Category: Spring/Summer 2025

Bassett Cancer Institute: Advanced Healthcare in a Patient-Focused, Community Setting

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By Elizabeth Landry

Providing premiere, patient centered care for patients of all types of adult cancers, Bassett Cancer Institute is a major highlight within the larger Bassett Healthcare Network, a health system that spans eight counties and 5,600 square miles in Central New York. With cancer treatment centers in Cooperstown, Oneonta, Herkimer and Cobleskill, Bassett Cancer Institute welcomes patients from both nearby and far beyond the footprint of its rural communities.

A growing healthcare organization, Bassett provided over 14,000 cancer treatments in 2024 alone, offering care to almost 1,000 cancer patients. From oncology and hematology to more specialized care including gynecologic cancer treatments, radiopharmaceutical treatments and clinical trials, the multidisciplinary team at Bassett aims to achieve high patient satisfaction for adults with varying diagnoses and treatment needs, as Alfred Tinger, MD, Chief and Medical Director at Bassett Cancer Institute, emphasized. 

“The cancer center routinely gets excellent marks for patient satisfaction – no one’s perfect, but we’re well above 90% consistently for patient satisfaction. That makes Bassett a great place to work because we’re doing what we’re called to do: get rid of cancer and take care of patients with cancer,” said Dr. Tinger. 

Breakthrough Treatments and Clinical Trials

The radiation oncology team at Bassett, led by Timothy Korytko, MD, Radiation Oncologist-in-Chief, provides treatment technologies that offer patients the most effective cancer treatments available. 

Dr. Korytko said that in the last five years, the radiation oncology field has seen a big increase in the types of radiopharmaceutical drugs available for cancer treatment. He highlighted two drugs specifically that are available at Bassett: Lutathera, a special treatment for neuroendocrine cancer, and Pluvicto, a radioactive IV treatment used for prostate cancer. Dr. Korytko shared that patients come to Bassett for these kinds of treatment options, and he said the rural setting helps the team provide the best care for patients.

“We’re giving novel therapies, which sets us apart from just being a rural hospital that provides the basics. We were one of the earliest sites giving Lutathera and Pluvicto. We have a team that’s very committed to bringing the best care we can to our patients. And we treat them in a place that’s a comfortable, community based treatment location. You could go to a larger, metropolitan center and get lost in the traffic and crowds, or you can come here and get treated a little bit more like family. To be able to offer this type of care here is really a testament to our investment in doing the right thing,” said Dr. Korytko.

“The technology allows us to deliver radiation much more precisely to maximize killing the cancer and minimize side effects on other organs,” explained Dr. Tinger. “Dr. Korytko pioneered bringing this technology here to Bassett, and he’s grown the program immensely, so it’s basically become a regional referral center for all of Upstate New York.” 

Bassett also offers additional treatments through 11 clinical cancer trials. Dr. Korytko noted that the team has collaborated with a company called Alpha Tau Medical to investigate a new implanted radiation treatment, which may lead to novel approaches for treating cancer in the future. Alpha DaRT™ (Diffusing Alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy) is the first localized anticancer therapy to leverage the specific therapeutic properties of alpha particles to treat solid tumors.

“We’re involved in radiation clinical trials using an investigational radiation implant to treat skin cancer,” Dr. Korytko stated. “We’ve been enrolling patients in a study for recurrent skin cancer who have limited treatment options. We’re one of the first sites in the country to be involved in this clinical trial and are the first in the U.S. to open a clinical trial investigating this device in treating pancreatic cancer.”

Patient-Focused, Multidisciplinary Team 

Treating a wide array of adult cancers, the multidisciplinary team at Bassett Cancer Institute works together to provide specialized care and treatments that are personalized to each unique patient. Dr. Korytko explained how patients benefit from collaboration among the healthcare providers at Bassett.

“Each patient and each circumstance is unique. A lot of times we make decisions as a team. One of the nice things about Bassett and one of the reasons I wanted to join the team here is because we really focus on caring for the patient collaboratively. We discuss and make individualized decisions for patients based on what makes sense for their specific circumstances,” said Dr. Korytko.

The team of over 100 diverse staff members at Bassett Cancer Institute is comprised of nurses (including clinic nurses, infusion nurses, and nurse navigators), support staff (including social workers, financial counselors, nutritionists, and administrative staff) and radiation therapists. Anush Patel, MD, Chief of Medical Oncology and Hematology, shared how patients recognize the high-quality care offered by this multidisciplinary team.

