Patient Testimonial: Kiana Jennings

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

“Thank you to the Department of Neurosurgery, the Stroke Care Team, the OTs, PTs, PCAs, and day-to-day nurses for their care. They were very good and very nice,” is what I said after having a blockage removed at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

My name is Kiana Jennings, and I am a 36-year-old flight attendant who has lived in Jamaica, Queens, for the past 13 years, but I am originally from the Bronx. In July of 2025, I had just returned from Sweden and went to take a shower. While I was showering, I suddenly passed out. After regaining consciousness, I was able to crawl to my bedroom, where I attempted to get my phone to call a friend who lived in my apartment building. Unfortunately, I passed out again. Thankfully, my friend hadn’t heard from me in a while, so she did a wellness check. When my friend arrived at my apartment, she found me on the floor of my bedroom and immediately called 911.

When I woke up, I was in the emergency room at Jamaica Hospital and was told by my neurosurgeon that I had a stroke. He then discussed the surgical procedure required to remove a blockage that caused the stroke. I also had partial paralysis on my left side.

The procedure was successful, and the blockage was removed. After the procedure, I was in the hospital’s ICU for two weeks before I was taken to the rehabilitation unit to start my recovery. When I got to rehab, I was weak and couldn’t walk on my own. Thankfully, the occupational therapists took the time to talk to and socialize with me as I was on my recovery journey. In physical therapy, the physical therapist made me work and pushed me to keep going. It was difficult, but I thank them all for helping me build back my strength and get back on my feet. My rehabilitation was tough, but everyone made me feel human and showed sympathy and empathy, as they let me be emotional.

I value all the relationships I made during my time at the hospital. I am thankful to be mobile again and am looking forward to being a flight attendant and traveling the world.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Patient Testimonial- Mohammed Rahman

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Patient Mohammed Rahman was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Emergency Room after experiencing a fall at home. He was transferred to the ICU after he was diagnosed with internal bleeding. His daughter Suraya Clemente recounts the care he received.

My dad, Mr. Mohammed Rahman, is a father of three and a grandfather of four. He is a man of few words. However, his presence speaks for itself. He is admired by not only me and his family and friends, but also his colleagues, neighbors, and the Bangladeshi community. My father is charitable and an active member of a donation-based Bangladeshi organization.

During the autumn of 2025, my father unfortunately had an accidental fall at home. This fall resulted in a deep laceration and internal bleeding. After being taken to the ER at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, the bleeding seemed to have stopped. He was then transferred from the ICU to the med-surge unit within two days. Soon after the transition, he started to experience symptoms that suggested further internal bleeding. My family members and I were extremely worried and started to panic. That’s when we met Dr. Benjamin Hartley. He appeared in the hospital room with absolute grace and kindness. He helped us feel seen and heard through his authenticity and empathetic personality. Dr. Hartley explained the CT results and the complications of a brain bleed thoroughly. He was confident and knew exactly how to steer my father towards recovery.

Dr. Hartley took the time to get to know us during our initial conversation. He was genuine, transparent, and personable while still maintaining professionalism. Dr. Hartley’s presence and competence was significantly comforting to my family members and me. He kept an open line of communication with us through text, which was incredibly generous.

My family and I felt a sense of relief and knew my father was in good hands after speaking with Dr. Hartley and knowing he’d oversee the surgery.

My sisters and I are forever grateful to Dr. Hartley for saving our father’s life. He’s the best doctor we’ve met, and he is an irreplaceable gem in Jamaica Hospital. My father is also very grateful to Dr. Hartley, as he explained, “Dr. Hartley is a saint that was sent to me in human form. He helped me in my weakest moment by holding a glass of water with a straw for me to drink. He did not hesitate to recline my hospital bed. He did not hold back in taking the best care of me. He’s down to earth and carries no prejudice.”

Though it’s been less than three months since his brain surgery, my father feels like he’s slowly getting his old life back. “I can walk long distances alone and without any assistive devices. I also look forward to start driving soon,” he said.

Thank you,

Suraya Clemente

First Patient Treated at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with New, Minimally Invasive Technology to Help Control High Blood Pressure

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

February 2026 – Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is pleased to announce that it is the first hospital in Queens to offer a new renal denervation (RDN) procedure to treat certain patients with high blood pressure. The hospital’s cardiology team recently and successfully completed its first case.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023, the Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation (RDN) system involves a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive, causing high blood pressure. The procedure – also known as the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure – is approved for use as an adjunctive treatment in patients with high blood pressure (or hypertension) when lifestyle changes and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure.

