NEWS
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System Opens New Health and Wellness Center in Somerset
May 5, 2023
New Brunswick, N.J. – May 5, 2023 – Saint Peter’s Healthcare System has opened a state-of-the-art Health and Wellness Center at 562 Easton Avenue in Somerset. The new outpatient facility located at the site formerly known as Saint Peter’s Sports Medicine Institute, now offers speech and language therapy, and audiology services for children and adults, in addition to the physical and occupational therapy services that had originally been offered there. The Center is also the new home of Saint Peter’s Division of Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery.
“We are excited about the new Saint Peter’s Health and Wellness Center that offers expanded outpatient physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy services, as well as ENT, speech and language, and audiology services for both adults and children, all in one convenient, centralized location. The newly modernized facility is a warm and welcoming environment that allows us to provide our patients with the best experience possible,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.
Physical Rehabilitation Services
“Physical therapy aims to improve the quality of life for each patient, whether that’s helping someone restore mobility after an injury, achieve independence with everyday tasks or improve their communication skills,” said Bonnie Saunders, PT, MPA, DPT, manager of Physical Rehabilitation Services at Saint Peter’s Health and Wellness Center.
Adult and pediatric physical rehabilitation services at Saint Peter’s Health and Wellness Center include:
Physical therapists are dedicated to maintaining, restoring and improvement movement and health, enabling patients to enjoy maximum function and a better quality of life. Saint Peter’s physical therapists work with children of all ages, including newborns, infants, toddlers, adolescents, and teenagers, as well as adults and are skilled at reducing pain, preventing injury and bringing back maximum function.
Occupational Therapy
Saint Peter’s licensed occupational therapists assist patients in their goal to achieve independence and perform activities following injury, disease or disability. Occupational therapists assist patients in recovering, developing and maintaining daily living and working skills.
Speech and Language Therapy
The speech-language pathologists at the Center provide speech, swallowing, and language therapy to children and adults who need treatment, along with tools to maximize their communication potential and improve their quality of life.
Audiology
Saint Peter’s audiologists identify and manage disorders related to hearing and balance for both children and adults. Services include hearing evaluation, along with hearing aid fitting, programming and dispensing. Children may be referred for a hearing evaluation if they are experiencing a delay with speech or not responding to their name, have frequent ear infections, are performing poorly in school, have failed prior hearing screenings, or have a family history of hearing loss. The Health and Wellness Center features two audiology testing booths.
For more information about Saint Peter’s outpatient physical rehabilitation services, call (732) 745-8570. A physician’s prescription or referral may be required.
Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology is a medical specialty that addresses conditions and disorders related to ear, nose and throat (ENT) in both children and adults. Saint Peter’s ENT physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions such as ear and sinus infections, ringing in the ear, tonsillitis, sleep disorders, hearing problems, voice disorders, cranial nerve disorders, and more. In addition, Saint Peter’s ENT’s also have expertise in treating head and neck cancers in both children and adults.
Sleep apnea is also treated by otolaryngologists, with Saint Peter’s University Hospital being one of the few hospitals in the area to offer Inspire sleep therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Inspire sleep therapy is an innovative alternative to traditional CPAP. Inspire is an implantable device that stabilizes a patient’s airway to prevent obstruction while sleeping, helping to reduce and even cure sleep apnea. This allows patients to not only sleep more peacefully, but to reduce the risks of health problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems.
Saint Peter’s ENT Specialists
Heading up the otolaryngology practice is Kianoush Sheykholeslami, MD, PHD, FACS, otolaryngology surgeon and chief of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. Known as “Dr. Shey,” he is a specialist in head and neck cancer, ENT, complex ear and mastoid surgeries, skull-based tumors, cosmetic and reconstructive facial deformities, thyroid, parathyroid and sinus diseases. He is experienced in treating congenital abnormalities in children and frequently collaborates with the clinicians at The Craniofacial & Neurosurgical Center at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. Among other board certifications and qualifications, Dr. Shey is one of the very few physicians in the tri-state area who is a dual board-certified sleep surgeon with the capability to offer interventional multi-level state-of-the-art surgery for the treatment of those with sleep apnea, including Inspire sleep therapy.
Dr. Shey has been appointed as the new Fellowship Committee Chair for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
Founded in 1964, AAFPRS is the world’s largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery, representing more than 2,200 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. AAFPRS fellowship programs provide postgraduate training in facial plastic surgery. The AAFPRS committee recommends overall policies and procedures to the AAFPRS Foundation Board of Directors and also recommends a curriculum for the fellowship program.
Dr. Diana Traquina is a pediatric otolaryngologist at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. She treats a wide range of ear and throat disorders, always ensuring that each patient receives the best possible care.
Dr. Traquina earned her bachelor's degree from Smith College and a medical degree from Yale University. She then completed her internship in surgery and residency in otolaryngology at Yale-New Haven Hospital. She followed this with a fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at Montefiore Medical Center. Dr. Traquina holds a certification from the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck. She is also a member of the Society for Ears, Nose, and Throat Advances in Children, the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
To make an appointment with one of Saint Peter’s otolaryngologists, visit saintpetershcs.com/ENTdocs.
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About Saint Peter’s Healthcare System
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System Inc., parent company of the Saint Peter’s healthcare delivery system, is comprised of Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a 478-bed acute-care teaching hospital and state-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center that includes a nationally renowned Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Saint Peter’s Foundation, the fundraising arm of the hospital; Saint Peter’s Health and Management Services Corp., which includes the CARES Surgicenter; and Saint Peter’s Physician Associates, a network of primary and specialty care physician practices. Saint Peter’s is a regional specialist in cancer care, diabetes, geriatrics, orthopedics, bariatric surgery and head and neck surgery and is a sponsor of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and internal medicine. Saint Peter’s is sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen and is a major clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical Health and Sciences. Visit saintpetershcs.com or call 732-745-8600.
