News and Announcements

Millwood Doctor Provides Patients Care, Compassion

When he is treating patients in the intensive care unit of Northern Westchester Hospital, Dr. Harlan Weinberg says he can’t afford to waste time.

“These are life-threatening illnesses we are dealing with day in and day out,” he said.

That’s why nearly a decade ago, the Millwood resident and his team organized a schedule to be sure a doctor would be available at all times to treat patients admitted to the ICU.

He says this strategy of “critical care coverage” has created a model for community hospitals to use to better serve those who need it most. It has even allowed patients to leave the hospital sooner.

“We have 5 physicians that are on call 24 hours, 7 days a week. In order to optimize care for the severely ill, we wanted to have a place where physicians felt comfortable providing intensive care medicine,” he said.

Dr. Weinberg has worked in the intensive care unit of Northern Westchester Hospital since 1987. In that time, he’s learned that providing his patients with medical expertise is not his only obligation as a health professional. He also needs to practice compassion.

“When you’re dealing with life threatening situations, you have to be able to think critically, while not losing sight of the personal needs of the patient you're taking care of,” he said.

Pneumonia, overwhelming infection, and organ failure are some of the more common conditions Weinberg says he sees on the job.

Read more >

Back to News Index