Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center Recognizes Exceptional Leader – Barbara Santora
Pictured left to right: Kenneth Levine, director of Human Resources; Rebecca Light RN, assistant chief nursing officer; Valerie Allusson, M.D., chief medical officer; Karen Palatella, VP of Risk and Compliance, Barbara Santora RN, director of Surgical Services; Tim O’Brien, chief executive officer; Todd Huffman, chief financial officer; Josh Jerome, assistant administrator
Mountainside Medical Center is proud to announce Barbara Santora as the Leader of the Month.
Barbara has made significant contributions to this organization by prioritizing the well-being of our patients, team members, and physicians. She consistently and appropriately raises safety concerns. Her effective communication skills have allowed her to be an advocate for her team members. She began her career with Mountainside as a contractor, and in 2019 assumed a full-time managerial role shortly after. She has successfully navigated through many changes within the organization, resulting in positive transformations throughout her department and the facility.
Mountainside has experienced a significant increase in patient volume this year, with more surgeons opting to transport their patients to the hospital. The growth of our practice has not been achieved by chance. Through a combination of efforts and improvements, such as Functional Fluid Observation Techniques (FCOTS), optimization of blocking time, and innovative scheduling, we have been able to achieve successful outcomes.
Barbara has been instrumental in the growth and development of our robotics program with the assistance of leading providers such as da Vinci Xi, Mako Smart Robotics ™ and Intellijoint. She’s also worked closely in the implementation of new technology to enhance our breast program. Her consistent collaborative efforts have ensured that our surgeons receive the necessary technology and equipment to meet their needs.
Her dedication to nurturing the growth and development of her team is commendable. She makes herself available to provide her team with the resources they need to succeed. Barbara consistently acknowledges her team for their dedication and hard work. Whether it be ordering lunch, stocking the freezer with ice cream in July, or utilizing her culinary skills to prepare meals, she demonstrates her appreciation in a variety of ways throughout the year.
“Barbara's dedication to the organization is matched only by her unwavering support and dedication to her team. Her unwavering advocacy for her colleagues has made her an invaluable asset to Mountainside,” shared Tim O’Brien, CEO. “Mountainside is fortunate to have someone of Barbara's caliber in our midst.”
Please join us in recognizing Barbara for this well-deserved recognition.
