and hearts that never rest. You bring comfort and reassurance, not only through the tasks you perform, but through the way you perform them – with empathy, with grace and with genuine care.”

In addition to refreshments, gifts, and raffle prizes at the celebration, Griffin's Nursing Department named Mental Health Worker Leanne McKenna of Derby, as the 2025 Caregiver Excellence Award winner, and Patient Safety Monitor Tammy Lifrieri, of Seymour, as the 2025 Heart of Caring Award winner.

The Caregiver Excellence award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health employee whom others believe demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, the highest level of standards and excellent patient care, and consistently exhibits caring, commitment, and compassion towards patients and coworkers.

A three-year employee in Griffin inpatient psychiatric unit, McKenna was selected for the award for her leadership and outgoing personality, which includes organizing bocce games to help get patients mobile and improve their spirits.

“Leanne practices treating all patients with kindness, respect and empathy,” the nomination for McKenna stated. “She goes above and beyond to help maintain patients’ dignity – from washing their clothes to helping them shower. She is always there to help nurses and be a team player. She engages with patients and ensures they are safe and attended to.”

The Caring Heart Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health nursing support staff member whom others believe to be truly committed, compassionate, kind and exemplifies the Planetree person-centered care philosophy.

A 10-year Griffin employee who monitors fragile patients to quickly assist them, Lifrieri was selected for the award for being a role model of what it means to go above and beyond in being compassionate and kind, especially in helping to calm anxious patients.

“She is a primary preceptor for new hires because she is engaged and take the time to talk with everyone as she explains their role and answers any questions,” the nomination for Lifrieri states. “She comforts patients with hugs and by holding their hands, and always maintains a positive and pleasant attitude.”

This is a press release from Grffin Health.

Griffin Hospital in Derby earns Lown Institute recognition

DERBY - Griffin Hospital was among only 5% of hospitals nationwide to earn Honor Roll status in the Lown Institute’s 2024-25 Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility, ranking Griffin #1 in the state for clinical outcomes.

The Lown Institute Hospitals Index is the first ranking to evaluate hospitals on their social responsibility, including metrics of health equity and value of care alongside traditional clinical measures for more than 2,700 U.S. hospitals nationwide. 

As a member of the Honor Roll, Griffin has been recognized for outstanding social responsibility, receiving an “A” grade through strong performances across all seven top categories of Social Responsibility, Health Equity, Value of Care, Patient Outcomes, Clinical Outcomes, Inclusivity, and Cost Efficiency.

In addition to being the top scorer in clinical outcomes for Connecticut, Griffin was ranked #56 nationwide for social responsibility.

“We are deeply honored that Griffin Hospital has been named to the Lown Institute’s national Honor Roll for social responsibility and recognized as the top hospital in Connecticut for clinical outcomes,” said Patrick Charmel, president and CEO of Griffin Health. “This prestigious distinction reflects Griffin’s dedication to advancing health equity, delivering high-value care, and achieving exceptional clinical results for our patients and community.

“Social responsibility is not just a measure of our institutional values—it is a vital commitment that guides every aspect of our patient-centered mission. Our caregivers’ compassion, collaboration, and service have made this honor possible, and we remain focused on our work to address the broader needs that shape community health. By prioritizing inclusivity, quality, safety, and innovation, we are proud to set the standard for excellence and to help lead the way toward a healthier future for all we serve.”

The Lown Index uses publicly available data from traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage claims; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services datasets on patient safety, patient experience, and hospital costs; Internal Revenue Service Form 990; and other sources. 

The Index takes into account the full breadth of what hospitals do as care providers, employers, and community partners and seeks to shine a light on those hospitals that provide exceptional, high-value patient care to everyone in their communities. 

Lown data scientists report on never-before-used metrics like Racial Inclusivity, Pay Equity, Avoiding Overuse, and Community Benefit. Fifty-four unique metrics contribute to each hospital or health system’s Social Responsibility grade. The full methodology of the Index can be found at https://lownhospitalsindex.org/rankings/our-methodology.

“Hospitals like Griffin show that no matter how tough the environment gets, putting patients and communities first is always possible,” said Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute. “Those returning to the list prove that equitable, high-value care doesn’t have to be rare, it’s a standard hospitals can uphold year after year.”

About the Lown Institute

The Lown Institute is an independent think tank advocating bold ideas for a just and caring system for health. We envision a healthcare system focused on what’s best for people, like hospitals caring for those most in need, patients living without fear of financial distress, and health professionals finding joy in their roles.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Griffin Health in Derby honors nurse with DAISY Award

DERBY – Griffin Health recently honored Katherine Viebranz, RN, of Shelton with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. 

The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day. Winners can be nominated by patients, patients’ family or friends, or fellow caregivers for their exemplary care.

Viebranz, a nurse for the Griffin Hospital inpatient psychiatry unit, was nominated by a fellow Griffin Health caregiver for her knowledge, expertise and compassion.

“Kate is a very skilled and intelligent nurse who balances her skill with compassion, joy, empathy, and patience,” the nomination for Viebranz stated. “She is respected and loved by both patients and staff.

“During Christmas, I had the personal privilege of helping Kate transform our unit into a magical holiday home. She orchestrated funds for decorations, a Christmas tree, treats, games, and gifts for the patients and staff. The patients were laughing and joking and smiling. It brought tears of joy to our eyes. She is a wonderful example, and mentor to all, but especially to me. I have learned how to be better at my job because of working with Kate.”

Information about the DAISY Award is included in Griffin Health patient information packets and nomination forms are available online and at all Griffin Health locations. The award recipients are chosen by a committee at Griffin and the award is presented throughout the year. 

For more information, visit griffinhealth.org/daisy.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family. 

Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. 

The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. 

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

Griffin Health in Derby offers 6-week Healthy for Life program

DERBY - The Griffin Center for Healthy Living will offer a session of its innovative high blood sugar management program this month.

Healthy for Life with Elevated Blood Sugar is a free, six-week program designed for individuals diagnosed with either pre-diabetes or diabetes to help them control their elevated blood sugar.

There will be a session on Mondays, Jan. 20 and 27, and Feb. 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 2-3:30 p.m. at The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital.

Participants will be empowered to manage their elevated blood sugar though education on healthy eating, weight management, physical activity, medication and glucose management technology, health related risks, coping skills, and healthy lifestyle goal setting. 

Based on the National Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and The American Heart Association Healthy for Life, this program engages participants in learning and discussing clinical and lifestyle self-management behaviors to support optimizing their health, blood sugars, quality of life and psychosocial factors.

Register at griffinhealth.org/healthy-for-life or contact The Griffin Center for Healthy Living Coordinator at 203-732-1369 to sign up or for more information.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.