Wisconsin Medical Journal
107 #2
107 #2
Press Releases
Karen Meyer, MD, named recipient of Young Physician Leadership Award
release date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
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Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation honored Karen Meyer, MD, of Fond du Lac, with its Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD Young Physician Leadership Award, which was established in 2007 memory of the late Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD, of Oshkosh. She received the award during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 11 in Madison.
“Through her efforts in making care available to low income and non English speaking patients, her volunteer work in the community and her involvement in the Fond du Lac County Medical Society and the Wisconsin Medical Society, Doctor Meyer has ably demonstrated a commitment to her patients, the community and the medical profession that sets an example for other young physicians in Wisconsin—an example that my father would have been very proud of,” said Doran Viste, who represented the Viste family in presenting the award. |
Karen Meyer, MD, accepts the Viste award from Doran Viste, son of Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD. |
“For those of us who knew and loved Dr. Ken Viste and were inspired by his dedication to his patients and his profession, we are thrilled to honor Dr. Meyer with this award. She epitomizes everything Dr. Viste stood for in his professional life,” said Foundation President Ayaz Samadani, MD.
In Dr. Meyer’s honor, the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation has contributed $500 to Wisconsin Literacy, Inc., the community organization of Dr. Meyer’s choice.
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a non-profit, non-stock corporation to enable physicians and other friends of the profession to support through loans and scholarships, education of health care professionals.
With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Wisconsin Rapids native awarded scholarship
release date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
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Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation has named Jason Jagodzinski its 2008 Presidential Scholar. The Wisconsin Rapids native will receive a $3,000 scholarship to defray his educational expenses.
“The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation is pleased to recognize Jason Jagodzinski for his remarkable scholarship,” said Foundation President Ayaz Samadani, MD. Doctor Samadani presented the award during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 11 in Madison. Jagodzinksi, a student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, plans to become an orthopedic surgeon. |
Jason Jagodzinski accepts his award from Foundation President Ayaz Samadani, MD |
The Presidential Scholar Award was established by the Foundation to recognize a medical student entering his or her fourth year, who has exemplified the attributes, skills and desire to become a leader in the medical profession in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a non-profit, non-stock corporation to enable physicians and other friends of the profession to support through loans and scholarships, education of health care professionals. Every health care professional will care for many patients over his or her career, so a gift to the Foundation touches many lives.
With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Wausau native honored with Houghton Award
release date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
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Madison—Derrick Siebert, a student at Milwaukee’s Medical College of Wisconsin, is one of two recipients of the prestigious 2008 Houghton Award from the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation.
Siebert, a Wausau native, was honored during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 11 in Madison. The award includes an engraved plaque and $1000 to applaud the student’s work and encourage future excellence and leadership. “Derrick has proven through his ability in medical school and leadership in extracurricular activities that he will be a dedicated and skilled physician,” said Ayaz Samadani, MD, President of the Society’s Foundation. |
Foundation President Ayaz Samadani, MD, presents Derrick Siebert with his award. |
“I find Derrick to be among the very best students and finest persons with whom I have worked in 18-plus years here,” wrote Kenneth Simons, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, in his letter of recommendation.
The Houghton Award is presented annually to one student from each of the state’s two medical schools. It was established by Doctors John H. and William J. Houghton in the 1960s to honor medical students who show promise for becoming what the brothers referred to as, “complete physicians.” By that, they meant those who excelled in their knowledge of both the socioeconomic and scientific issues related to medicine.
John H. Houghton, MD, a general practitioner at Wisconsin Dells, was president of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin (now called the Wisconsin Medical Society) in 1965-1966.William J. Houghton, MD, also active in the Society, was a general surgeon in Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a non-profit, non-stock corporation to enable physicians and other friends of the profession to support through loans and scholarships, education of health care professionals.
With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Marshfield native honored with Houghton Award
release date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
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Madison—Kyle Swanson, a student at Madison’s University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, is the recipient of one of two prestigious 2008 Houghton Awards from the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation.
Swanson, a Marshfield native, was honored during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 11 in Madison. The award includes an engraved plaque and $1000 to applaud the student’s work and encourage future excellence and leadership. “Kyle not only has achieved nearly a perfect grade point average, but has been an active volunteer in a great array of medical organizations and causes,” said Ayaz Samadani, MD, President of the Society’s Foundation. |
Kyle Swanson accepts his award from Foundation President Ayaz Samadani, MD. |
The Houghton Award is presented annually to one student from each of the state’s two medical schools. It was established by Doctors John H. and William J. Houghton in the 1960s to honor medical students who show promise for becoming what the brothers referred to as, “complete physicians.” By that, they meant those who excelled in their knowledge of both the socioeconomic and scientific issues related to medicine.
John H. Houghton, MD, a general practitioner at Wisconsin Dells, was president of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin (now called the Wisconsin Medical Society) in 1965-1966.William J. Houghton, MD, also active in the Society, was a general surgeon in Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a non-profit, non-stock corporation to enable physicians and other friends of the profession to support through loans and scholarships, education of health care professionals.
