Bridging Gaps in South Jersey and Beyond
Here for Good.
Celebrating 25 years with Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes, Rose shares her journey from family liaison to an interpreter for the early intervention program. In this role, Rose bridges communication gaps so that clinicians and our youngest patients can fully understand each other. But there is more to Rose than what’s on her Virtua ID. She and her husband have opened their home and hearts to more than 40 foster children from other countries who have been separated from their families. She highlighted the joy of introducing them to new experiences and encouraging others to consider fostering...
info_outline
Matilda Adams Lights the Way
Here for Good.
Step into the world of Matilda Adams, a true luminary at Virtua. As director of the Virtua Samson Cancer Center - Moorestown, Matilda leads and inspires by example, fostering team connections and championing intentional listening to better serve patients. Matilda's dedication also extends globally. Originally from Ghana, she teaches nurses there about peritoneal dialysis, driven by a desire to "see people live their best life." A proud "Virtua lifer," she believes every action can positively impact colleagues and patients, especially in guiding patients through darkness and helping them "turn...
info_outline
Thank You for Your Service
Here for Good.
Following our recent observance of Memorial Day, we continue to honor our veterans for their service. This special episode of "Here for Good: Inside Edition" shines a light on three veteran colleagues who share their powerful experiences in the armed services and discuss their roles at Virtua. Jeanette Conrad-McKee shares how her military background shaped her career as a nurse leader. Izabelle Labrador, still actively serving in the New Jersey National Guard, works as a patient experience navigator in the emergency department. And Randy Forte, a full-time paramedic, recounts how his...
info_outline
From Helping Hands to a Forever Family
Here for Good.
For Jamie Hubble, a physical therapist in the Virtua early intervention program, working with children aged zero to three isn't just a job—it's a calling. In this role, she visits families in their homes, empowering parents with strategies to help their little ones learn to crawl, walk, and explore their world. But one little girl, Penny, captured not just Jamie's professional expertise, but her heart. Penny's diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) presented unique challenges. Undeterred, Jamie and her husband, Kyle, embarked on a mission to find alternative ways to support...
info_outline
The Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance of Dr. Angela Bess
Here for Good.
Dr. Angela Bess, OB-GYN, is a force for change—delivering access, advocacy, and hope to a community that needs it most. In this episode, she shares what it means for patients to finally receive long-overdue care—and how she’s confronting the maternal health crisis head-on with urgency and heart. But Dr. Bess’s impact extends far beyond the clinic. When she’s not advocating for women’s health—locally and globally, she chases adventure, from running marathons and completing triathlons to reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
info_outline
From Teacher to Nurse Leader: Jen Hyland’s Journey
Here for Good.
From the classroom to cardiac unit, Jen Hyland's story is a testament to the power of family legacy. Inspired by her mother and grandmother (both nurses), she traded teaching for patient care, now leading a bustling 48-bed unit and championing neurodiversity within Virtua. Jen's journey underscores Virtua's commitment to providing exceptional care and personal connection.
info_outline
From Paper Trails to Patient Tales
Here for Good.
Get to know Brandon Elliott, a practice manager who's seen it all — from the paper-chart era to the digital revolution with Epic. Beyond the tech, Brandon's a true people person, a "patient whisperer" who understands the power of empathy. He's the one who goes beyond the call, making sure every patient feels heard and valued. When he's not championing patient well-being, Brandon is a passionate Philly sports fan, boasting a collection that includes a prized three-foot Gritty bobblehead.
info_outline
Making Childhood Dreams a Lifesaving Reality
Here for Good.
Ever wondered what drives someone to run toward emergencies, to be the calm in the face of chaos? Dr. Lea Rowson, ED physician at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes, shares how her childhood dreams of caring for others became a reality. From trying to sneak onto her EMT parents' ambulance as a 10-year-old, Dr. Rowson now helps patients get through their most challenging moments. For Dr. Rowson, being Here for Good is a way of life. Click to view the full episode.
info_outline
All in the Family at Virtua Health
Here for Good.
What's it like to work alongside your family? Dennis Pullin sat down with Reggie and Naomi Riggs, a father-daughter duo at the Virtua Access Center, to find out. Reggie, who began scheduling primary care appointments, now works in training and development. Naomi navigates the complexities of patient care with a "high-touch" approach. Both believe in the power of compassionate connection—with patients, their own family unit, and fellow colleagues who they consider extended family. The conversation takes a touching turn when Naomi recounts the very personal story of Reggie's role in her...
info_outline
James Baliko and The Ride That Changed Everything
Here for Good.
Virtua I.T. project manager James Baliko's story is one of resilience and a renewed dedication to helping others. In this conversation with President and CEO Dennis Pullin, James—a dedicated triathlete—shares how his life took an unexpected turn after experiencing a heart event and collapsing during a cycling ride. Thanks to the quick actions of a passing nurse and Virtua’s first responders, his life was saved. Doctors then discovered a 95% artery blockage, despite his peak fitness. Now, James champions for preventative health, urging everyone to get regular stress tests and listen to...
info_outlineBunny Lyons has dedicated 19 years of her career to critical care nursing at Virtua Marlton Hospital, while Deb Ferris has spent 22 years at Virtua, currently serving as the nursing director in the emergency department at Virtua Voorhees Hospital. Beyond their passion for nursing, they also share a love for baking that spans more than four decades. Bunny, who is also owner of Bunnycakes, a cookie decorating shop in Berlin, discovered a kindred spirit in Deb through their mutual interest for creating sweet confections.
The duo joined President and CEO Dennis Pullin to talk about their friendship, their lifelong love for baking, and their shared commitment to caring for the community.