Sharp Grossmont Hospital

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Some factors can be controlled to reduce risk, like exercising and eating a healthy diet. But other factors cannot be controlled, including inheriting a specific gene that puts some women at a much higher risk. Oncologist Dr. Reema Batra explains what you need to know about harmful BRCA 1 and 2 genes, and if genetic testing is right for you.

Ana Ramirez is an amazing woman and has a smile that lights up a room. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31, this is the story about her journey and how she beat the disease. But once she was cancer-free, the best medicine of all was learning she was going to have a baby.

Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Dr. Chitra Safaya, was always attracted to medicine. Living in a developing country, I realized that public health and prevention of disease were the key to a healthy society, she says. Now as an infectious disease and internal medicine physician at Sharp Grossmont Hosptial, Dr. Safaya cares for critical ICU patientspatients in septic shock or with infected wounds, fever in immunocompromised patients, and patients with COVID-19. For one of Sharp’s health care heroes on the front lines, the days are both challenging and meaningful.

October 18-24 is National Pharmacy Week. This week, we recognize the invaluable contributions that pharmacists and technicians make to patient care in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other health care settings. These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in patient education as well as promoting safe and effective use of medication. Thank you to the Sharp Grossmont Pharmacy team for all you do for our hospital and our patients!

Jared and Andrea Davis met in their 11th grade English class, worlds away from 2020 and the pandemic. Now married, they are both ICU nurses working at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, taking care of our sickest COVID-19 patients. Here’s their story.

This weekend we held our 8th Annual NICU Reunion. It was a superhero themed drive through event where NICU caregivers celebrated with about 100 families whose babies were treated in intensive care. Many of these little ones were born premature or with other serious health issues, but went on to ‘graduate’ -- and are now happily growing up. The kids saw all their favorite superheroes, including several super staff members who took care of them.

In recognition of National Mammography Day, our executive leaders donned pink polos to help spread the word that mammograms save lives. On this day, women are encouraged to schedule their mammography appointment -- a mammogram is the best tool to detect breast cancer early.

Happy Global Handwashing Day! Christian Andaya is a hand hygiene specialist at Sharp Grossmont Hospital. She wants to remind everyone why this simple habit is so important. "I can’t emphasize enough the importance of hand hygiene as one of the most critical elements of infection prevention and control. Germs are everywhere! Once contaminated, hands can transfer germs to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the germs can enter your body and infect you. The pandemic provides an important reminder that one of the most effective ways to stay healthy is also one of the simplest handwashing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizer (if soap and water are not readily available)."

Although we had to cancel our beloved Sharp HospiceCare Benefit Dinner and Regatta this year due to the pandemic, that did not mean that the generosity and support stopped. Through the kindness of our donors, we were still able to raise more than $201,000 for Sharp HospiceCare. The funds raised will go toward seed money for Sharp HospiceCare’s fourth hospice home. All of Sharp HospiceCare’s hospice homes are funded entirely through philanthropic support from the Regatta, as w...ell as individual donors throughout the community. We are especially grateful to all of our donors who gave to Sharp HospiceCare despite not having an event this year. You are truly appreciated. If you would like to donate, please visit https://grossmontfoundation.ejoinme.org/regatta2020. Also, check out this video featuring our 2020 Regatta co-chairs and Sharp HospiceCare Vice President Suzi Johnson to learn more about how your donation supports Sharp HospiceCare. See more

October 11-17 is Emergency Nurses Week. This week, we celebrate those who devote themselves to providing exceptional and compassionate care when every second counts. Cassidy McClure has worked in the Sharp Grossmont Emergency Department for seven years. Learn more about her experience as an emergency room nurse and why she loves the work she does.

Inside our hospital, staff are wearing pink ribbons in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month while outside, our annual tradition of the pink pumpkin ribbon is in full effect! Arturo Fontanes, Dennis South and Juan Hernandez spent a day painting 50 pumpkins and arranging them outside of the hospital for patients and staff to enjoy. If you’re around Sharp Grossmont, keep an eye out for the pink pumpkins installation by our cancer center. Thank you for our landscaping team for making Sharp Grossmont’s campus a beautiful place!

CBS 8 - San Diego News Jeff Zevely stopped by Sharp Grossmont to check out the hospital’s newest piece of technology, The Monarch. This device helps doctors diagnose lung cancer earlier, drastically improving chances of survival. In this clip from The Zevely Zone, Dr. Kaveh Bagheri shows Jeff how he uses a handheld controller and computer-assisted navigation to reach even the smallest lung nodules.

"What stopping the stigma of mental illness means to me is: Debunking the myths surrounding how mental illness conditions are perceived and the discrimination that follows. The stereotypes that exist about mental illnesses create a barrier for those who need treatment. These stereotypes also lead people to view those who have mental illnesses as violent or unable to function in society. Stopping the stigma of mental illness then removes public misconceptions, fear and discrimination surrounding those who suffer from mental illness." Dr. Sanjay Rao, Sharp Grossmont Behavioral Health As Mental Illness Awareness Week draws to a close, we encourage those struggling with their mental health to seek help, starting with opening up a discussion with their primary care physician.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly turned people’s worlds upside down. While limited social interaction, loss of routine and feelings of uncertainty can cause stress and anxiety for many, it can be particularly difficult for those living with mental illness. Lori Alford, LCSW, a therapist in our Behavioral Health unit, shares advice for those struggling with their mental health and where to get help.