“Our patients are appreciative of what we do. They really value Bassett being in their neighborhood and they value the quality of care we provide. Specific to the cancer center, I think we have extremely collaborative networks here that include our extensive, patient focused support system. We’re a very small oncology group and we know each other quite well. We’re accessible to each other almost all the time. I think that really makes care much more seamless than you would otherwise find in a fragmented system. It makes us stand out in the area, and even at the national level, that we are providing fantastic care in a rural setting,” said Dr. Patel, who also highlighted the unique transportation support system offered at Bassett, which helps ensure patients who face transportation challenges across the  health system’s rural communities can come from their homes to the cancer center for appointments and treatments.

Specialized, Seamless Cancer Care

Within the multidisciplinary team at Bassett Cancer Institute are highly specialized healthcare providers who care for patients with specific types of cancer and other disorders. As the Chief of Hematology and Oncology, Dr. Patel provides treatment for patients with leukemia, lymphoma and non cancerous disorders like blood clots or hemophilia.

“We are trained especially in noncancerous blood disorders, along with malignant hematology, which is leukemia and lymphoma, as well as medical oncology, which involves solid tumors. It’s quite seamless because someone who gets chemotherapy might have a complication of low blood count, so we need to be quite well trained and comfortable with dealing with the anticipated complications,” explained Dr. Patel. 

Another highly specialized and trained physician at Bassett Cancer Institute is Elizabeth Pelkofski, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist, who joined the Bassett team in 2023.

With extensive experience in gynecologic oncology, Dr. Pelkofski provides diagnosis  and treatment for a wide array of cancers, including cancers of the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina, vulva and peritoneum, as well as cancers associated with pregnancy. Treatment options she offers are complex pelvic surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and assistance with clinical trials, depending on specific patient needs.

“Gynecologic oncology is a very specialized surgical subspecialty, so patients in rural areas can be very underserved and must travel very far for care. It’s rare to have a local, full-service, specially trained gynecologic oncologist practice here in Cooperstown and in the surrounding communities. With all the therapies we provide, between surgery visits, chemotherapy, radiation and more, our relationship with patients isn’t a one-time point of care. That’s a big reason why it’s such a benefit to have localized care in a smaller center with more focus on patients and their needs,” said Dr. Pelkofski.

Although a referral is needed for patients to see Dr. Pelkofski, she offers rapid appointment access for patients with complex gynecologic conditions and cancers. Practitioners who wish to refer a patient should contact Bassett Cancer Institute at 607-547-3336.

“I think all oncologists work hard to see patients as quickly as possible, not only because it’s so stressful to have a cancer diagnosis or a potential diagnosis, but also because patients often experience debilitating symptoms. They may have bleeding or be in a lot of pain because of their cancer,” shared Dr. Pelkofski. “It’s not unheard of, depending on the condition and the patient, to be seen the same day or the next day, and with invasive cancer almost always within a week. We try to be fast.”

Expanding the Network of Dedicated Providers

Despite being a multidisciplinary team serving and treating patients with many different types of cancer, the physicians at Bassett Cancer Institute seem to have an important thing in common with each other: a passion for the team of people they work with, especially regarding how each provides a high level of care for patients.

“After I was trained at Bassett, I went out to a  larger institution, and the reason I came back to Bassett is the people. The people that we work with every day genuinely want to make a difference in patients’ lives. We’re very patient focused and we truly take pride in providing exceptional cancer care to our community,” said Dr. Patel.

Dr. Pelkofski echoed Dr. Patel’s sentiments, highlighting the elevated culture at Bassett that allows patients to stay at the center of the team’s focus.

“It’s a really wonderful culture. Everyone goes above and beyond, and the focus is on work and taking care of patients. I think culture can be the hardest thing for a company to create, and we just have it here,” she said.

Dr. Korytko highlighted the autonomy providers have within Bassett’s network of more than 525 practitioners, explaining how opportunities arise not only for providers to grow their careers but also for the expansion of treatment technologies at the facility.

“One of the reasons I came to Bassett was because of the opportunities. The way the leadership is structured,  there’s a focus on each physician’s unique skills. Physicians really drive the direction of patient care. Subsequently, when new technologies become available, the hospital tries to help us get those new technologies here as much as they can. To be in a place that is so supportive of these endeavors has always been really important to me,” Dr. Korytko said.

As new team members are added at Bassett Cancer Institute, and as they care for more patients across Central New York, plans are being made for exciting facility expansions. Funding is currently being raised to expand and modernize Bassett Cancer Institute’s oncology unit at FoxCare Center in Oneonta, one of the network’s most utilized cancer treatment centers in a university town with a larger population. The goal is to provide an enhanced environment for patients and practitioners alike.

