FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2020
Saratoga Hospital Expands Palliative Care Services
Dr. John Pezzulo leads community-based palliative care program
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., June 8, 2020—Dr. John Pezzulo has been tapped to lead Saratoga Hospital’s community-based palliative care program to meet increased outpatient demand for these services. A longtime primary care provider, Pezzulo also is certified as a hospice medical director.
“More and more patients are living with one or more serious illnesses,” said Dr. Richard Falivena, vice president and chief medical and physician integration officer at Saratoga Hospital. “Palliative care can have a dramatic, positive impact on their quality of life and that of their families.
“Dr. Pezzulo has invaluable experience in this medical specialty, including many years as the cancer liaison physician on our Cancer Control Committee,” Falivena added. “Our community will benefit enormously from his expertise and compassion.”
Palliative care specialists focus on helping patients and their families meet the challenges of serious illness. Providers work with patients to prevent and manage pain, other symptoms, and treatment side effects, as well as to address patients’ emotional, social, practical and spiritual concerns.
Saratoga Hospital has long offered palliative care to patients during their hospital stay. Adding Pezzulo to the palliative care team enables the hospital to expand these services to outpatients.
A graduate of New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pezzulo completed an internship at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn and a residency at the former St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady. He is certified by the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board and the American Board of Family Medicine, with subspecialty certification in hospice and palliative medicine. Pezzulo also is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
He sees patients at Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Outpatient Palliative Care at Saratoga Hospital Medical Offices – Wesley, 119 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs. To make an appointment, call 518-886-5060. For more information go to SaratogaHospital.org.
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About Saratoga Hospital: Saratoga Hospital is the Saratoga region’s leading healthcare provider and the only acute-care facility in Saratoga County. The hospital’s multispecialty practice, Saratoga Hospital Medical Group, provides care at more than 20 locations, ensuring easy access to programs and services that can have the greatest impact on individual and community health. Saratoga Hospital has maintained Magnet designation for nursing excellence since 2004. Through its affiliation with Albany Med and Columbia Memorial Health, Saratoga Hospital is part of the largest locally governed health system in the region. For more information: www.saratogahospital.org or www.facebook.com/SaratogaHospital.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Peter M. Hopper
Director, Marketing and Communications
518-583-8679
phopper@saratogahospital.org