Patient Navigator Program

Created in April 2013, our Patient Navigator Program - the first and only one of its kind in Central New York - works to connect patients to primary care physicians and insurance providers to ensure the highest level of care. To provide the most efficient manner of care, the program works to connect patients to the services they need and the most appropriate healthcare setting.

Some injuries are true emergencies and require a visit to the emergency department. Others could be handled by a primary care physician or by visiting an urgent care center, but sometimes the emergency department is the only option. Visit our Where Should I Go For Care page for more details.

The Patient Navigator Program provides education about and assistance with connecting to the services available throughout our system.Our three patient navigators are located in our emergency department and are available to meet with patients seven days a week. If you need assistance with care in our system or enrolling in an insurance program, please visit one of our patient navigators.

Patient navigator hours:

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Meet our Patient Navigators

Beth Vernon Beth Vernon Beth has been in the healthcare field for almost 30 years, working in customer service and patient advising. Working from home for the past five years, Beth was interested in a change and the patient navigator position seemed exciting to her. Beth loves the patient contact and being able to help people navigate our system and insurance programs. She has an Associate’s Degree in Business from Wesley College in Dover, Del. and is a phlebotomist by trade.

Oluseyi Ogundola Oluseyi Ogundola Oluseyi is originally from Nigera, where he worked as a cash officer with Ifeoluwa Unique Ventures and in general service at The Christ Foundation, a ministry for the handicapped and disabled. He decided to take on the role of patient navigator because of his passion for caring for patients and the difference he knew this program would make to the future of the healthcare sector. Oluseyi loves finding solutions to patients’ problems and making them feel as comfortable as possible. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Adoekiti, Nigeria.

Kahlil Franks Kahill Franks Kahil has a deep understanding of the inner workings of the Central New York hospital community, having worked at both St. Joseph’s and Upstate University Health Center in housekeeping in the ORs and as a pharmacy technician. He was interested in becoming a patient navigator because he could leverage his personal experiences and knowledge to help people understand the system and the importance of having a primary care physician. Kahlil’s favorite thing about his position is seeing the expression on a patient’s face when they realize he is here to help. Kahlil is a graduate of Henninger High School in Syracuse and has started his studies in respiratory therapy at Onondaga Community College.