With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Central Wisconsin physician elected Society’s President-Elect
release date: Thursday, April 25, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
Madison—Robert J. Jaeger, MD, FACOG, of Mosinee, was elected president-elect of the Wisconsin Medical Society during the Society’s Annual Meeting in Madison April 11-12.
Doctor Jaeger, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, is an assistant clinical professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Now retired from full-time practice, he has served on the Board of Directors of both Family Planning Health Services, Inc. and the Rice Clinic in Stevens Point and has held various leadership roles, including president of the medical staff, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point.
A 32-year member of the Wisconsin Medical Society, Dr. Jaeger is active in numerous professional organizations. He has been a member of the Society’s Board of Directors for a total of 21 years, initially for nine years as a director from central Wisconsin and subsequently in an ex officio capacity as a member the Society’s AMA Delegation. He has also served on numerous Society Commissions and Committees and is a member of the Portage County Medical Society.
Doctor Jaeger has served as President of the Wisconsin Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of the University of Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board. He is the past Chair of the Wisconsin Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as well as past Chair of the College’s District VI and Chair of ACOG’s International Council of District Chairs (52,000 members). He currently serves on six Boards of Directors including the Stevens Point Elks Lodge and the Board of Governors of Wisconsin’s Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund.
Next year, Dr. Jaeger will succeed Steven Bergin, MD, who was sworn in as president during the Annual Meeting. This will mark the first time two successive presidents have been elected from the same community and the first time for two successive presidents from the same specialty and clinic.
With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health. he Board of Governors of Wisconsin’s Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund.
Milwaukee-area physicians elected to Society leadership positions
release date: Thursday, April 25, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s House of Delegates confirmed the elections of the following Milwaukee-area physicians to three-year terms on the Board of Directors at the Society’s Annual Meeting April 12 in Madison:
- Mark E. DeCheck, MD, of Racine, was re-elected to the Board, 2008-2011. Doctor DeCheck is family physician who practices with Drs DeCheck and Martini SC, Racine.
- Lowell H. Keppel, MD, of Brookfield, was elected to the Board, 2008-2011. Doctor Keppel is a retired family physician with nearly 30 years of experience in both clinical practice and health care management. He served as vice president and corporate medical director for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Wisconsin, a subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. and is currently President of the Wisconsin Academy of Family Practice, President of the Waukesha County Medical Society and on the Board of Directors of Aurora Family Service.
- Mahendr S. Kochar, MD, MACP, of Brookfield, was re-elected to the Board, 2008-2011, and was also elected alternate delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA) for 2009 and 2010. Doctor Kochar is Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology and Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
- Kesavan Kutty, MD, of Menomonee Falls, was re-elected to the Board, 2008-2011. Doctor Kutty specializes in pulmonary diseases and critical care internal medicine at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Milwaukee. A full-time Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. Kutty begins a three-year term next month as a Regent of the American College of Physicians, and in that capacity, will be a member of the ACP Delegation to the AMA.
- Rosanna Ranieri, MD, of Bristol, was re-elected to the Board, 2008-2011. Doctor Ranieri specializes in internal medicine and nephrology at Kenosha Medical Center Clinic.
- Sridar V. Vasudevan, MD, of Belgium, was re-elected to the Board, 2008-1011. Doctor Vasudevan specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain medicine at Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls.
- Matthew W. Buelow, of Milwaukee, was re-elected to a one-year term on the Board of Directors. He is a student at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
- Clarence P. Chou, MD, of Mequon, was elected delegate to the AMA for 2009 and 2010. Doctor Chou, the Society’s Immediate Past President, is a full-time staff psychiatrist in the crisis service of the Behavioral Division, Milwaukee County.
- George M. Lange, MD, FACP, of River Hills, was elected Chair of the Board of Directors. Doctor Lange is board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics. He practices with and is a member of Columbia St. Mary’s Community Physicians, Milwaukee.
- Charles J. Rainey, MD, JD, of Milwaukee, was re-elected to a two-year term as Vice Speaker. Doctor Rainey, a forensic psychiatrist, is an assistant professor with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Four Madison physicians elected to Society’s Board of Directors
release date: Thursday, April 25, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s House of Delegates confirmed the elections of the following Madison physicians to the Board of Directors at the Society’s Annual Meeting April 12 in Madison:
- Martha (Molli) Rolli, MD, Madison, was re-elected to the Board for a three-year term, 2008-2011. Doctor Rolli is a psychiatrist with UW Hospital & Clinics and serves as chair of the Society’s Council on Ethics.
- Yolanda T. Becker, MD, FACS, Madison, was re-elected as the Medical Schools Section member of the Board for a one-year term. Doctor Becker is a board certified transplant surgeon at UW Hospital & Clinics.
- Claudia L. Reardon, MD, Madison, was elected to a one-year term on the Board as the Resident Fellow Section representative. Doctor Reardon, a psychiatrist, is a resident at UW Hospital & Clinics.
