Ken Kozel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, recently joined Drs. Jason Jancosko, Myron Szczukowski, Kevin McCoy and Richard Mason (physicians at The Orthopedic Center) to cut the ribbon celebrating the newly expanded and renovated Orthopedic Center, located at 510 Idlewild Avenue. The expansion enables all Shore Rehabilitation services to be offered in one building.

“We are proud that Shore Regional Health has partnered with The Orthopedic Center since July 2016 to provide exceptional orthopedic care and outpatient rehabilitation services to our community, and are pleased to celebrate the expansion today,” said Kozel.

The first floor of the new addition has doubled the size of the space and facilities used by Shore Rehabilitation at Easton, allowing the Center to accommodate the full spectrum of rehabilitation services — physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy — under one roof. The expanded space also includes new, state of the art equipment, including the Guldmann lift, which assists therapists working with patients who use wheelchairs or other assistive devices for mobility. The second floor will be dedicated to orthopedic provider services, offering 14 exam rooms and an x-ray room. The renovation and expansion makes The Orthopedic Center the largest and most comprehensive orthopedic and rehabilitation center in the Mid-Shore region.

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

For several years, Kim Hardesty, owner of Salon Inspire, in Trappe, Maryland, was an American Cancer Society (ACS) “Look Good, Feel Better” program volunteer at the Cancer Center at UM Shore Regional Health. When ACS discontinued the program in 2019, Hardesty was determined to continue helping cancer patients going through changes in their appearance due to cancer treatment. In collaboration with the Cancer Center’s Oncology Social Work Coordinator, Patty Plaskon, Hardesty came up with a new program, “Improving Your LOL” (looks and outlook) program, which she provides free of charge in her private salon.

“If you can help other people by doing what you love to do, that’s my definition of true success,” said Hardesty. “I had to stop during the COVID period when salons were closed, so now that we are open again, I am very happy to be able to offer my services to patients fighting cancer – it’s something I really enjoy.”

Hardesty gives free makeup samples and tips to brighten up someone’s face and enhance their eyes and eyebrows when they lose their hair. “I also give free haircuts to women who are preparing to lose their long locks due to chemotherapy, including a ‘buzz cut’ for those who would prefer a smooth look right away, and even a first hair style when that ‘post-chemo’ hair finally comes back.”

Hats, scarves, jewelry, makeup and skincare products are often donated to Hardesty in support of her services to clients with cancer, and she also has started a new service – fixing a client’s hair, once cut, into a kind halo or fastening it as “bangs” into a hat. “The right products and accessories can make a very positive difference in how women look and feel while fighting cancer, and it’s a pleasure to help make that happen,” Hardesty said.

The Cancer Center staff recently thanked Hardesty for her volunteer efforts and dedication, presenting her with a citation at Salon Inspire. “Kim’s service for cancer patients supports their confidence as they go through their chemotherapy journey,” said Plaskon. “We are so fortunate to have her talent and caring as a resource for our patients.”

“This citation is such a nice honor for me to receive as I get ready to celebrate the 10th anniversary of opening SalonInspire,” said Hardesty. “Now that more people are vaccinated and getting out and about, I hope I will have more opportunities to help women with cancer feel and look their best during treatment.”

For more information about SalonInspire services for women affected by cancer treatment, contact Hardesty at 410-476-6125 or [email protected].

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the UM Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s 28,000 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations and at 13 hospitals. UMMS’ flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore is partnered with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care.  Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

Roberta Lilly, MD, FACS, has returned to the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Clark Comprehensive Breast Center in Easton as Interim Medical Director. Dr. Lilly will be handling all surgical consults and surgeries related to breast cancer and other breast health issues while the search for a new director is in progress.

Dr. Lilly served as Medical Director of the center for more than eight years prior to her retirement in January 2020. As a dedicated breast surgeon, Dr. Lilly has expertise in the full array of benign and malignant breast diseases with a special interest in delivery of quality, patient-centered care. She also has authored and co-authored scores of original articles, book chapters on surgical topics as well as research studies on issues related to breast cancer.

