Orthopedics Group, Masonicare, Hospital Announce New Staffers

Dr Philip Mulieri, a specialist in shoulder and elbow surgery, has joined Danbury Orthopedics, a multispecialty orthopedic practice. Dr Mulieri performs minimally invasive, state-of-the-art arthroscopic techniques, complex shoulder and elbow reconstructive surgery, and several other shoulder and elbow replacement procedures.

Dr Mulieri completed his fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery at the Florida Orthopedic Institute in Tampa, Fla., and his residency training at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston. He received his medical degree from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

After his fellowship training, he was a visiting professor at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where he studied the most advanced techniques for the treatment of complex elbow problems. Dr Mulieri also maintains a long-standing interest in clinical research.

He received his PhD from the Molecular Biology and Development Department at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Dr Mulieri has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, including admission to Alpha Omega Alpha and Phi Beta Kappa, the American Institute of Chemists Award for Excellence in Chemistry, and the John Chandler Award for Excellence in Chemistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the Florida Medical Association.

His work appears in numerous publications, including the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, and the Journal of Hand Surgery. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, and maintains medical licenses in Connecticut and Florida.

Dr Mulieri and his family are living in Ridgefield.

“Returning to the Northeast where my wife and I grew up has been wonderful for us,” Dr Mulieri stated in a release. “I am very excited to join Danbury Orthopedics, which has such a impressive network of skills and expertise within the discipline of orthopedics. I am confident that my unique training and experience in the treatment of complex shoulder and elbow problems will complement the services that the practice already offers.”

Dr Mulieri currently sees patients at the offices of Danbury Orthopedics at 226 White Street and 73 Sandpit Road in Danbury.

Assisted Living Director

Peter Francis, Jr, of Waterbury has been named director of assisted living for Lockwood Lodge, Masonicare’s assisted living and memory care community at Masonicare at Newtown on Toddy Hill Road in Newtown. 

Mr Francis has several years of experience in the assisted living field. He most recently served as executive director of Emeritus Senior Living of Litchfield Hills and previously as assistant executive director at Emeritus Senior Living of Rocky Hill. He attended DeKalb Community College in Atlanta.

In his role with Masonicare, Mr Francis is responsible for providing the leadership and oversight needed to ensure the successful operation and financial performance of the assisted living community.

In making the announcement, Jon-Paul Venoit, senior vice president of residential services for Masonicare, said, “Peter’s management style and strong background in assisted living will ensure that the excellent, high quality care and services we provide to our assisted living residents are maintained and that we continue to grow and move in a positive direction. His skills and experience are a welcome addition to our management team.”

Mr Francis, who grew up in Waterbury and is an active supporter of East Mountain Girls Sports, resides in Waterbury with his family.

Masonicare Community Liaison

Judi Ann Lausier has joined Masonicare as community liaison. Ms Lausier will provide community and hospital outreach for Masonicare Home Health & Hospice’s and Masonicare at Newtown’s wide range of programs and services, communicating with physicians, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and families.

Ms Lausier has several years of experience in the health care marketing and public relations field. She is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University, where she earned a BS degree in marketing and communications. Prior to joining Masonicare, Ms Lausier served as community relations director for Benchmark Assisted Living.

Masonicare at Newtown is an affiliate of Wallingford-based Masonicare, a not-for-profit provider of health care and retirement living for seniors.

Ms Lausier is involved with Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut, is a charter member of CARES (Community Awareness Resource for Elderly Services), and is a member of various chamber groups. She and her husband Jim are residents of Bristol.

Lung Disease Specialist

Pierre F. Saldinger, MD, FACS, Danbury Hospital’s chairman of the Department of Surgery, announced the recent appointment of a new specialist in lung disease, Amirhossein (Paymon) Mahfoozi, MD, who is a fellowship-trained thoracic surgeon using advanced, minimally invasive techniques.

Dr Mahfoozi completed his fellowship in minimally invasive thoracic surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, in 2011, and a residency in cardiothoracic surgery at UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, in 2010. His general surgery residency based at Sound Shore Medical Center, New Rochelle, N.Y., also included training at Mount Vernon Hospital and Danbury Hospital, from 2003 to 2008.

He earned his medical degree from Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 1995, and practiced as a general practitioner and plastic/reconstructive surgeon for several years before pursuing his advanced training and specialization in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery.

A strong advocate for cancer prevention and smoking cessation, Dr Mahfoozi performs video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for lung cancer, which offers patients minimally invasive techniques with smaller incisions to minimize pain and recovery time.

His office is at the Danbury Medical Arts Center, 111 Osborne Street, second floor, Danbury, and can be reached at 203-739-6586.