- Amanda Herzog, Madison, was elected to a one-year term on the Board as a Medical Student Section representative. She is a student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
Fond du Lac physicians elected to Society leadership positions
release date: Thursday, April 25, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s House of Delegates confirmed the election of the following Fond du Lac physicians at the Society’s Annual Meeting April 12 in Madison:
- Karen L. Meyer, MD, was elected to a three-year term on the Society’s Board of Directors, 2008-2011. Doctor Meyer is in practice at the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic, specializing obstetrics and gynecology.
- Kevin A. Jessen, MD, was elected Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. Doctor Jessen is a family physician with Mercury Marine Family Medical Center in Fond du Lac.
Central Wisconsin physicians elected to Society leadership positions
release date: Thursday, April 25, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s House of Delegates confirmed the election of the following physicians at the Society’s Annual Meeting April 12 in Madison:
- Mary Jo Freeman, MD, FACP, of Mosinee, was re-elected to a three-year term on the Society’s Board of Directors, 2008-2011. Doctor Freeman is a board certified internal medicine specialist affiliated with Aspirus Freeman Adult Health in Wausau.
- Kevin T. Flaherty, MD, of Wausau, was elected delegate to the American Medical Association for 2009 and 2010. Doctor Flaherty, who serves as the Society’s Speaker of the House of Delegates, is an ophthalmologist with the Eye Clinic of Wisconsin with locations in Wausau, Antigo, Medford, Merrill, Rhinelander and Stevens Point.
Ashland physician elected to Society’s Board of Directors
release date: Thursday, April 25, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s House of Delegates confirmed the election of the following physician at the Society’s Annual Meeting April 12 in Madison.
David M. Saarinen, MD, of Ashland, was re-elected to a three-year term on the Society’s Board of Directors, 2008-2011. Doctor Saarinen is a board certified family physician with Duluth Clinic-Ashland.
With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Area physicians elected to Society’s Board of Directors
release date: Thursday, April 25, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s House of Delegates confirmed the election of the following physicians to the Society’s Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting April 12 in Madison:
- Andrea Hillerud, MD, of Eau Claire, was elected to a three-year term on the Board as the Young Physician Section representative, 2008-2011. Doctor Hillerud is a family physician with Marshfield Clinic Oakwood Center in Eau Claire.
- Arne T. Lagus, MD, of St. Croix Falls, was re-elected to the Board for a three-year term, 2008-2011. Doctor Lagus is a family physician with River Valley Medical Center in St. Croix Falls.
Marshfield’s Robert Phillips, MD, receives Society’s Director’s Award
release date: Thursday, April 17, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
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Madison—Robert Phillips, MD, of Marshfield, has received the prestigious Director’s Award – the Wisconsin Medical Society’s highest honor. He accepted the award during the Society’s Annual Meeting in Madison April 11.
Doctor Phillips was recognized as being a true leader in medicine. He has served as chair of the Society’s Board of Directors and as a member of numerous committees and task forces. Notably, he chaired the Society’s 1993 Health Reform Taskforce, which developed a plan for providing every citizen in Wisconsin with affordable, high-quality health care. |
Robert Phillips, MD, accepts the Director's Award as outgoing Board Chair Thomas Luetzow, MD, looks on. |
“Because so many legislative decisions are being made today that impact the future of our profession and the access of care for our patients, there never has been a more important time for our policy leaders to have the benefit of working with a physician as well-versed in health policy as Doctor Phillips,” said Dr. Luetzow.
The Director’s Award was established in 1928 to recognize those who have served the art and science of medicine, their fellow physicians and the public with distinction.
With more than 11,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Thomas Meyer, MD, receives Wisconsin Medical Society’s Presidential Citation Award
release date: Thursday, April 17, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
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Madison—Thomas C. Meyer, MD, of Madison has received the Presidential Citation Award from the Wisconsin Medical Society. Outgoing President Clarence Chou, MD, made the presentation at the Society’s Annual Meeting in Madison April 11. Doctor Chou called Dr. Meyer’s contributions to medicine and public health “indisputable.”
Before retirement, Dr. Meyer was a pediatric cardiologist and also a professor of pediatrics and continuing medical education at the University of Wisconsin Medical School. He also served as Medical Director of St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center and has remained active in medical education since retiring in 1995. |
Thomas C. Meyer, MD, receives the Presidential Citation Award from outgoing Society President Clarence Chou, MD. |
The President of the Society has the privilege of presenting the Presidential Citation Award to a physician or non-physician who has made significant contributions to medicine or public health. The award was established in 1959.
With more than 11,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Two physicians named 2008 Physician Citizens of the Year
release date: Thursday, April 17, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
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Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society has named James Allen, MD, of Madison, and Scott Walker, MD, of Boscobel, the Society’s 2008 Physician Citizens of the Year. Both physicians were honored during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 11 in Madison.
Doctor Allen, a retired ophthalmologist, was the driving force behind changing federal law so disabled veterans who lost their vision in one eye because of their military service may get enhanced benefits should they lose vision later in the other eye. |
James Allen, MD, was named a Physician Citizen of the Year. |
“I believe Dr. Allen provides a model to the medical community of how physicians can dedicate themselves to the common good over and above the good they do in direct clinical care,” Dr. Gold added.