A graduate of the University of Colorado Medical School, Dr. Lilly completed her general surgery residency at the University of Colorado Hospital and a transplant fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She completed her breast surgery fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, making her the first breast surgeon with this degree of breast surgery specialization in the five-county region served by UM Shore Regional Health. Dr. Lilly also earned a master’s in public health from George Washington University. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the Association of Women Surgeons, the American Public Health Association and the American Medical Association.

About University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,200 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

About the University of Maryland Medical System

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the UM Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s 28,000 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations and at 13 hospitals. UMMS’ flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore is partnered with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.

The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Board of Directors recently welcomed two new members, Garret Falcone and Christopher Parry, DO, FACOS.

Falcone recently retired after nine years as executive director of the Heron Point Retirement Community in Chestertown. He had previously served as vice chair of the Maryland Health Care Commission and was a member of the MHCC’s Rural Health Group. Falcone also formerly served as board chair for the Lifespan Senior Network, which is the largest senior care provider association in the Mid-Atlantic and represents more than 250 senior care provider organizations in Maryland, and was honored with the Lifespan Senior Network’s Chairman’s Award. His previous board memberships include the Hudson Valley Lung Association and Catholic Home Health Services in New York. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Falcone served in Korea and Vietnam.

A native of Bergen County, New Jersey, Falcone earned certificates and associate’s degrees in Paramedical and Respiratory Therapy from Essex Community College and Bergen Community College, respectively, a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and a master’s degree in Health Services Management from Russel Sage College in Troy, New York.

Prior to assuming the leadership of Heron Point, Falcone spent 10 years with Erickson Retirement Communities, including his final position as executive director of Charlestown, a 2,000-unit facility in Catonsville, Maryland. Falcone and his wife, Patricia, moved from Eldersburg, Maryland to Chestertown in 2012 and fell in love with Kent County and the Eastern Shore lifestyle.

Of his appointment to the UM SRH Board, Falcone said, “I’m very excited about the new upcoming changes to our hospital in Chestertown and feel honored to be chosen to be on the Board.”

A resident of Chester, Maryland, Dr. Parry is well known to the Kent and northern Queen Anne’s County communities, having maintained a urology practice in Chestertown for nearly a decade. He joined University of Maryland Shore Medical Group – Urology in 2012 after three decades in urology practice in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.

In addition to his urology practice, Dr. Parry has been very active in the field of medical education. Through past clinical faculty positions, he taught medical students in Florida at the Nova College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale and at Suncoast Hospital in Largo; the Des Moines College of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines, Iowa; the Kirksville College of Orthopedic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri; and the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri.

In a volunteer capacity, Dr. Parry has served as an examiner and board member for the American Board of Osteopathic Surgeons, as a trauma and leadership instructor for the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, and in the Maryland Defense Force as a commanding officer of the Physicians Regiment, 10th Medical Regiment.

Dr. Parry is a Fellow and member of the American Board of Osteopathic Surgeons. His other professional memberships include the Maryland Urologic Association, the American Urologic Association, Med Chi (Maryland Medical Association) and the American Osteopathic Association. He also serves on UM Shore Regional Health’s Medical Executive Committee.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan and his medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, after which he completed residencies at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Detroit Osteopathic Hospital/Bicounty Community Hospital.

“Health care is changing globally, and many small, rural hospitals in the United States are closing,” said Dr. Parry. “I’m impressed and excited that the University of Maryland Medical System and Shore Regional Health have made a major commitment to maintaining our Chestertown hospital in a new model that will meet the particular health care needs of our community. We are going to make health care work better for everyone in Kent and northern Queen Anne’s counties.”

The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is a university-based regional health care system focused on serving the health care needs of Maryland, bringing innovation, discovery and research to the care we provide and educating the state’s future physician and health care professionals through our partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore professional schools (Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work and Dentistry) in Baltimore. As one of the largest private employers in the State, the health system’s more than 29,500 employees and 4,000 affiliated physicians provide primary and specialty care in more than 150 locations, including 13 hospitals and 9 University of Maryland Urgent Care centers. The UMMS flagship academic campus, the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore, is recognized regionally and nationally for excellence and innovation in specialized care. Our acute care and specialty rehabilitation hospitals serve urban, suburban and rural communities and are located in 13 counties across the State. For more information, visit www.umms.org.