RWJ Hamilton Physicians to be Honored During Annual Doctors' Day Celebration
CINJ-H Physicians Help Hospital Enhance National Recognition

HAMILTON, NEW JERSEY – National Doctors' Day recognizes physicians for their efforts to maintain and improve the well being of patients across the country. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton joins in the celebration of Doctors' Day by recognizing contributions its physicians have made to the community.

"Our doctors are committed to providing the best in quality patient care and meeting the healthcare needs of our growing community," says Ellen Guarnieri, RWJ Hamilton President and CEO. "They spend hours and energy to solve the problems of life and health, often spending more time than they have to give."

The input of RWJ Hamilton physicians contributed to the hospital's development of its Lakefront Tower, a new facility with 64 private patient rooms. Physician advice was implemented in designing ergonomic rooms that enhance the delivery of medical care. The new rooms also incorporate elements that harness the healing power of nature as a means to decrease the length of hospital stays and improve healing. The Lakefront Tower opens to patients on April 1.

CINJ-H Docs Solidify Outstanding Patient Care Recognition
Being named recipient of the Press Ganey Summit Award recently enhanced RWJ Hamilton's national reputation for outstanding patient care. Presented to The Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton (CINJ-H), which is located on RWJ Hamilton's campus, the Press Ganey Summit Award, recognizes patient satisfaction scores that are among the top five percent of all U.S. healthcare institutions for three consecutive years. The dedication of caring physicians was cited as a key factor in achieving the award.

Press Ganey, one of the nation's leading polling organizations for patient satisfaction, has named the Summit Award as the most prestigious achievement in the healthcare satisfaction industry.

Mahmoud Ghusson, MD, Chief of Medical Staff

Guarnieri credited Mahmoud Ghusson, MD, Chief of Medical Staff, Mark Risi, DO, Vice Chief of Staff, Feroz Safdar, MD, past Chief of Staff, and Francisco J. Villota, MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs, for their leadership of over 650 physicians on the hospital's medical staff.

All RWJ Hamilton physicians are being honored with a special breakfast, lunch and gift on Doctors' Day March 30.

Physicians' Role Continues to Evolve
The role of physicians continues to evolve as public access to medical information grows. The hospital's Community Education department, with the assistance of a group of board certified physicians known as the Medical Advisory Panel (MAP), presents hundreds of classes, screenings and events monthly at the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness (CHW). MAP members provide oversight to the Center's educational offerings, monitor class content and teach several classes. The 86,000 square foot CHW is the area's only medically-based fitness facility, and it helps people incorporate health education and exercise into daily life.

"Providing a diagnosis is only part of our jobs," says Dr. Ghusson. "We strive to educate our patients about every aspect of their health and work together to enhance their experience with healthcare."

Doctors' Day 2007 - Dedicated to "Kicking the Habit"
The national theme for 2007 Doctors' Day is smoking cessation. RWJ Hamilton's Community Education department, with the recommendation of MAP physicians, has secured a partnership with the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey to provide smoking cessation programs.

These programs are offered year round and include Smoking Cessation Group Counseling and Personalized Treatment to Help You Quit Smoking. All counseling services are free of charge and nicotine replacement therapy is available at reduced rates. Those interested in smoking cessation class enrollment, or in referring people to the programs, may contact HealthConnection at (609) 584-5900.

About Doctors' Day
Doctors' Day was first observed on March 30, 1933 in Winder, Georgia. Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, decided to set aside a day to honor physicians. She chose the date because it was the anniversary of the first use of general anesthetic in surgery. In 1990, legislation was introduced in the US House of Representatives and US Senate to establish a national Doctors' Day. President George Bush signed a resolution designating March 30 as National Doctors' Day in 1991.

More About RWJ Hamilton
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) is the only New Jersey hospital to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Located in Hamilton Township, NJ, the hospital is part of the RWJ Health System and Network and is affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey-RWJ Medical School and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

The RWJ Hamilton Health Care Corporation serves communities within a five-county area and includes an acute care hospital, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton, three affiliated medical groups, seven Lakeview Child Centers, and the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, home of a medically-based fitness center and the hospital's extensive community education program. Over 1,900 hospital employees and 650 medical staff physicians share RWJ Hamilton's passion for Excellence Through Service. For more information, visit www.rwjhamilton.org.