“We’re kind of outgrowing our space, so we’re investing in a new cancer center by building out and expanding the oncology unit inside FoxCare Center,” stated Dr. Tinger. “The plan is to expand the space, so we’ll have more room for offices and exam rooms, including private rooms for infusions.  We have pending plans for expansion in our other offices, as well.”

As the teams and the locations grow, however, the mission of Bassett Cancer Institute, as described by Dr. Tinger, will remain the same: “Our mission is to take great care of patients with cancer. Hearing you have a cancer diagnosis puts someone in a very vulnerable position. We exist to remove the vulnerabilities and give people hope.” 

Learn more about Bassett Cancer Institute by visiting bassett.org/cancer. Call 607-547-3336 to make a patient referral or inquire about Bassett’s clinical trials.

 

Mental Health Access

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By: Kathryn Ruscitto, Advisor

Recent conversations with families seeking mental health resources have highlighted the severe challenges in accessing psychiatric care in our community. What began as routine inquiries have exposed a healthcare system stretched beyond capacity, with primary care physicians increasingly unable to connect patients with psychiatric specialists. The backlog, initially attributed to COVID-19 disruptions and workforce shortages, has reached critical levels that demand innovative solutions.

In consultation with Ann Rooney, Deputy County Executive for Human Services in Onondaga County, the scope of this challenge became clear. The County is actively responding through the Department of Children and Family Services, implementing triage systems designed to prioritize the most vulnerable patients and ensure they receive timely care. Ann also shared a tool the County recommends for physicians to consider called Clinicom (https://clinicom.com/). This algorithm helps providers assess mental health conditions in a timely manner to consider treatment options. Other counties in upstate New York, along with major health foundations from Buffalo to Albany, cite mental health and substance abuse among their top priorities for focus in the next year.

For families with private insurance and financial resources, online mental health platforms offer promising alternatives. Services like Talkiatry and BetterHelp provide access to licensed providers when traditional pathways fail, though they typically operate on a private pay basis. Online services must be licensed in your state to provide care. While often requiring private payment, they can help individuals navigate next steps and access immediate support. 

The mental health system is adapting through tiered care approaches. Psychiatrists focus on the most acute cases, while psychologists and therapists provide ongoing counseling and support for longer-term cases. This model maximizes specialist availability while ensuring comprehensive care. Primary care physicians have become frontline mental health providers by necessity. Many report managing mental health concerns, including substance abuse issues, while patients await specialist access. This reality requires staying current with available resources and access points. 

The range of inpatient beds in local health systems are critical parts of the mental health care system when individuals and families face crisis. These beds are also under severe stress from increasing demand. This adds to the crisis in access when immediate care is needed. Multiple barriers continue to impact access including rural geography limitations, insurance coverage gaps, and evolving telehealth regulations. Staying informed about available resources remains crucial for reducing patient frustration and improving care coordination. 

Thank you for all you do in supporting families facing mental health crisis.

Advances In Cardiac Technology:Diagnosis, Treatment, And Monitoring

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Data from the World Health Organization indicates that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for approximately 17.9 million or 32% of deaths worldwide, necessitating continuous innovation in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Recent advances in cardiac technology have significantly improved patient outcomes, with breakthroughs spanning early detection, minimally invasive treatments, and personalized care.

Advancements in Cardiac Imaging: Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy and Treatment Planning

One of the most significant advancements is the use of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Cardiac MRI is an essential tool for assessing myocardial viability, scar tissue, and heart chamber functionality. A breakthrough in MRI technology, Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) imaging allows for highly accurate detection of myocardial infarction and fibrosis. This non-invasive imaging modality provides details on heart tissue structure, enabling clinicians to better predict patient outcomes and guide therapy decisions.

Another notable advancement is 3D Echocardiography. Unlike two-dimensional echocardiograms, 3D imagining allows for a more precise evaluation of cardiac morphology, valve function, and hemodynamics. This is especially beneficial when assessing mitral valve diseases and congenital heart defects, facilitating improved surgical planning and postoperative care.

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Interventions: Revolutionizing Treatment, Reducing Recovery Time, and Improving Outcomes

One of the most significant developments in recent years is the evolution of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). TAVR, a procedure in which a catheter replaces a damaged aortic valve without open-heart surgery, has gained widespread acceptance for the treatment of aortic stenosis, particularly in elderly and high-risk patients. Advances in valve design and catheter technology have significantly improved the success rate and reduced the risk of complications, making TAVR an increasingly preferred option over traditional valve replacement surgery.

