NEWS

Carriage Hill Bethesda, part of the esteemed Vierra family of healthcare facilities, is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Ricardo L. Cook, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, to its medical team. Known for its outstanding legacy of care, Carriage Hill Bethesda is a premier skilled nursing and rehabilitation center offering patients a distinctive blend of clinical excellence, personalized service, and hospitality-inspired comfort.

Dr. Cook brings more than two decades of experience in orthopedic surgery, with advanced expertise in foot and ankle reconstruction, joint trauma and reconstruction, diabetic foot care, and peripheral nerve conditions. A graduate and fellowship-trained physician from the University of Maryland, he has held key leadership positions throughout his career, including Chief of Surgery and Chief of Medical Staff at Holy Cross Germantown Hospital. Known for his patient-centered approach and surgical precision, Dr. Cook is deeply committed to helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and confidence following injury or surgery.

“Dr. Cook’s expertise adds an important new dimension to our rehabilitation and orthopedic programs,” said Nikki Gachot, Vice President of Business Development & Marketing at Vierra. “His background in complex orthopedic care complements our interdisciplinary approach and strengthens our ability to support every stage of recovery.”

Carriage Hill Bethesda provides short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing, and an array of specialty medical programs designed to meet complex patient needs. These include Renal Care with Peritoneal Dialysis, on-site Physiatry and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R), Cardiac Rehabilitation, advanced Wound Care, and Hospice and Palliative Care in partnership with Accent Care. This integrated model ensures that patients receive seamless, coordinated treatment supported by a compassionate and highly trained clinical team.

As a proud member of Vierra Communities, Carriage Hill Bethesda continues to uphold an exceptional standard of care rooted in clinical excellence, dignity, and respect. With Dr. Cook joining its team, the community further strengthens its mission to help each patient achieve meaningful recovery and an improved quality of life.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please visit carriagehillbethesda.com or call (301) 897-5500.

Carriage Hill Bethesda, a premier skilled nursing and rehabilitation center and proud member of the Vierra Communities family, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Magdy M. Girgis as Medical Director.

Dr. Girgis brings over a decade of hospitalist experience and a distinguished track record in acute care medicine to his new leadership role. As Medical Director, he will oversee clinical operations, ensure the highest standards of medical care, and guide the facility’s commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered outcomes.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Girgis to our leadership team,” said Nikki Gachot, Vice President of Business Development & Marketing at Vierra. “His extensive experience in hospital medicine, combined with his dedication to compassionate patient care, makes him an ideal fit for Carriage Hill Bethesda and the Vierra Communities mission of delivering exceptional healthcare with dignity and respect.”

A board-certified internal medicine physician, Dr. Girgis has served at Holy Cross Hospital in Maryland since 2016, where he has established himself as a trusted hospitalist providing comprehensive care to acutely ill patients. He also currently serves as an attending physician with Synergy Medical Group at skilled nursing facilities, bringing valuable experience in post-acute care settings.

Dr. Girgis completed his internal medicine residency at Howard University Hospital, where he received recognition for outstanding performance. He earned his medical degree from the University of El-Minya in Egypt. Dr. Girgis is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and actively participates in Maintenance of Certification through 2029, demonstrating his commitment to staying current with the latest advances in internal medicine.

In his role as Medical Director, Dr. Girgis will work closely with Carriage Hill Bethesda’s interdisciplinary care team to develop and implement clinical protocols, oversee quality assurance initiatives, and ensure regulatory compliance. He will also collaborate with attending physicians, specialists, and rehabilitation therapists to optimize patient outcomes and enhance the continuum of care for both short-stay rehabilitation and long-term care residents.

“I am honored to join Carriage Hill Bethesda and the Vierra Communities family,” said Dr. Girgis. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team of healthcare professionals to provide the highest quality medical care in an environment that combines clinical sophistication with compassionate, personalized attention.”
Carriage Hill Bethesda is distinguished as one of the most prominent nursing and rehabilitation centers in the Maryland/D.C. metro area, featuring 36 private rooms in an exclusive, luxurious setting. The facility offers specialized programs including cardiac rehabilitation, renal care, wound care, and hospice and palliative care, with rehabilitation services available seven days a week.

About Carriage Hill Bethesda

Located at 5215 W Cedar Lane in Bethesda, Maryland, Carriage Hill Bethesda is a premier skilled nursing and rehabilitation center offering short-stay rehabilitation and long-term care in Montgomery County’s most sought-after suburb. As a member of Vierra Communities, the facility embodies nearly 50 years of expertise in compassionate healthcare delivery, combining timeless charm with state-of-the-art clinical services.