Hypertension is the single largest contributor to death, and affects about 50% of U.S. adults. Of the U.S. adults who are aware of their hypertension, about 80% do not have it under control.

The Symplicity blood pressure procedure is clinically proven to help reduce high blood pressure, which can lower serious health risks. After mild sedation, the doctor inserts a very thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney. The doctor then administers energy to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney. The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind.

High blood pressure is a significant issue for patients worldwide. For people with hypertension, medication and/or lifestyle changes can help reduce blood pressure, but studies have shown that many people still don’t have control over their condition. The Symplicity blood pressure procedure can provide patients with a blood pressure reduction benefit that is ‘always on’ and doesn’t require a permanent implant – it can also help patients regain their peace of mind. We are pleased to have treated our first patient with this new technology, and we look forward to the future of hypertension care by offering innovative solutions to the people of Jamaica, Queens.

Jamaica Hospital’s Hypertension Center provides the highest quality, patient-centered hypertension care. The Hypertension Center was created to treat patients who do not respond well to traditional hypertension medication treatments. The American Heart Association has recognized our Hypertension Practice Center as meeting or exceeding standards for hypertension treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing high blood pressure or difficulty controlling it, talk to your doctor to see if the Symplicity blood pressure procedure is a possible treatment option: visit this link to learn more.

MediSys Cancer Center Hosts Town Hall Meeting

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, located on Jamaica Hospital’s campus, recently held a town hall meeting to share updates on the program’s latest accomplishments and new developments.

The network’s leadership, along with Shelly Anderson, Hospital President of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, presented to a packed auditorium of attendees eager to learn about the center’s progress.

The presentation focused on key achievements, important patient cases, the formation of medical boards, research efforts, community engagement, educational outreach, and the expansion of the cancer program.

Speakers included MediSys Health Network President and CEO Bruce J. Flanz and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sabiha Raoof, who chronicled the center’s growth from its inception in 2021. What started as a concept aimed at providing high-quality cancer care to an underserved community has transformed into a rapidly growing program recognized for its commitment to equitable cancer care.

Mr. Flanz and Dr. Raoof discussed significant milestones, such as the signing of the first affiliation agreement between the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center and MSK in 2023, and the receipt of a $188 million transformation grant in 2025 from New York Governor Kathy Hochul to build a brand-new facility, with construction set to begin this year.

Clinical leaders from the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, Dr. David Pfister, Chair of Oncology, and Dr. Rosa Nouvini, Site Director, proudly shared the program’s latest advancements, including the:

Growth of the cancer care team, and the introduction of new staff members and leadership
Establishment of a cancer research steering committee
Establishment of a breast tumor board
Acquisition of new technology and delivery of new therapies
Completion of a circle of care for a specialized patient case
Execution of successful community and educational outreach initiatives
Successful integration of MSK expertise
Successful application of supportive services
Introduction of a bone marrow biopsy program

The town hall meeting offered valuable insights about the MediSys Health Network Cancer Center. The future looks promising as the program continues to expand. Leadership presented their vision for the center, aiming to establish it as one of the most trusted cancer treatment facilities in the community. Their goal is to ensure that everyone feels confident they are receiving world-class care right in their own neighborhood.

Jamaica Hospital Specialty Departments Move to New Metropolitan Avenue Location

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The Jamaica Hospital Ambulatory Care Center is excited to announce that it has relocated several of its specialty departments to a brand-new, modern space at 132-47 Metropolitan Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11418.

The following specialty services have moved to this location: general surgery, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), plastic surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, vascular surgery, urology, and wound care.

The new site, which spans 6,468 square feet, has been designed to enhance comfort, accessibility, and support for all patients. It features 15 examination rooms, a modern layout, and various amenities.

The hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling (718) 301-0720.

Jamaica Hospital thanks its patients for trusting the organization with their care and looks forward to welcoming them at the new location.

Jamaica Hospital Named City & State New York’s Top Mental Health Care Provider

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center has been named as one of New York State’s 2025 Top Mental Health Care Providers by City & State New York magazine.

According to City & State New York, its list of Top Mental Health Care Providers features dozens of elite healthcare organizations that offer innovative programs and standout services to help New Yorkers thrive and successfully face challenges to their mental health.

Being named as one of New York State’s top mental health care providers highlights Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry’s commitment to meeting the mental health needs of the community it serves.

Jamaica Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry provides comprehensive mental health care for the most culturally and ethnically diverse community in the United States, including a Comprehensive Psychiatry Emergency Program with about 6,000 annual visits, two inpatient units with over 1,800 admissions annually, and New York City’s only 24/7 mobile crisis team responding within two hours. At our sister institution, Flushing Hospital Medical Center, we complement these services with our complete substance use disorder and chemical dependency program.