Similarly, left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) devices, such as the WATCHMAN™ device, offer a minimally invasive solution for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. By occluding the left atrial appendage,  thrombus formation is prevented and reduces the risk of stroke, eliminating the need for long-term anticoagulation therapy in certain patients.

The Rise of Digital Health: Wearable Technology and Remote Monitoring

 Wearable devices have become integral to the management of cardiovascular diseases. Technologies such as smartwatches with built-in electrocardiograms (ECGs) can detect arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF), in real time. Devices like the Apple Watch® and KardiaMobile® capture high-quality ECG readings that can be instantly transmitted to healthcare providers for analysis, allowing for earlier detection of cardiac abnormalities and timely interventions.

Additionally, remote monitoring systems are improving the management of heart failure. Implantable devices, such as Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy CRT) devices and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), can continuously monitor heart function and send data to clinicians for analysis. This allows for personalized adjustments to treatment regimens and early intervention when abnormalities are detected. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze large datasets from these devices further enhances clinical decision making, making care more proactive and individualized.

The Landscape of the Future

Cardiac technology continues to make tremendous strides, improving the ability to diagnose, treat, and monitor cardiovascular diseases. Advances in imaging techniques along with minimally invasive procedures have revolutionized management of heart disease. Furthermore, wearable technologies and remote monitoring systems are ushering in an era of personalized, continuous care, enabling better management of chronic conditions like heart failure and atrial fibrillation. As technology continues to evolve, these innovations promise to further transform cardiovascular care, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Claims-made vs. Occurrence Insurance Policies:Understanding the Differences, Benefits, and Drawbacks

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By: Jenn Negley, Vice President, Risk Strategies Company

When it comes to liability insurance for professionals such as doctors, choosing the right type of policy is crucial. Two of the most common forms of coverage for professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and business owners, are claims made and occurrence  policies. While they both offer liability protection, the way coverage is triggered and how long it lasts differs significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for individuals and organizations to avoid costly coverage gaps and ensure they are adequately protected.

What is a Claims-Made Policy?
A claims-made policy provides coverage only if the claim is made during the policy period and the incident occurred on or after the policy’s retroactive date. The retroactive date is usually the date the insured first purchased a claims made policy and continuously maintained it. For example, suppose a doctor has a claims-made malpractice policy that starts on January 1, 2022, with a retroactive date of January 1, 2020. A patient filed a lawsuit on March 1, 2023, for something that happened in 2021. Because the policy is still active when the claim is made and the incident occurred after the retroactive date, the lawsuit is covered.

Benefits of Claims-Made Policies:

Lower initial premiums:
These policies are often cheaper in the early years because the insurer is only covering claims reported during the policy period, not the full history of a professional’s work.

Customizable tail coverage:
If you retire, take a break from your career, or switch insurers, tail coverage can extend your protection beyond the end of the policy. This helps cover claims that arise later from work you did while the policy was active.

Adaptability:
Claims-made policies are a good fit for professionals whose situations may change, such as a growing practice or changing insurers. However, continuity is key to avoiding coverage lapses.

Drawbacks of Claims-Made Policies:

Tail coverage can be expensive:
If the policyholder retires or switches carriers, they may need to buy tail coverage, which can cost up to 200% of the final year’s premium.

Coverage gaps: If there’s a lapse in policy renewal or the retroactive date changes, claims may be denied.

Complexity:
The nuances of retroactive dates and tail coverage can confuse policyholders unfamiliar with insurance jargon.

What is an Occurrence Policy?
An occurrence policy provides coverage for incidents that occur during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed. This means even if a claim is filed years after the policy expires, the insurer will still cover it if the incident occurred during the time the policy was active. For example, if a contractor has an occurrence policy from 2018 to 2020, and a claim is  filed in 2024 for a job completed in 2019, the claim will still be covered.

Benefits of Occurrence Policies:

Long-term peace of mind:
Once the policy is in place, the policyholder is protected for incidents that occurred during the coverage period, even if the claim arises years later.

No need for tail coverage:
This makes occurrence policies especially attractive for professionals who don’t want to worry about coverage after retiring or changing jobs.

Simplicity:
Easier to understand and manage over time, since there’s no concern over retroactive dates or claim reporting timelines.

Drawbacks of Occurrence Policies:

Higher premiums:
These policies usually cost more upfront than claims made policies, reflecting the broader protection they offer.

Limited availability:
Some insurers offer only claims-made policies for specific professions or high-risk fields.

