Virtua News

Patient Donates Security Dog to Thank Virtua for Saving His Life

 For retired police officer Perry Parks, receiving a stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis was one of the scariest moments of his life. Now healthy and grateful, the longtime dog trainer recently thanked his Virtua care team by donating a fully trained security canine to the organization.

The Belgian Malinois, valued at $15,000, is on duty at Virtua's Camden Campus on Atlantic Avenue. Parks had just one heartfelt requirement: he named the dog Meslin, in honor of Dr. Keith Meslin, the colorectal surgeon who performed his lifesaving robotic surgery.
"After [colorectal] surgery, Dr. Meslin told me, 'I just put 30 years in your tank,'" said Parks.  "He relieved me of all my worries. He truly gave me a new lease on life."

The generous gift clearly touched Dr. Meslin. "I've received a lot of hugs from patients, but I've never had a dog named after me," he quipped. 

"Perry's thoughtful gift to Virtua is a reminder of the lasting impact our care teams make for patients every day," said Sarah Fawcett-Lee, FAHP, CFRE, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer. "By recognizing Dr. Meslin in such a meaningful way, Perry offered a beautiful example of how far gratitude can reach." Watch on 6 ABC and read in Explore New Jersey.

In the Headlines

Renovated NICU Family Rooms Offer Comfort, Rest
Virtua Voorhees Hospital recently celebrated three newly remodeled rooms designed to support families whose babies are in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). The Ronald McDonald Family Room features comfortable seating, computers, snacks, and a massage chair, among other amenities. Two homelike bedrooms include private bathrooms with showers—enabling families to stay close to their babies overnight.

"We are honored to re-dedicate this Family Room space, in partnership with Virtua Health and the Davis Family Foundation," said Tracey Sharp, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Southern New Jersey.  "We are committed to offering all pediatric families a comforting place to rest and recharge." 

Ally and Max Goldstein explained the value of having a cozy and convenient place to stay while their son Hayden was in the NICU during a record-setting snowstorm. Watch on 6ABC and read in Patch. 

Cannabis Use Can Cause Severe Stomach Issues 
Emergency rooms across the region are seeing an uptick in patients with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS)—a condition marked by persistent stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting that's caused by marijuana use.

Dr. Alan Shubert, the lead emergency department physician at Virtua Mount Holly Hospital, and Dr. Lynda Bascelli, a Virtua addiction medicine specialist, discussed the condition. Patient Taylor Armendariz shared her story of coping with CHS. Watch on CBS 3.
 
Virtua Honored by NJHA and NJBIZ
Two respected N.J. organizations have recognized Virtua for improving access to care, advancing health equity, and delivering measurable benefits for patients and communities across the region. 

The New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) selected Virtua as the recipient of its Healthy New Jersey Award for Oliver Station. This innovative housing-and-health care community in Camden addresses housing insecurity and longstanding barriers to care. The award will be presented at NJHA's annual Best at the Beach celebration in July. Read in BINJE.

Virtua was also recognized by NJBIZ magazine, which named Barry Graf, senior vice president of partnerships and business development, and Virtua Health Urgent Care as 2026 Health Care Heroes honorees. These awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose "leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence are making a significant impact on health care delivery across New Jersey." 

Leader Discusses Future Challenges for Orthopedic Care
Virtua's Dr. James Sanfilippo was among a group of experts who summarized the issues and opportunities facing orthopedic care in the coming years.

The vice president of clinical operations for musculoskeletal services said his "biggest concern is the cost of care as we go into the next decade. We have an aging population that remains active into a more advanced age than previous generations."

Solving such issues "may require a redesign on how our orthopedic care is delivered to our community," he noted. Read in Becker's Spine Review.

Living Kidney Donation Explained With Dr. Anita Mehrotra 

Thinking about becoming a living kidney donor? Living kidney donation can be life-changing—not just for the recipient, but for the donor, too. But it's natural to have questions. Virtua nephrologist Dr. Anita Mehrotra breaks down everything you need to know—from who qualifies to donate, to what the surgery and recovery process are really like.  

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