Additionally, the department offers integrated outpatient care through about 42,000 annual visits and specialized programs in psycho-oncology, obesity care, and perinatal health.

Jamaica Hospital is proud to be recognized for its high-quality mental healthcare and as a Top Mental Health Care Provider among New York’s distinguished healthcare organizations. “This recognition honors our commitment to a simple but powerful idea: exceptional mental health care must be accessible, culturally attuned, and integrated with overall health. We are proud to serve as a beacon of hope and healing for the resilient and diverse community we call home,” stated Dr. Daniel Chen, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Services at Jamaica Hospital.

Jamaica Hospital Named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces in Health Care 2025

Posted on November 7, 2025 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center proudly announced that it has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare for 2025 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.

Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group recognize America’s Greatest Workplaces through a comprehensive assessment involving employee interviews, publicly accessible data, and an analysis of over 120 key performance indicators. The study incorporated over 400,000 employee interviews in the U.S. and collected over 4.9 million comprehensive company reviews.

Organizations reviewed by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group were scored and weighted based on the following categories: Belonging & Community, Sustainability and Awareness, Working environment, Work-life balance, Corporate Culture, Job Security, and Mental Well-being.

Jamaica Hospital was awarded high scores across these categories and more, reflecting its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, supporting employees, and promoting a mission-driven culture that values the community it serves.

“In the healthcare industry especially, organizations that invest in employee well-being are better positioned to meet the needs of their communities,” Jennifer H. Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek, said. “This year’s honorees represent workplaces where employees feel supported, heard and valued.”

Jamaica Hospital currently employs over 3,000 clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers. The hospital places a high priority on employee well-being and has introduced several initiatives and resources aimed at supporting mental health.

The culture at Jamaica Hospital is centered around social responsibility: contributing to the growth and wellness of its community. The hospital fosters this through community outreach and engagement. Employees are encouraged to donate their time or resources to important causes and charitable initiatives that benefit the community. Jamaica Hospital recently received an “A” rating from the Lown Institute, an organization that evaluates 3,500 hospitals nationwide across the categories of community benefit, health equity, and value of care. Jamaica Hospital’s high scores reflect its role as a strong community partner.

Jamaica Hospital is proud to be recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces in Health Care for 2025. The hospital appreciates the hard work and dedication of all its employees and is committed to creating a positive workplace environment. Recognizing that employees are the heart of its organization, Jamaica Hospital understands the significance of valuing and supporting them. A great workplace not only benefits staff but also enhances their ability to serve the Queens community effectively.

MediSys Health Network Research Day

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

The MediSys Health Network of Jamaica Hospital and Flushing Hospital Medical Centers held its Fourth Annual Research Conference and Poster Competition.

The posters submitted are broken into three categories: Case Reports, Empirical Research, and Quality Improvements. They are then graded on a rubric of five areas: format, visual, content 1, content 2, and impact.

The first-place winning posters in Case Reports were “Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Hypertension” by T. Okan, M. Al-Dmour, M. Hussein, S. Mohammed, V. Patel, A. Doshi, S. Jain, and K. Doshi (JHMC) and “HIV and Miliary Tuberculosis Co-Infection: A Case Series” by A. Inghirami, M.A. Burrola-Suarez, and J. Shakil (FHMC).

Second-place winning posters of the category included “A Case of Bilateral Pulmonary Embolism Treated with Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis in a Patient Who Presented with Syncope and Chest Pain” by R. Maharjan, S. Rao, Z. Lasic (JHMC), and “Spontaneous Splenic Rupture in a 74-Year Old on Apixaban” by C. Montesano, D. Egbo, N. Marfo, M.A. Louis, and N. Mandava.

And finally, the third-place posters were “The Use of Intravenous Thrombolytics for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Thrombocytopenia Complicated by Hemorrhagic Conversion Due to Undiagnosed Malignancy” by A. Sivapalan, C. Ninan, and A. Waddell (JHMC) and “Breast Cancer and Tumor Lysis Syndrome: A Rare Critical Issue” by V. Khachatryan, M.A. Burrola-Suarez, M.T. Rahman, N. Tasnim, K. Cappas, and A. Khan (FHMC).

In the Empirical Research Category, the posters that were awarded first place were “Assessing Patient-Providers’ Conversations about Stress and Health” by F. Khan, A. Mir, L. Gance, S. Chemouni Bach, M. Basant, A. Chorzepa, L. Keating, C. Nienaber, A. Roth, D. Chen, and E. Brondolo (JHMC) and “Circadian Variations of Glucose Challenge Test Results in Pregnancy: Examining Non-Linear Trends” by A. Makol, L. Keating, R.J. Robitsek, T. Tang, Lien B, L. Woo, and I. Ngai (FHMC).

