NYU Langone's Division of Gastroenterology Announces Honorees of the 2nd Annual J. Christopher Burch Award for Humanism in Medicine With the Support of Philanthropist and Entrepreneur Christopher Burch

With support from entrepreneur and philanthropist Christopher Burch, the director of the Division of Gastroenterology Mark B. Pochapin, MD, along with faculty members Elizabeth H. Weinshel, MD and Sophie M. Balzora, MD created the Patient-Centered Care Curriculum for faculty. The curriculum consists of a number of educational activities, including lectures, roundtables, and educational objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) simulation sessions. One OSCE session, for example, was structured as part of an IRB study protocol and was designed such that faculty interacted with actors as "standardized patients" in challenging clinical scenarios such as having to tell a patient she had a specific type of cancer or needing to explain a procedure-related complication. The physicians not only received feedback from the trained "patients," but also were able to review and evaluate their own performance privately, via videotape. Preliminary study results indicated that participants found the exercise beneficial for their clinical practice skills and also pointed to areas in need of further faculty development.

Mark B. Pochapin, MD, the Sholtz-Leeds Professor of Gastroenterology and director of the Division of Gastroenterology, was among the first faculty members to go through the exercise. "After over 20 years of practicing medicine, I found this to be one of the most effective methods I have seen for teaching physicians how to view the clinical interaction from the patient perspective and thus provide a more patient-centered experience," says Dr. Pochapin.

"Empathy and compassion are extremely critical to a patient's care and recovery," says Burch.  "My own positive experience with Dr Pochapin as a patient at NYU Langone prompted me to support this extraordinary program and bring attention to the incredible work of the staff there."

In addition to supporting the Patient-Centered Care Curriculum, initiated in mid-2014, Burch introduced the idea of an award for the Division of Gastroenterology at NYU Langone for faculty and staff to be recognized for extraordinary practices of humanism in medicine.  "This year, it is a privilege to be able to present the J. Christopher Burch Award for Humanism in Medicine to four individuals who so completely embody and deserve this recognition," said Dr. Pochapin. "They truly are the best of us—and the best of medicine."

This year's honorees included:  

• Jungwon Jun, BSN, RN, CCRN, endoscopy nurse, VA Hospital-Manhattan
• Mabel Liu, RN, clinical coordinator, Endoscopy Unit, NYU Langone Medical Center
• Carlie Patterson, PA-C, physician assistant, Division of Gastroenterology, Bellevue Hospital
• Renee L. Williams, MD, assistant professor of medicine and attending gastroenterologist

The J. Christopher Burch Award for Humanism in Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology is supported by Burch for the purpose of promoting and recognizing qualities such as empathy, compassion, and caring among the entire healthcare team.  As part of the selection process, Division faculty nominated candidates they felt are deserving, based on the following award criteria: 

• Consistently demonstrates active and empathetic listening to patients and their family members regarding their needs and concerns.
• Consistently demonstrates caring and compassion in their interaction with patients and their family members regarding their needs and concerns.
• Consistently provides a hopeful, positive attitude with patients, their family members, and colleagues.
• Consistently demonstrates cultural sensitivity in working with patients and family members of diverse backgrounds.
• Consistently seeks to be helpful to his/her patients, their family members, and colleagues.
• Consistently demonstrates respect for patients, their family members, and colleagues.

"In a time of great innovation and progress in the healthcare profession, this award reminds us to value always the human connection: the art as well as the science of medicine," said Dr. Pochapin. 

About the Division of Gastroenterology
The Division of Gastroenterology at NYU Langone Medical Center is dedicated to world-class patient care, advancement in research and innovation, excellence in education and outreach, and a humanistic approach to care. Our physicians are highly trained specialists who provide advanced, personalized care in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions and diseases of the gastrointestinal system, including the esophagus, stomach, liver and biliary system, pancreas, small intestine, colon, and rectum. We believe in partnering with our patients -- not only in treating the disease but in caring for the whole person.

About Christopher Burch
Christopher Burch, founder and CEO of Burch Creative Capital, has been an entrepreneur and active investor across a wide range of industries for forty years.  Beyond his professional investing, Burch has a deep passion for charitable projects.  In addition to NYU Langone, he has contributed funding toward substantial research and philanthropic initiatives at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, and The Sumba Foundation in Indonesia, among others.  

Burch's contribution to Mt. Sinai is dedicated to the ongoing research of Dr Xiu-Min Li at the Center for Integrative Medicine for Allergies and Wellness. Through his generosity, Dr Li and her team are expanding the investigation and use of alternative therapies and her project "Weight loss with or without Asthma."  

The Sumba Foundation's aim is to provide humanitarian aid by fostering community-based projects that impact health, including medical access and malaria control, nutrition, education, water and income-generation, while preserving and respecting the culture and traditions of the Sumbanese people. With the enthusiastic support of Burch and his resort, Nihiwatu, the Foundation has set up over 15 primary schools, built 48 water wells and 5 medical clinics, supplied 172 villages with clean water and reduced Malaria by 85% in affected communities. 

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161110/438111

Media Contact: Elissa Lumley, 917-592-6058

SOURCE Christopher Burch

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