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Doctor Walker, a family physician, established and serves as medical director of a free clinic.
“Doctors like Scott Walker help keep our health care system functional, as we try to reform it so we may more effectively serve patients. Achieving health system reform has proven to be a difficult challenge indeed, but we are inspired to keep working at it because of the dedication of so many physicians like Dr. Walker who roll up their sleeves and treat those in need rather than waiting for politicians to reach an agreement. That level of decency, generosity and empathy cannot be overstated,” said Clarence Chou, MD, during the award presentation. Doctor Chou is the Society’s immediate past president. |
Scott Walker, MD, was also named a Physician Citizen of the Year. |
With more than 11,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Stevens Point’s Dr. Steven Bergin elected Wisconsin Medical Society President
Dr. Bergin urges colleagues to mount urgent campaign for health reform
release date: Saturday, April 12, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
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Madison—Steven Bergin, MD, of Stevens Point, was inaugurated the 155th president of the Wisconsin Medical Society Friday evening during the Society’s Annual Meeting at Madison’s Monona Terrace.
In his inaugural speech, Dr. Bergin urged his colleagues to get involved politically to make health insurance available for everybody. “We must shed our professional cocoon and awaken from our political hibernation,” said Dr. Bergin, an OB/GYN. “We need to mount a vigorous sustained grass roots campaign engaging and dialoguing with local, state and national legislative representatives. We should not off-handedly dismiss proposals just because they depart from the status quo.” |
Outgoing President Clarence Chou, MD, congratulates Steven Bergin, MD, as he is inagurated. |
Doctor Bergin cited evidence that indicates the United States spends more per capita on health care than any other nation in the world, yet came in last in terms of preventable death rates.
Finally, he challenged fellow physicians to re-examine their own approach to patient care. “We must amplify our evidence-based care approach to managing disease and expand our best practice solutions,” said Dr. Bergin.
The president of the Wisconsin Medical Society serves a one-year term. Doctor Bergin succeeds Clarence Chou, MD, of Milwaukee.
With more than 11,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Click here to view a transcript of Dr. Bergin's Inaugural Address.
‘Real Rain Man’ to visit Wisconsin April 8-11
release date: Tuesday, April 1, 2008contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net
Madison—He may not be able to leap tall buildings with a single bound, but 56-year-old savant Kim “Rain Man” Peek is a superman when it comes to his intellectual feats.
Peek, known to friends as “Kimputer,” has astounding memorization skills. For example, he has read more than 9000 books and can recall virtually every fact from them. He says he simultaneously reads one page with his left eye and the other page with his right eye. Peek’s unique skills are what caught the attention of Hollywood, and led to the Oscar-winning movie Rain Main, starring Dustin Hoffman.
“Kim Peek is a living miracle, and the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation is thrilled to host his Wisconsin visit to celebrate the potential in all of us,” said Foundation President Ayaz Samadani, MD. “The phenomenon we know as Savant Syndrome is something to marvel and appreciate, and we are grateful for Mr. Peek’s willingness to share his gift with us.”
During his visit April 8-11, Peek will highlight the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation’s Annual Fundraising event Thursday, April 10 at Madison’s Monona Terrace. He will speak at approximately 8 p.m. News media are welcome to attend.
Peek has done dozens of interviews over the years and will be available to field questions from reporters on several occasions during his trip to Wisconsin. He will be joined by his father, Fran Peek, and Fond du Lac psychiatrist Darold Treffert, MD, an internationally recognized expert on Savant Syndrome.
More information about Kim Peek is available on the Wisconsin Medical Society Web site at http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome.
Media availability:
April 9: | 7-10 a.m., scheduled phone interviews from Fond du Lac. |
April 10: | Early morning and noon TV programs from Madison. |
April 10: | Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation Annual Fundraiser, Monona Terrace, Madison, 8 p.m. presentation by Kim Peek. (One-on-one interviews in Hall of Ideas, Room G from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.) |
April 11: | Early morning TV and Radio interviews from Madison. |
Contact Steve Busalacchi at 608.698.5298 or prdr@tds.net to schedule an interview with Kim Peek during any of these times.
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a charitable organization to enable physicians and other friends of the profession to support the education of health care professionals through scholarships, fellowships and student loans. Every health care professional will care for many patients over his or her career, so a gift to the Foundation truly touches many lives.
With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
For a list of interesting facts about Kim Peek, click here.
‘Real Rain Man’ to visit Madison school April 10
release date: Tuesday, April 1, 2008contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net
Madison—Students from Madison’s Jefferson Middle School will have the chance of a lifetime April 10 to hear and meet the incredible savant who inspired the movie Rain Main.
Kim Peek, known to friends as “Kimputer,” has something akin to a photographic memory, despite his developmental disabilities. Nevertheless, the story of Kim Peek, and the reason he is speaking to students, is that Peek demonstrates the hidden potential we all have, whether disabled in some ways or not.
