Southern New Hampshire Health

03/14/2026

Confidence starts with knowing your surgical team is experienced, connected, and focused on your care. At The Surgery Center of Greater Nashua, Southern New Hampshire Health surgeons deliver expert same-day surgery in a calm, private setting, with coordinated care that supports you from intake through recovery.

Make an appointment with one of our surgeons to learn more, or visit https://ow.ly/vue950YszZ3

03/12/2026

Southern New Hampshire Health has once again been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for excellence in Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support.

With more than 40 million Americans living with diabetes, education and support play a critical role in helping people manage their health and live well. The team at Southern New Hampshire Diabetes and Endocrinology works closely with patients to build knowledge, set goals, and develop the skills needed to manage diabetes with confidence.

This recognition reflects the dedication of our nurses, dietitians, and providers who guide patients through lifestyle changes, treatment options, and the latest diabetes technology.

Learn more about this achievement and how our team supports patients in Nashua and beyond.
https://ow.ly/sKQQ50Ys3KY

03/11/2026

Ready for spring? Try this Chicken and Cranberry Salad from Southern New Hampshire Diabetes and Endocrinology at Southern New Hampshire Health.

This simple recipe pairs lean chicken, crisp lettuce, dried cranberries, and crunchy nuts with a light vinaigrette for a sweet and savory balance. It is quick to prepare and designed with blood sugar awareness in mind, combining protein, fiber, and healthy fats to help support steady energy.

Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, it is a reminder that healthy eating can be both simple and flavorful.

Get the recipe and nutrition information here: https://ow.ly/5gkQ50YsjXU

03/10/2026

For Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the team members who support patients throughout every step of their care. Meet Thalia Garcia, Patient Service Representative (PSR) at Foundation Gastroenterology of Southern New Hampshire Health.

As a PSR, Thalia plays an important role in creating a smooth and positive experience for patients and colleagues alike. From check-in and check-out to phone calls, referrals, triage requests, faxes, and scheduling, she helps ensure each day runs seamlessly.

Because she is often the last person a patient sees before leaving, she is especially mindful of that final interaction. “I’m often the last interaction at checkout. I strive to create a positive, organized environment that helps reduce stress for patients navigating appointments, referrals, and medical concerns.”

Thalia was drawn to Southern New Hampshire Health because of its strong reputation and continued growth. “I wanted to be part of a team that values professionalism, work culture and compassion, and I have found it here within the Foundation Gastroenterology office.”
What keeps her here is the environment and the people around her. “My supportive team and the trust they place in me has helped me continue to grow and stay motivated so I can be the best team player.”

Outside of work, Thalia stays active and involved. “I have a 2-year-old son who keeps me on my toes, but I also enjoy heavy lifting, learning new recipes, and coaching high school girls’ basketball. It’s meaningful to see the girls build confidence and work toward playing the sport they love in their dream schools.”

She also takes pride in her heritage. “My mother is Laotian, and my father is Puerto Rican. Having both Asian and Hispanic cultures is very important to me.”

Thank you, Thalia, for helping create a welcoming experience for our Gastroenterology patients.

Learn more about Foundation Gastroenterology and colonoscopy at https://ow.ly/8Igb50YpCmV

03/09/2026

Lisa has been part of our hospital family for nearly eight years and has served as a night float nurse for the past five. The DAISY Award recognizes nurses whose clinical skill and compassionate care make a lasting impact, and Lisa is a wonderful example of what that honor represents. In a role that calls for adaptability, sound clinical judgment, and compassion, she brings calm professionalism, teamwork, and exceptional care to every unit she supports. No matter where she is assigned, Lisa’s commitment to patient safety and team success is clear.

Most recently, Lisa was among the first nurses to help open the new West 1 unit. She took immediate action, working with the nursing supervisor to identify and secure the equipment and supplies needed to support safe, effective patient care. Her initiative, problem-solving, and advocacy made a meaningful difference during a challenging transition and helped the team move forward with confidence.

Beyond her clinical excellence, Lisa brings a steady presence, strong teamwork, and genuine compassion wherever she goes. She is the kind of nurse who quietly makes sure everything, and everyone, is taken care of. Her coworkers describe her as dependable, organized, and always willing to help. Simply put, every unit she supports is stronger because she is there.

As a float nurse, Lisa works behind the scenes, stepping into new environments each shift without the consistency of a home unit. Still, she approaches every assignment with kindness, professionalism, and the same high standard of care. Her impact reaches far beyond a single shift, strengthening workflows, supporting her colleagues, and improving the patient experience across the hospital.

Lisa is an invaluable member of our hospital community, and this recognition is well deserved.

Learn more about Lisa at https://www.daisyfoundation.org//daisy-award/honorees/lisa-shutt

03/08/2026

Colon cancer is rising in adults under 40, and many people are diagnosed at later stages because symptoms are often mistaken for common digestive issues.

Blood in the stool, ongoing stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, or changes in bowel habits should never be ignored. When colon cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate is over 90%.

Find out why cases are increasing in younger adults and what steps you can take to protect your health.

