Episcopal Health Services Names New Medical Director of Ambulatory Services
Episcopal Health Services (EHS) welcomes Allen Cherson, DO, MHA, CHCQM, FACEP, FABQAURP as the new Medical Director of Ambulatory Services. In this role, Dr. Cherson will help to enhance the performance of Ambulatory Services through improved efficiency, customer service and quality assurance. He will help to improve patient accessibility to primary care and specialty care services, expand medical and social services, enhance population health management, and improve the overall patient and family experience.
“Dr. Cherson’s appointment represents an important step forward in advancing our mission to provide excellent care for residents of the Rockaway Peninsula,” said Donald Morrish, MD, MMM, President and Chief Executive Officer of EHS. “His leadership, experience, and commitment will play a critical role in expanding access, enhancing quality, and ensuring a consistently high standard of care for every patient we serve.”
“Dr. Cherson brings a strong track record in advancing clinical quality, care standardization, and performance across ambulatory settings,” said Jameela Yusuff, MD, MPH, MS, FACP, Senior Vice President & Chief Medical Officer at EHS. “His leadership will be critical as we expand our ambulatory footprint, strengthen care coordination across the continuum, and implement evidence-based practices that improve outcomes and patient access.”
Dr. Cherson comes to EHS with 30 years of experience in healthcare. Prior to joining EHS, Dr. Cherson was the Medical Director of Urgent Care and Telemedicine at AdvantageCare Physicians, held positions at StatHealth and Urgent MD, and was the Assistant Director of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center.
Dr. Cherson earned his DO from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at St. Barnabas Hospital/New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed an Emergency Medicine Services Fellowship with the Fire Department of the City of New York. He is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians (FACEP), and a Diplomat of the American Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.
“I am honored to join Episcopal Health Services at a time of profound transformation in healthcare,” said Dr. Cherson. “I look forward to partnering with our teams to reimagine ambulatory care by expanding access, advancing innovation, and delivering a more connected, patient-centered experience. Together, we will build a more equitable, forward-looking system that improves outcomes and supports the long-term health of residents living in the Far Rockaways.” n
{Episcopal Health Services Offers Low-Dose Radiotherapy to Treat Osteoarthritis
{IMG Mark Ashamalla, MD, Chief of Radiation Oncology at Episcopal Health Services
{Caption Mark Ashamalla, MD, Chief of Radiation Oncology at Episcopal Health Services
Episcopal Health Services (EHS) is now offering low dose radiotherapy (LDRT), using its new TrueBeam™ linear accelerator, which recently received FDA clearance to treat adults with medically refractory osteoarthritis. The new RAPID Program (Radiation for Arthritis & Painful Inflammatory Disorders) is the first of its kind being offered on the Rockaway Peninsula. Led by Mark Ashamalla, MD, Chief of Radiation Oncology at EHS, the RAPID program is providing patients with innovative, nonsurgical treatment options to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in certain joints and tissues.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the many tissues of the joint. It is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million adults in the United States. Unlike radiation used for cancer treatment, LDRT uses very low doses of radiation that work by reducing inflammation in the treated area, modulating immune and inflammatory responses, and helping relieve pain and improve function. Treatments are usually delivered over several visits (approximately 6) and only last a few minutes. Patients can return to normal activities and work immediately afterward as there is no recovery time required and side effects are rare.
“LDRT is an evidence-based treatment that is safe, effective, and non-invasive for inflammatory and degenerative conditions of the tendons, joints, and other soft tissues of the body,” said Dr. Ashmalla. “Studies show an 80% response rate with a patient achieving a steady state in terms of their pain and function. Treatments are short and simple, and it can significantly improve pain and stiffness, helping avoid the need for surgery.” It has been used internationally for decades to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendon disorders.
The Rapid Program is specifically designed to help patients over the age of 40 with conditions such as osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, hand, ankle, and other joints); plantar fasciitis; calcific tendonitis; tennis elbow; other tendon or ligament inflammation; dupuytren’s disease; as well as keloids and hypertrophic scars. LDRT can be very helpful for patients who have not experienced relief from traditional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, injections, and even weight loss management. It can also provide benefits for patients before considering joint replacement or other invasive procedures.
The RAPID Program is part of EHS’ Radiation Oncology services offered at the Walsh Ambulatory Pavilion. To schedule a consultation, visit ehs.org/rapid or call 718-869-7101. n