For example, if one gives Peek a date in history from 50 or 100 years ago, he can say immediately on what day of the week it fell. He also has enormous knowledge of history, sports, classical music, and other subjects. Peek’s unique skills are what caught the attention of Hollywood, and led to the Oscar-winning movie Rain Main, starring Dustin Hoffman.
Peek’s visit to Jefferson Middle School is being co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation and VSA arts of Wisconsin (www.vsawis.org), an organization that conducts arts programming for individuals with disabilities. Through this partnership, Peek will give two presentations at Jefferson Middle School on Thursday, April 10.
Such presentations are nothing new to Peek, as he addresses groups from throughout the country and has appeared on numerous television programs. He will be joined by his father, Fran Peek, and Fond du Lac psychiatrist Darold Treffert, MD, an internationally recognized expert on Savant Syndrome. More information about Kim Peek is available on the Wisconsin Medical Society Web site at http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome.
School Presentation Details:
Two presentations will be held April 10 at Jefferson Middle School, 101 S. Gammon Road, Madison, before approximately 260 sixth and seventh grade students. They are scheduled from
- 9:30 -10:20 a.m. (second floor lecture hall), and
- 10:25 -11:15 a.m. (One-on-one interviews available following second presentation)
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a charitable organization to enable physicians and other friends of the profession to support the education of health care professionals through scholarships, fellowships and student loans. Every health care professional will care for many patients over his or her career, so a gift to the Foundation truly touches many lives.
With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Incorporated as a nonprofit in 1985, VSA arts of Wisconsin (VSA) serves people with disabilities across Wisconsin. Its mission is to expand the capabilities, confidence and quality of life for children and adults with disabilities by providing programs in dance, drama, creative writing, music and visual art. Individuals served include people with disabilities from birth through senior populations and across all disability categories including physical, emotional, behavioral, visual, hearing, cognitive, learning and mental illness.
For a list of interesting facts about Kim Peek, click here.
No. 2 Wisconsin ranking reason to be proud
release date: Thursday, March 27, 2008statements below attributable to: Clarence Chou, MD - Wisconsin Medical Society President
“We are extremely pleased that Wisconsin has once again been ranked among the top states in terms of health care quality. Health care professionals and organizations across Wisconsin have reason to be proud. It takes a lot of commitment and hard work to achieve high quality health care, and our efforts in Wisconsin are proving effective.
“At the same time, the AHRQ report also indicates some areas in which we could improve, such as cancer care, home health care and the fact that 63 percent of patients in Wisconsin are overweight or obese.
“We can’t rest on our laurels. It’s important that we continue to work hard to improve the quality of health care for all of our patients and also that we preserve the environment that makes practicing medicine in Wisconsin attractive to high quality health care professionals.”
The above statement references the “2007 State Snapshots” released yesterday by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The report ranks Wisconsin second in the nation in overall health care quality.
With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Former Representative Gielow joins Wisconsin Medical Society on special assignment
release date: Wednesday, March 5, 2008contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
Madison—Curt Gielow, former state representative from Mequon, has joined the Wisconsin Medical Society staff on a part-time basis as Senior Advisor to the CEO. He will focus on identifying and executing strategic initiatives that position the Society for a leadership role on issues affecting physicians. Health care reform proposals, long-term care reform initiatives and medical claims data assimilation for use in quality improvements and transparency are some of the issues under consideration.
Gielow holds an undergraduate degree in pharmacy and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Mauston doctor joins lawsuit to overturn raid on Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund
Threat to rural health care looms
release date: Tuesday, March 4, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org
Madison—David Hoffmann, MD, a family physician who practices in Mauston, has joined in the complaint against the State of Wisconsin to overturn the raid on the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (IPFCF).
“We believe the illegal transfer of $200 million from the IPFCF threatens the stability of a program intended for patients and their families,” said Mark Grapentine, JD, the Society’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations. “The unintended consequence of this raid very well may be that it becomes a deterrent to recruiting doctors in small towns across Wisconsin like Mauston.”
The IPFCF was created in 1975 to minimize the effects that increased insurance costs caused by lawsuits might have on health care costs and quality. There are no taxpayer dollars in the fund. Instead, Wisconsin physicians, hospitals and some other health care professionals are required to pay into the fund annually to ensure that injured patients and their families have a safety net if a patient is injured as a result of medical negligence. The Fund has been a stabilizing factor in Wisconsin’s medical liability climate, which has helped clinics and hospitals to recruit and retain physicians, particularly in rural communities.
“I do not take this action lightly, but in my own practice I work with two physicians who left their practices in Pennsylvania because of the negative liability environment there,” said Dr. Hoffmann. “Now they are worried that Wisconsin may experience a similar fate. I am extremely concerned that the State’s raid of the IPFCF may make recruiting and retention difficult in the future. And that could have a devastating effect on access to health care in towns like Mauston.”
Dr. Hoffmann joins the suit brought by the Wisconsin Medical Society, which represents more than 11,000 physicians across Wisconsin.
