HUMC Doctor Is Hospital's 1,000th Recovered Coronavirus Patient

HACKENSACK, NJ — Hackensack University Medical Center just discharged its 1,000th coronavirus patient, a a critical care intensivist who works at the very hospital where he was treated.

Dr. Karan Omidvari, 58, first went to HUMC's emergency department on April 7 with shortness of breath, fatigue and fever, the hospital said in a news release. While there, he tested positive for COVID-19.

The hospital said Omidvari was intubated twice during his hospital stay, and he received convalescent plasma therapy and a trial medication through two clinical trials.

The hospital took to Facebook to celebrate the milestone, writing, "Surrounded by his Hackensack University Medical Center care team, Karan Omidvari, M.D. —the 1000th #COVID19 patient discharged from the hospital - is escorted to his family who he had not seen in a month."

The post was accompanied by a video of the doctor, surrounded by his coworkers and caretakers, leaving the hospital in a wheelchair.

HUMC said in the release that it has treated and discharged more COVID-19 patients than any other hospital in New Jersey. It was also the first hospital in the state to admit a coronavirus-positive patient on March 4.

Mark D. Sparta is the President and Chief Hospital Executive at Hackensack University Medical Center and Executive Vice President of Population Health at Hackensack Meridian Health. In a statement, he celebrated the milestone marked by Omidvari's discharge.

“Although this event is certainly an important recognition of Dr. Omidvari’s successful recovery, it is also a time to recognize the ongoing commitment and dedication of our team members who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Sparta said in a statement. “The celebration of Dr. Omidvari’s discharge is evidence that our hospital and team members remain prepared to offer the best available COVID-19 care to members of our community.”

HUMC credits its success in treating COVID-19 patients to several innovations including a rapid-response coronavirus test, the ID Now Diagnostic Tool that quickly delivers results using molecular technology, and a convalescent plasma treatment that helps support the immune systems of the sick.