“We are excited about the new Saint Peter’s Health and Wellness Center that offers expanded outpatient physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy services, as well as ENT, speech and language, and audiology services for both adults and children, all in one convenient, centralized location. The newly modernized facility is a warm and welcoming environment that allows us to provide our patients with the best experience possible,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.
Physical Rehabilitation Services
“Physical therapy aims to improve the quality of life for each patient, whether that’s helping someone restore mobility after an injury, achieve independence with everyday tasks or improve their communication skills,” said Bonnie Saunders, PT, MPA, DPT, manager of Physical Rehabilitation Services at Saint Peter’s Health and Wellness Center.
Adult and pediatric physical rehabilitation services at Saint Peter’s Health and Wellness Center include:
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Audiology
Physical therapists are dedicated to maintaining, restoring and improvement movement and health, enabling patients to enjoy maximum function and a better quality of life. Saint Peter’s physical therapists work with children of all ages, including newborns, infants, toddlers, adolescents, and teenagers, as well as adults and are skilled at reducing pain, preventing injury and bringing back maximum function.
Occupational Therapy
Saint Peter’s licensed occupational therapists assist patients in their goal to achieve independence and perform activities following injury, disease or disability. Occupational therapists assist patients in recovering, developing and maintaining daily living and working skills.
Speech and Language Therapy
The speech-language pathologists at the Center provide speech, swallowing, and language therapy to children and adults who need treatment, along with tools to maximize their communication potential and improve their quality of life.
Audiology
Saint Peter’s audiologists identify and manage disorders related to hearing and balance for both children and adults. Services include hearing evaluation, along with hearing aid fitting, programming and dispensing. Children may be referred for a hearing evaluation if they are experiencing a delay with speech or not responding to their name, have frequent ear infections, are performing poorly in school, have failed prior hearing screenings, or have a family history of hearing loss. The Health and Wellness Center features two audiology testing booths.
For more information about Saint Peter’s outpatient physical rehabilitation services, call (732) 745-8570. A physician’s prescription or referral may be required.
Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology is a medical specialty that addresses conditions and disorders related to ear, nose and throat (ENT) in both children and adults. Saint Peter’s ENT physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions such as ear and sinus infections, ringing in the ear, tonsillitis, sleep disorders, hearing problems, voice disorders, cranial nerve disorders, and more. In addition, Saint Peter’s ENT’s also have expertise in treating head and neck cancers in both children and adults.
Sleep apnea is also treated by otolaryngologists, with Saint Peter’s University Hospital being one of the few hospitals in the area to offer Inspire sleep therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Inspire sleep therapy is an innovative alternative to traditional CPAP. Inspire is an implantable device that stabilizes a patient’s airway to prevent obstruction while sleeping, helping to reduce and even cure sleep apnea. This allows patients to not only sleep more peacefully, but to reduce the risks of health problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems.
Saint Peter’s ENT Specialists
Heading up the otolaryngology practice is Kianoush Sheykholeslami, MD, PHD, FACS, otolaryngology surgeon and chief of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. Known as “Dr. Shey,” he is a specialist in head and neck cancer, ENT, complex ear and mastoid surgeries, skull-based tumors, cosmetic and reconstructive facial deformities, thyroid, parathyroid and sinus diseases. He is experienced in treating congenital abnormalities in children and frequently collaborates with the clinicians at The Craniofacial & Neurosurgical Center at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. Among other board certifications and qualifications, Dr. Shey is one of the very few physicians in the tri-state area who is a dual board-certified sleep surgeon with the capability to offer interventional multi-level state-of-the-art surgery for the treatment of those with sleep apnea, including Inspire sleep therapy.
Dr. Shey has been appointed as the new Fellowship Committee Chair for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
Founded in 1964, AAFPRS is the world’s largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery, representing more than 2,200 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. AAFPRS fellowship programs provide postgraduate training in facial plastic surgery. The AAFPRS committee recommends overall policies and procedures to the AAFPRS Foundation Board of Directors and also recommends a curriculum for the fellowship program.
Dr. Diana Traquina is a pediatric otolaryngologist at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. She treats a wide range of ear and throat disorders, always ensuring that each patient receives the best possible care.
Dr. Traquina earned her bachelor's degree from Smith College and a medical degree from Yale University. She then completed her internship in surgery and residency in otolaryngology at Yale-New Haven Hospital. She followed this with a fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology at Montefiore Medical Center. Dr. Traquina holds a certification from the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck. She is also a member of the Society for Ears, Nose, and Throat Advances in Children, the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
To make an appointment with one of Saint Peter’s otolaryngologists, visit saintpetershcs.com/ENTdocs.
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About Saint Peter’s Healthcare System
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System Inc., parent company of the Saint Peter’s healthcare delivery system, is comprised of Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a 478-bed acute-care teaching hospital and state-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center that includes a nationally renowned Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Saint Peter’s Foundation, the fundraising arm of the hospital; Saint Peter’s Health and Management Services Corp., which includes the CARES Surgicenter; and Saint Peter’s Physician Associates, a network of primary and specialty care physician practices. Saint Peter’s is a regional specialist in cancer care, diabetes, geriatrics, orthopedics, bariatric surgery and head and neck surgery and is a sponsor of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and internal medicine. Saint Peter’s is sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen and is a major clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical Health and Sciences. Visit saintpetershcs.com or call 732-745-8600.