“The Medical Society appreciates the sincerity and dedication of Dr. Hoffmann’s action,” said Grapentine. “We want families, mayors, local government officials, the legislature and the Governor to recognize the terrible impact that this raid will have on health care access and quality. Dr. Hoffmann’s experience underscores the potential impact that the State’s raid on the IPFCF might have on physicians who practice in rural communities statewide.”
With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
County Public Health Programs underfunded in Wisconsin
County by county figures available at www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org
release date: Wednesday, February 20, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net
Madison—A county’s financial health may well be related to the health of its citizens. Unfortunately, researchers from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute found the counties that have “the worst health outcomes” had only slightly higher levels of public health funding than those with better outcomes.
Their research, published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 1) investigated 10 years of total funding and staffing data from all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. “On average, Wisconsin local health departments spend $20.60 per capita, ranging from $7.40 to $68.20 among counties,” the study reports. These figures are low by national standards.
Although Wisconsin aims to have “equitable, adequate and stable financing” for local public health, those goals remains “unmet,” according to the study authors. That, despite evidence that “public health policies and programs make a difference in improving population health.” The authors say the counties with the poorest health outcomes may need more resources to turn things around. But they warn that even with adequate funding, it may take years to see improvement at a population level.
The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Treestand injuries most common among deer hunters
release date: Monday, February 18, 2008contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net
Madison—Gun injuries definitely pose a threat, but falling out of a treestand should be a major concern for deer hunters as well.
A study just published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 1) looked at serious deer hunting injuries treated at University of Wisconsin Hospital from 1999 to 2004. The study found that 66 percent (16 of the 24) of injuries treated at the trauma center were the result of treestand falls. The rest of the injuries were firearm-related. The treestand-related injuries were mostly orthopedic in nature, but also included the three closed head injuries noted in the study and two injuries that resulted in the hunters’ deaths. To prevent treestand injuries the authors recommend the following:
- Choose only healthy, mature, straight trees for a stand.
- Be familiar with your equipment, including your safety harness.
- Always use a safety harness, not a single strap belt.
- Always use a haul line to raise and lower unloaded firearms and equipment.
- Wear non-skid shoes or boots.
- Tell others where you are hunting; carry emergency communication (cell phone, whistle).
- Hunt with a buddy when possible.
- Never climb a treestand tired or drunk.
The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
State report indicates Fund intended for injured patients is in jeopardy
release date: Friday, January 18, 2008contact: Mark Grapentine, JD - 608.575.2514 - markg@wismed.org
Madison—The Wisconsin Department of Administration has confirmed what the State’s medical professionals most feared. According to today’s Wisconsin State Journal, “An Oct. 29 transfer of $71.5 million from the Patient’s Compensation Fund … left the fund short $46.2 million in cash….”A letter received by the State’s budget committee January 11 from DOA Secretary Michael Morgan indicates that the Fund’s balance was still short $44.5 million as of November 30.
“The Injured Patients and Families Compensation fund was created in 1975 to provide funding for large malpractice claims, thereby making medical liability insurance more readily available and reducing pressure to increase insurance costs,” said Clarence Chou, MD, Wisconsin Medical Society president. “I’m concerned that the State did not think through the consequences of its actions when it illegally took funds intended for victims and their families to be used for other programs.”
Chou adds that the shortfall will likely grow, because a second transfer of $128.5 million from the Fund is slated to occur July 1, 2008 as part of the two-year budget agreement. And because there was not enough cash in the Fund when the initial transfer occurred, the State took money from other State funds and, as a result, has asserted that the Fund will have to pay interest to those other State funds.
The Wisconsin Medical Society has filed suit to overturn the raid on the Fund. “While physicians certainly hope that patients never have to make a claim, the fact is that this Fund was created for the citizens of Wisconsin if they are injured due to a negligent medical act. It would be tragic if funding were not available in the event that patients and their families need it,” Chou added.
Fund payments provide unlimited economic damages by covering medical bills and replacing lost income. It also provides payments for pain and suffering. No taxpayer dollars are in the Fund; instead, most physicians, hospitals and other health care providers are required to pay annual fees.
With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Group Urges Public: List it. Don’t risk it!
Write down your medicines. Carry the list.
release date: Wednesday, January 16, 2008
contact: Mary Kay Grasmick, Wisconsin Hospital Association, 608.274.1820 or 608.575.7516
Madison—People carry a lot of different lists in their pockets. Grocery lists. Lists of chores and errands. They all find their way into our purses and wallets. But one list you carry could save your life in a medical emergency—a medicine list.
Safe Care Wisconsin, a statewide group of health professionals and organizations dedicated to patient safety, announced today their first statewide health safety project: “List it. Don’t Risk it. Write down your medicines.” The project emphasizes the importance of writing down and carrying an accurate list of medications. The medication list project is aimed at getting people who take both prescription and non-prescription medications to write down the name, dose and other important information and to carry the list in their wallets.
The campaign will be bolstered by radio ads and the work of a statewide hospital volunteer group, Partners of Wisconsin Hospital Association. Partner’s President Diane Westbrook, River Falls, said her group set a goal of having all 12,000 of their members fill out a medicine list—and then complete one for a friend or family member, for a total of 24,000. Westbrook said her hope is that their efforts will lead to more people in the community recognizing how critical it is to write down and carry a list of medicines.
