Deborah Partners with Mid-Atlantic Surgical Associates (MASA)

BROWNS MILLS, N.J., June 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Joseph P. Chirichella, President and CEO of Deborah Heart and Lung Center, New Jersey's only specialty heart, lung and vascular hospital, has announced a partnership agreement with Mid-Atlantic Surgical Associates (MASA), one of the nation's largest volume and highest quality cardiac surgery groups. The agreement will bring to Deborah's campus two talented, highly qualified MASA cardio thoracic surgeons, full time, as of September 1, 2014. The MASA cardiac surgeons on staff at nearby Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) will provide additional support. 

The partnership move coincides with the promotion of Lynn B. McGrath, M.D., Deborah's long standing Chief of Cardiac Surgery, to a full time role as Vice President of Medical Affairs, in which he will be charged with driving Deborah's medical strategic initiatives. 

"Deborah is focused on the growth of its surgery program, having recently invested in a multi-million dollar Hybrid Operating Room and furthering our minimally invasive surgical offerings," said Chirichella. "While Deborah remains committed to its independence, this collaboration with MASA, whose surgeons also provide cardiac surgical services at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Morristown Medical Center, will make sure that Ocean County and Burlington County residents have access to the highest quality cardiac surgery care close to home."

Joining Deborah as full time cardiac surgeons are Paul G. Burns, M.D., formerly the Vice Chairman of Cardiothoracic Surgery for Barnabas Health and Ronald E. Ross, MBBS, a cardiothoracic surgeon from the University of Rochester. Dr. Burns will assume the role of Chief of Surgery at Deborah. "Dr. Burns has practiced cardiac surgery in New Jersey for the past thirteen years. He is one of the finest surgeons in the state, with excellent results documented by the New Jersey Department of Health", said Richard M. Neibart, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at JSUMC and Medical Director of the Meridian Cardiovascular Network.  "I am looking forward to joining Deborah, a distinguished institution, that has enjoyed an excellent reputation for service to its community," said Dr. Burns. 

Noted Chirichella, "We are looking forward to the innovation, excellent care and evolution that Dr. McGrath, Dr. Burns and Dr. Ross will bring to the institution through these new roles."

About Deborah Heart and Lung Center

Deborah is an 89-bed specialty hospital located in Browns Mills, New Jersey. Deborah has enjoyed a 92-year history of providing high quality care without regard to ability to pay. MASA has achieved a three star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons at both its Morristown Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center locations. Its surgeons have collectively performed over 35,000 open-heart procedures with survival rates that are among the highest in the country.

SOURCE Deborah Heart and Lung Center