Read the full article from Dr. Sarah Himmelstein https://ow.ly/azoO50YqaZz

03/07/2026

Please join us in congratulating Amy Coffman from our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on receiving the High-Five SHINE Award!

This award recognizes non-nursing staff who lead by example and provide exceptional service to our patients, families, visitors, providers, and nurses. SHINE stands for Supportive, Helpful, Involved, Nurturing, Excellence.

Amy’s team has glowing things to say about her, including:
“Amy is the first person to offer a helping hand and is always on top of the daily tasks required. She is each patient's biggest supporter and cheers them on every day. Our patients and the staff are lucky to have her.”

Thank you, Amy, for all you do!

03/06/2026

Sue Santana and Viktoriya Dribinskaya recently joined WZID Manchester ’s Eye on New Hampshire to talk about what makes Southern New Hampshire Health such a special place to work and receive care.

They share how a strong culture of empowerment, a commitment to patient-centered care, and ongoing workforce development efforts help support both our team members and the community we serve. As a nonprofit health system, every effort is focused on delivering compassionate, high-quality care while continuing to invest in the people who make that care possible.

Listen to the full feature to learn more about the mission and impact of Southern New Hampshire Health.

https://ow.ly/3Xsk50Yq864

03/05/2026

Becker's Hospital Review has recognized Dr. Salvatore Vella Jr., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Foundation Medical Partners, among its list of exceptional Chief Medical Officers nationwide.

Dr. Vella provides clinical leadership for a physician organization serving more than 120,000 patients. Since becoming CMO of Foundation Medical Partners in 2022, he has strengthened quality and safety efforts, advanced system-wide care coordination, supported medical education, and recruited 40+ physicians, all while maintaining an active clinical practice.

Congratulations to Dr. Vella on this meaningful recognition and for his ongoing commitment to delivering high‑quality, community-based care.

To learn more about this recognition, visit https://ow.ly/Km8J50Ypk2I

03/04/2026

Comfort. Convenience. Confidence.

The Surgery Center of Greater Nashua offers same-day outpatient procedures in gynecology, orthopedics, general surgery, podiatry, and endoscopy, all performed by surgeons affiliated with Southern New Hampshire Health.

Among them is Dr. Janine Keever of Amherst Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr.Keever is an experienced OBGYN who specializes in ultra-minimally invasive vaginal hysterectomy, an innovative surgical approach when other treatments have not been successful. Physicians from across the region come to learn this advanced skill under her guidance.

“My goal is to provide surgical care that is not only effective, but truly patient-centered,” says Dr. Keever. “When we can avoid abdominal incisions, recovery can be smoother and less disruptive for women and their families.”

At The Surgery Center of Greater Nashua, patients benefit from personalized care in a welcoming environment, with shared medical records and immediate access to the hospital next door for added peace of mind.

Learn more at https://ow.ly/3bsJ50Yojix

Find information for patients and visitors to help you prepare for your visit and stay informed during your time with Southern New Hampshire Health.

03/03/2026

For 11 years, Dr. Michael Kaczanowski has been caring for patients at Southern New Hampshire Health, providing comprehensive gastrointestinal care with a strong emphasis on colorectal cancer prevention and early detection. As part of Foundation Gastroenterology, he has helped build a strong, community-based GI program grounded in quality, precision, and meaningful impact.

Board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine by both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association, Dr. Kaczanowski brings deep clinical expertise to his work.

“Clear communication, careful technique, and thoughtful decision making are central to my practice,” he explains. “I believe in doing procedures thoroughly and safely while respecting each patient’s time, concerns, and individual circumstances.”

Dr. Kaczanowski was drawn to Southern New Hampshire Health by the opportunity to build something meaningful alongside experienced colleagues. Over the past decade, that vision has taken shape.

“We’ve developed a GI program that is a regional resource for high-quality digestive care,” he shares. “We perform a large number of procedures each year and focus heavily on measurable quality indicators that define excellence in gastroenterology, particularly in colorectal cancer screening. That repetition and accountability translate into precision, efficiency, and dependable outcomes for our patients.”

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month underscores why this work matters.

“Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and colonoscopy is by far the most effective tool we have,” Dr. Kaczanowski emphasizes. “It not only detects cancers early, but also prevents them by removing precancerous polyps before they become dangerous. If you’re eligible for screening, don’t delay. Colonoscopy saves lives.”

Outside of work, he enjoys time with his family, traveling, hands-on projects, and playing the cello enthusiastically, if not always skillfully.

Learn more at https://ow.ly/wc1050YmCIj

03/02/2026

“We celebrate with food. We mourn with food.”

Megan Desantis of Southern New Hampshire Weight Management shares an important truth about the role food plays in our lives. Our relationship with food is often tied to emotion, family, culture, and comfort.

At Southern New Hampshire Weight Management, understanding each patient’s unique relationship with food is an important part of the weight loss journey. With compassionate support and personalized guidance, patients build healthier habits that last.

Learn more https://ow.ly/CvxB50Yo3xH