Information on this project, including a blank medicine list can be downloaded from www.safecarewisconsin.org. In addition, medicine list forms are available at hospitals, medical clinics and pharmacies.
Society member Kathy Leonhardt, MD, MPH, is the patient safety officer at Aurora Health Care. She said patients and their family members have a difficult time recalling what prescription and non-prescription medicines they take when asked to help fill out a medical history at the doctor’s office.
“Many of us take medicines on a regular basis—either prescribed by a doctor or medications that we select ourselves like vitamins or aspirin, things bought without a prescription. Some of us have to take a lot of medicines to stay healthy—and it can be very confusing—both for patients and their doctors,” according to Dr. Leonhardt.
“For patients, it can be hard keeping track of all the pills and the instructions for each one. For doctors, they may not know what other doctors have prescribed for a patient or what over-the-counter medicines the patient is taking—unless all that information is given to the doctor at the time of the visit,” she said. “We all want to be safe when taking medicines, but it is easy to see that mistakes can happen,” Dr. Leonhardt added.
Dr. Leonhardt urges people to keep the list where it can be found quickly, such as in a wallet behind a driver’s license. As an emergency department nurse at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Heather Grant, RN, knows that seconds count in a medical emergency.
“At any time, you or a family member could have an accident or fall seriously ill and be unable to communicate with emergency responders or personnel in the emergency room. The recent I-90 weather-related multi-vehicle pileup demonstrated how emergencies can take place any time and far from home. We look for every piece of information that we can when a patient comes in to the emergency department. The more we know about the patient, the faster we can treat them. We always worry that a patient is taking medicine that will have a negative reaction with a drug we administer in the ER,” Grant said. “A medication list can truly save your life in an emergency,” she added.
Mike Flint, a registered pharmacist and owner of Mallatt’s Pharmacy in Madison, said the pharmacist is often the last person to talk to a patient before they take home a new prescription. He urges his patients to update and carry a current list of medicines and to note any allergies that they have on the list as well.
“It is very important that you show the pharmacist the list of medications that you are taking, including vitamins and supplements that you purchase that do not require a prescription. It becomes even more important that you show your pharmacist the list if you pick up prescriptions from more than one pharmacy or if you order prescriptions through the Internet. Ask questions about your prescription if you don’t understand how often to take it, or what it is for. Ask your pharmacist to print out a list of medications that you take and use that list to fill out your own list,” Flint said. “Don’t be shy about asking for help in completing your list. Many people have multiple prescriptions, and it is confusing. A list goes a long way in preventing medication errors at home,” he said.
Safe Care Wisconsin members represent hospitals, physicians, insurers, quality improvement organizations, patient safety organizations and others committed to ensuring the safety of patients throughout Wisconsin. For more information on Safe Care Wisconsin, visit www.safecarewisconsin.org.
Journaling medical students tell it like it is
release date: Friday, January 11, 2008contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net
Madison—Learning to become a doctor is a challenging feat indeed, so researchers set out to see what medical students were thinking while they were going through this arduous process.
“Since clerkship experiences often are the first time medical students encounter clinical medicine, we sought to explore the thematic content of medical students’ written reflections during clerkship training,” write the authors, from the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine. Their article is published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 106, No. 8).
Approximately 25 medical students from 1994-1996 and 35 from 2001-2003 voluntarily participated. Prominent themes included gender issues, career choice, rural practice and the experience of relating to patients.
Here are some specific examples:
“It is funny how many times I have been mistaken for a nurse the last few weeks.”
“It scared me to death the first time I did a pelvic exam on a young woman who had never had one before.”
“I have always thought of general practice fields as being very hard. Such a variety of patients, such a wide differential base. How could one ever stay current on everything? I thought only the very smartest of the smartest, maybe the top 1 percent of medical students could be truly good at it. Why does the top of the class go into surgery?”
“The cows come before everything else. Understand that, and you’ll never be surprised by your patients who are farmers.”
“At what point does the death of a patient not bother a doctor?”
“I get the sense from my preceptor that much of primary care entails deciding what not to do—what parts of the physical exam can be safely skipped, how abbreviated the history-taking can be, and this bothers me, because at this point I’m worried about missing things and get worried if I’m not being thorough enough.”
The study’s authors conclude, “This initial qualitative project demonstrates both constancy in the themes on which students reflect during medical training, as well as evidence to suggest the impact of outside trends and events on the educational experiences of medical students…”
The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Study: Physicians see limited benefit from cold remedies
release date: Thursday, January 10, 2008contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net
Madison—The bottom line is that doctors agree there is just no magic bullet to defeating or substantially minimizing the effects of the common cold.
A survey of physicians and medical researchers, just published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 106, No. 8), asked family physicians and others considered “experts” on common cold research what they thought of such treatments as zinc, vitamin C and antihistamines.
“Responding family physicians and experts agreed that cold remedies do not reduce illness duration,” report the authors, who are from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Family Medicine.