About Vierra Communities

Vierra Communities is a third-generation, family-owned skilled nursing operator with over 50 years of experience setting the standard in skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Guided by founding principles of integrity, respect, and innovation, Vierra Communities operates premier facilities across Maryland and Virginia, each dedicated to enriching lives through clinical excellence, personalized care, and unwavering commitment to resident well-being.
For more information about Carriage Hill Bethesda, please visit carriagehillbethesda.com or call (301) 897-5500.

Carriage Hill Bethesda, a distinguished member of Vierra Communities known for its luxurious and innovative approach to healthcare, proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Tanveer A. Malik as a consulting cardiologist. This addition heralds a new chapter in Carriage Hill Bethesda’s commitment to providing exceptional cardiac care within the sophisticated settings of its upscale healthcare facility.

A Beacon of Excellence in Cardiac Health
With a decorated career spanning several prestigious institutions, Dr. Malik brings his profound expertise in modern cardiology practices to Carriage Hill Bethesda. His impressive background includes leading roles at Advanced Cardiology Care in Rockville, MD, and a decade-long tenure as a cardiovascular specialist at Adventist HealthCare Adventist Medical Group in Silver Spring, MD.

His extensive training and certification in echocardiography and nuclear cardiology, coupled with his commitment to clinical excellence, make Dr. Malik uniquely qualified to lead Carriage Hill Bethesda’s cardiac care into an era defined by advanced treatment modalities and compassionate, patient-centered service.

Synonymous with Sophisticated Care
“Carriage Hill Bethesda represents the pinnacle of healthcare luxury and innovation, and the addition of Dr. Malik underscores our relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Nikki Gachot, Vice President of Business Development at Vierra Communities. “His visionary approach to cardiac care will enhance our already robust offerings, ensuring every patient receives the most sophisticated and personalized treatment available.”

Advancing Cardiac Health with Expertise and Compassion
Under Dr. Malik’s leadership, Carriage Hill Bethesda’s Cardiac Rehab Department will focus on expanding its capabilities to include the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies. His strategy emphasizes early intervention, comprehensive care planning, working in tandem with all attending physicians, and a holistic approach to patient health, aiming to set new standards in cardiac care excellence.
“I am thrilled to join an institution that not only values excellence but actively pursues it in every aspect of patient care,” said Dr. Malik. “At Carriage Hill Bethesda, we are not just treating conditions, we are enhancing lives through dedicated and innovative cardiac care.”

About Carriage Hill Bethesda
Carriage Hill Bethesda is an elite healthcare facility within the Vierra Communities network, located in Montgomery County. It is celebrated for its luxurious setting, innovative care approaches, and commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of every patient. As a leader in healthcare delivery, Carriage Hill Bethesda remains dedicated to establishing benchmarks in medical excellence and patient satisfaction in an environment of care.

Vierra Communities, a family-owned skilled nursing owner and operator, proudly announces its expansion with the addition of St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation & Nursing in Baltimore, MD. Vierra has been operating in Maryland for nearly 60 years and welcomes St. Elizabeth into its family with a commitment to fostering a nurturing, home-like environment.
Vierra will commence a multimillion-dollar renovation and programming expansion to ensure residents receive unparalleled support and comfort. This milestone marks Vierra’s dedication to enhancing lives through personalized care and clinical sophistication.

“Our approach at Vierra Communities is rooted in creating communities where residents thrive,” stated Derek Vucich,
President of Vierra Communities. “St. Elizabeth has a reputation for delivering exceptional care and compassion to the Baltimore community so this is the perfect fit for us.”

Previously operated by Catholic Charities of Baltimore, St. Elizabeth has provided care in the area for nearly 100 years. The facility is located on the Jenkins Campus of southwest Baltimore, which is also home to other Catholic Charities residential and healthcare programs for seniors. Catholic Charities sought out a specific type of partner for this opportunity.

“Our residents and our outstanding St. Elizabeth colleagues deserve the support that will come with a partner that shares our values and commitment to quality, who is singularly focused on rehabilitation and long-term care,” said Bill McCarthy, executive director of Catholic Charities. “That is why we are pleased to welcome Vierra Communities, a family-owned, local company for three generations.”