Harder to budget long-term:
Because the insurer assumes longterm liability, the policy’s true cost can be challenging to estimate or predict.

How Do You Decide Which Policy Is Right for You?
Choosing between claims made and occurrence policies often depends on your financial situation, career stage, and risk preferences.

• Early career professionals may prefer claims-made policies for their lower initial cost.

• Established professionals or those nearing retirement might lean toward occurrence policies for their lasting protection.

• Those who switch jobs or insurers frequently must carefully manage claims made coverage to avoid gaps.

Both policy types have their place, and the best choice depends on your specific situation. Consulting with an experienced insurance broker can help ensure your coverage aligns with your needs, career plans, and financial goals.

For more information, please contact Jenn Negley, Vice President, Risk Strategies, at 267-251-2233 or JNegley@RiskStrategies.com.

Renowned Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Soon J. Park Joins The Albany Med Health System

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Soon J. Park, MD, renowned both locally and internationally for his expertise and scientific contributions to cardiothoracic surgery, has joined the Albany Med Health System. He will serve as surgical director of cardiovascular services at Albany Medical Center, and he will collaborate with colleagues across the System to elevate a coordinated, regional approach to cardiovascular care.

“The level of expertise Dr. Park brings to the Albany Med Health System’s cardiovascular services is unmatched in the region,” said Alan S. Boulos, MD, The Lynne and Mark D. Groban ’67 Distinguished Dean of Albany Medical College. “His surgical talent and decades of experience and insight will benefit patient care, medical education, and surgical training for years to come.”

Dr. Park is an expert in all aspects of adult cardiothoracic surgery, including ischemic heart disease, mitral valve repair, aortic aneurysm repair, and septic myectomy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Through partnerships between hospitals and the implementation of a unified electronic medical record, the Albany Med Health System has expanded access to heart and vascular care for more patients in more places. Referrals to higher levels of care are also made easier with more resources in one network. According to Dr. Park, those connections provide the framework to reinforce a comprehensive team approach to care.

“Albany Medical Center, Columbia Memorial Health, Glens Falls Hospital, and Saratoga Hospital each hold a critical role in their communities,” Dr. Park said. “Their collective strength sets our System apart. There are tremendous opportunities to deepen our
commitment to collaborative, patient centered care that positions the Albany Med Health System as the premier cardiovascular program in the region.”

A respected educator, scientist, and advisor, Dr. Park also said he is glad to return to academic medicine. He has mentored dozens of residents and fellows and has led several National Institutes of Health (NIH) trials. The intersection of patient care, research, and education, Dr. Park said, is where patients can find
the most contemporary and innovative care available.

“As a tertiary medical center, Albany Medical Center provides the research infrastructure, community resources, and missions to care, teach, and discover,” Dr. Park said. “It’s a privilege to teach the future generation better ways to deliver care based on research and education, and to be among fresh minds.”

Dr. Park will also serve on a newly created System-wide cardiovascular steering committee comprised of cardiac leadership throughout the System, as well as care partners at Capital Cardiology Associates, aimed at guiding and overseeing resources, data, and quality, and fostering opportunities for collaboration and enhanced efficiency in cardiac care.

An advisor or a member of the editorial boards of several prestigious journals throughout his career, Dr. Park has published nearly 200 peer reviewed articles or book chapters. He also is credited for pioneering a procedure used to close an aortic valve to prevent leaking during placement of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant, aptly called the Park Stitch. 

Dr. Park’s experience has taken him across the country. He has held leadership positions at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.; the University of Minnesota; California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco; Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, N.Y.; and University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland. In the Capital Region, Dr. Park was the chief of cardiac surgery at St. Peter’s Health Partners and a member of Albany Cardiothoracic Surgeons. He completed residencies in thoracic surgery at the University of Minnesota and general surgery at the University of Washington. He earned his medical degree from the University of Chicago.

The Albany Med Health System provides heart care using the latest techniques and leading-edge surgical procedures to address routine and complex medical issues. Because the System is an academic health system, all System patients have access to the most advanced care, clinical trials for new treatments and devices, and they benefit from the ongoing research conducted at Albany Medical College. 

Cardiothoracic surgeons at Albany Medical Center perform a wide range of cardiac procedures on patients of all ages. They have led the way in heart care for decades and have performed many of the region’s first heart procedures, including the first open heart surgery on an infant. They also teach at Albany Medical College. Albany Medical Center cares for more cardiology patients, performs more cardiovascular and vascular surgeries, and has the largest coronary care unit than any other health care provider in the Capital Region.