On the other hand, there was a lot of disagreement about what worked regarding “severity reduction,” though decongestants were rated most positively.
“Interesting to us, antihistamines and Echinacea received the most favorable ratings, with the largest number of moderately strong or very strong ratings,” the authors report. Zinc nasal spray got the worst ratings.
The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Could dairy state be vitamin D deficient?
release date: Tuesday, January 8, 2008contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net
Madison—Your ability to fight disease, build muscle and prevent broken bones may all hinge on how much vitamin D your body receives and produces. But new research published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 106, No. 8) finds residents of the dairy state are vitamin D deficient.
“As a result of low dietary intake and sun avoidance, low vitamin D status is endemic in Wisconsin,” say the authors, from the University of Wisconsin Osteoporosis Clinical Center and Research Program in Madison.
Vitamin D is produced in the skin when we’re exposed to sunlight. But the risk of skin cancer has scared many of us out of the sun and has increased the popularity of using sunscreen, even though sunscreen “effectively blocks cutaneous vitamin D production.”
While preventing skin cancer is important, so is preventing falls, especially since as of 2002, Wisconsin had the highest “crude death rate from falls in the United States,” according to the Journal article.
“Since low vitamin D status increases falls risk, and supplementation reduces falling, it is likely that vitamin D supplementation is an inexpensive way to reduce falls and fractures in Wisconsin and elsewhere,” the authors conclude. They estimate the cost at as little as $1 per month.
Milk, salmon and other fatty fish are good sources of vitamin D, but spending a little time in sunshine is probably necessary too, unless you take supplements.
The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Physicians dismiss the Fund Board from lawsuit
State raided Fund before Board of Governors could act; lawsuit continues
release date: Friday, December 7, 2007
contact: Mark Grapentine, JD - 608.575.2514 - markg@wismed.org
Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society dismissed the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Board and the Commissioner of Insurance, Sean Dilweg, from its lawsuit challenging the legality of the raid of the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (Fund). When the lawsuit was filed, Commissioner Dilweg and the Fund Board were named as defendants because Wisconsin law mandates that any withdrawal of money by the Commissioner of Insurance be approved and authorized by the Fund Board.
The Society has learned, since filing its lawsuit, that the Department of Administration transferred money from the Fund without the approval or authorization of the Fund Board or the Commissioner of Insurance. Because neither the Fund Board nor the Commissioner were involved in the decision to raid the Fund or the execution of the raid, the Society believes that it is appropriate to dismiss them from the lawsuit at this time.
“It’s disappointing to see that the state took measures to bypass the Fund Board,” said Society President Clarence P. Chou, MD. “After Governor Doyle proposed the raid back in February, the Fund Board unanimously approved a statement opposing the raid. The state’s decision to take extraordinary action by excluding the Board from the process raises, in our minds, some serious concerns about the legality of the process.”
The Society will actively pursue its claims against the state for raiding the Fund, Chou said, as the Society believes the raid is both unconstitutional and detrimental to patients in Wisconsin.
With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.
Society files suit to stop $200 million raid on fund for injured patients
release date: Monday, October 29, 2007contact: Mark Grapentine, JD - 608.575.2514 - markg@wismed.org
Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society officially filed suit (case no.: 07-CV-4035) this afternoon to remedy what it contends is an illegal taking of $200 million from Wisconsin’s Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (IPFCF). The action comes just days after Governor Doyle signed the State Budget on Friday.
“This is just the first step in what may very well be a lengthy process in the courts,” said Tom Pyper, of Whyte Hirschboeck Dudeck, S.C., who is representing the Society. “Judicial timelines are very difficult to predict. The Society is prepared to exhaust every legal option in defending injured patients and families and Society health care providers from what it believes to be an illegal taking.”
“It is with great reluctance that we’ve filed this lawsuit, but the Society is dedicated to protecting patients’ access to health care,” said Society President Clarence Chou, MD. “There is no doubt that during litigation it will be more difficult to recruit and retain high quality physicians when the practice climate in Wisconsin is unstable. But it would have been worse to let the government steal money from a fund that provides support for injured patients and their families.”
Named in the suit are Sean Dilweg, Commissioner of Insurance, Michael Morgan, Secretary of Department of Administration and Dawn Marie Sass, State Treasurer.
The suit asserts eight causes of action, including the seeking of a permanent injunction against transferring money from the Fund “because the Act is unconstitutional or otherwise invalid or unenforceable….” The complaint further states that this transfer of money “constitutes an unlawful tax and is, accordingly, invalid and void….” To read the complaint in its entirety, click here.
Physicians and certain other health professionals are required to pay fees to the IPFCF. The Fund, established in 1975, ensures monies are available to support patients injured due to a negligent medical act. Fund payments cover medical bills, replace lost income and make injured patients economically whole, to the extent possible. No taxpayer dollars are in the Fund. 2003 Act 111 established the Fund as an “irrevocable trust” to make sure the money was there for injured patients and their families.
The Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state with more than 11,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients. The Wisconsin Medical Society has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841.
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