Second-place winning posters were “Comparing Acidity and Dental-Hypersensitivity Between Arginine Mouthrinse and SDF” by M.R. Mears, L. Keating, and J. Weiss (JHMC) and “Exploring Potential Under Diagnosis of Hypophosphatasia” by R. Faridizad, K. Cappas Cordero, S. Khalid, H. Sadia, M. Mafi, A. Russo, L. Keating, and K. Robinson (FHMC).

Lastly, the third-place winning posters of the category were “Point of Care Fentanyl Testing VS. Standard Testing in a Chemical Dependency Unit” by M.S. Radeos, J. Cintron-Hernandez, B. Balchan, G. John, B. Joseph, A.M. Radeos, J. Wong, and D. Chen (JHMC) and “Adipose Rebound in Patients with Congenital Hypothyroidism in an Urban Multiethnic Community Hospital” by N.L. Sands, A. Glowacki, A. Gogenini, M. Roland, and L.Q. Lew (FHMC).

In the final category Quality Improvements, the first-place winning posters were, “Improving Pain Documentation in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Efforts to Support a Developing Standard of Care” by H. Liu, H. Jaber, A. Jaramillo, F. Khan, Z. Sagarwala, C. Pang, R. Resendez Rodriguez, E. Siaw, S. Varughese, H. Woo, A. Eromosele, L. Keating, P. Cruz, C. Nienaber, A. Roth, and E. Brondolo (JHMC) and “QI Project: Assessing Internal Medicine Interns’ Confidence in Various Tasks Over the Course of Intern Year” by S. Dubey, M. Roland, and K. Beekman (FHMC).

Congratulations to all of those who placed, the honorable mentions of each category, and everyone who participated in this year’s Research Day Conference and Poster Competition.

How High Blood Pressure Affects Kidney Health

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, negatively impacts our health, including kidney health.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney failure, and impaired kidney function can also lead to higher blood pressure levels.

High blood pressure, if left untreated or uncontrolled over time, can damage the blood vessels in our kidneys. When this happens, the kidneys do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients needed for proper functioning.

Additionally, high blood pressure can cause scarring of kidney tissue, a condition known as hypertensive arteriolar nephrosclerosis. This scarring impairs our kidneys’ ability to filter blood and regulate fluids.

When kidneys are damaged, they cannot filter blood effectively and struggle to remove waste and excess fluid from the body. This retention of fluids, salt, and toxins can further elevate blood pressure.

To significantly reduce the risk of these complications and others associated with high blood pressure, it is important to manage our health effectively. This can be achieved by:

Taking medications as prescribed
Limiting our sodium intake
Eating a healthy diet
Having regular blood pressure screenings
Drinking less alcohol
Exercising
Quitting smoking or using tobacco
Controlling cholesterol

Working with your doctor to control your blood pressure can help you minimize your risk of kidney damage and other health problems. To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

High-Functioning Anxiety Disorder

Posted on May 20, 2025 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

High-functioning anxiety is a type of generalized anxiety disorder.

Although high-functioning anxiety is not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The term is used to represent individuals who experience anxiety symptoms but, instead of avoiding situations or interactions, they actively confront their fears and are adept at masking their symptoms.

There are many emotional and physical symptoms of high-functioning anxiety disorder, including:

Emotional symptoms
- Fear of criticism or significant self-criticism
- Fear of looking inadequate or foolish to others
- Feeling on the edge or on the verge of losing control
- Feeling a sense of impending doom
- Experiencing significant stress

Physical symptoms
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling off-balance or lightheaded
- Headaches or migraines
- Intestinal discomforts, such as diarrhea or ulcers
- Muscle tension
- Racing heart rate
- Tired, jelly-like legs
- Sleep disturbances
- Tingling or numbness in toes or fingers

The intensity of these symptoms varies depending on a person’s level of functioning. People with high-functioning anxiety can appear to be:

Perfectionists
Punctual, or always early
Highly organized
Overachievers
Detail-oriented
Proactive

However, they often internally struggle with:

Overthinking/overanalyzing
The fear of disappointing or angering others
Self-doubt
Obsessively double-checking details
Racing thoughts
The inability to relax

There are many treatments available for high-functioning anxiety, including:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Solutions-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
Deep-breathing exercises
Medication

To learn more about our outpatient mental health services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call 718-206-5575.