Press Releases | Wisconsin Medical Society

Society expresses sympathy for Haiti, encourages support for relief efforts

release date: Tuesday, January 20, 2010
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Statement attributable to:
Robert Jaeger, MD
President, Wisconsin Medical Society

Madison, Wis.— “The earthquake that struck Haiti on January 5 was a true tragedy, leaving thousands of people injured and creating a public health crisis that demands our attention and assistance. On behalf of the physicians of the Wisconsin Medical Society, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to the earthquake victims and their families and offer a message of hope as aid workers from across the globe work to provide food, shelter and medical care.

“The Society is also encouraging its members and the public to support international relief and response efforts, including those of the U.S. government, in this time of need. We have developed a special page on our website that lists charities providing aid to Haiti, and we are monitoring the need for medical volunteers and supplies at this time. As additional opportunities to help arise, we will communicate them through our website and newsletters.

“We value this opportunity to lend a hand to those in need and will continue keep the victims of this disaster in our thoughts.”

With more than 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. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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Wisconsin Medical Society ‘very pleased’ with Supreme Court’s decision to hear case

release date: Thursday, January 14, 2010
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—The Wisconsin Medical Society (Society), representing more than 12,000 physicians statewide, is pleased with the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision to hear Wisconsin Medical Society, Inc. and David M. Hoffmann, MD v. Michael L. Morgan. This case has statewide implications and the Court’s resolution of the issues will affect injured patients, health care professionals and Wisconsin’s medical liability environment.

The Society filed suit in October 2007 following enactment of legislation that took $200 million from the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (Fund) to help balance the state’s budget. The Society appealed a Dane County Circuit Court decision upholding the raid, and in December, the Court of Appeals issued a Certification requesting that the Supreme Court accept the case.

“We are very pleased that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear this case. The Fund’s assets are not general revenue. These dollars are held in a trust for the benefit of injured patients, their families and contributing health care professionals,” said George M. Lange, Chair of the Society’s Board of Directors. “We hope the Court will preserve the integrity and security of this important trust by overturning the raid on the Fund and ordering that the money taken be restored.”

The Fund was created in 1975 to minimize the effects insurance costs caused by lawsuits might have on health care costs and quality. Wisconsin physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals are required to pay into the Fund annually. There are no taxpayer dollars in the Fund.

“The Fund is a stabilizing influence in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other health care professionals. As such, it is critical to maintaining the high quality of Wisconsin’s health care system,” Dr. Lange added.

For more information, including a 5-minute video about the issue, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/initiatives/lawsuit.

With more than 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.

Wisconsin Medical Journal: New study examines tobacco use among Wisconsin's Hmong Americans

release date: Thursday, January 14, 2010
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Educational achievement and household exposure to cigarettes are strong predictors of tobacco use for Wisconsin’s Hmong population, as is the amount of time spent adapting to American culture, according to new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 9).

Researchers from Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the La Crosse County Health Department surveyed Hmong youth and adults in 14 different Wisconsin communities and found that almost one-third of youth ages 12 to 17 had tried tobacco and that 15 percent use tobacco every day. Youth who had lived in the United States the longest were the most likely to have used tobacco products.

The adults surveyed who were born in the United States were up to 3.7 times more likely to have used tobacco than their peers born outside the U.S. Those with the lowest levels of education were more likely to be daily users of tobacco, and those who shared a home with a smoker were as much as 3.4 times more likely to use tobacco than those who did not live with someone who smokes.

The research team said these findings have important implications for school- and community-based smoking-prevention programs.

“[Our] results suggest that tobacco use prevention programs must be culturally sensitive and include more Hmong of various ages to achieve better outcomes in preventing tobacco use,” they noted. “With the Asian American immigrant population on the rise, appropriate steps need to be taken to monitor the health status of new incoming immigrants, who are at greater risk.”

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Wisconsin isn’t immune to dengue fever

release date: Tuesday, December 29, 2009
contact: Kristin Knipschild - 608.442.3765 - kristin.knipschild@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Travelers from Wisconsin may return home from a variety of tropical locations with dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, according to new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 9).

A team of epidemiologists from the Bureau of Communicable Diseases at the Wisconsin Division of Public Health (DPH) found that between 2002 and 2008, 32 cases of dengue fever were reported among Wisconsin residents who had traveled to popular vacation destinations in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The team determined these numbers by analyzing patient data from local health departments and the DPH. Each dengue infection was confirmed with blood tests and was diagnosed by a Wisconsin physician after the patient returned home.

Most (85%) of the dengue-infected travelers reported being exposed to mosquitoes during their trip, but few (6%) reported consistent use of insect repellant, demonstrating the need for mosquito-bite prevention when traveling to the tropics. All patients who tested positive for dengue reported fever when they visited their health care professional, and most also reported experiencing headache, muscle pain or fatigue. These symptoms typically occurred within two weeks of returning home from a tropical location. In addition, 28 percent of these travelers were hospitalized because of the illness.

The researchers noted that these numbers stress the need for travelers to take precautions against mosquitoes—for example, consistently using insect repellant and mosquito netting—when visiting tropical areas where dengue-carrying mosquitoes are present.

The risk of dengue among travelers is increasing and not likely to decrease in the near future,” said the research team. “We recommend that all travelers to dengue-endemic areas be educated about the risk of dengue, including receiving recommended pre-travel advice on dengue illness by a knowledgeable health care professional.”

The research team also emphasized that health care professionals should consider dengue as a possible diagnosis when examining patients who develop a headache or muscle pains within two weeks of returning from a tropical area, and that they should report all dengue infections to the patient’s local public health department because all arboviral (mosquito-borne virus) infections are reportable in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Beaver Dam physician named 2009 Physician Citizen of the Year

release date: Friday, November 20, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—The Wisconsin Medical Society has named Edward Cody, MD, its 2009 Physician Citizen of the Year. He received the award last night at the Dodge County Medical Society (CMS) meeting in Beaver Dam. A family physician who retired in May after 30 years in practice with Medical Associates of Beaver Dam, Dr. Cody was recognized for his numerous volunteer efforts.

“There are many ways physicians can and do get involved in their communities to make a difference in the lives of their patients,” said Wisconsin Medical Society President Robert Jaeger, MD. “But Doctor Cody’s efforts are truly inspiring. The breadth of his involvement and commitment to his community make him an outstanding role model for all of us seeking to make our own communities stronger, safer and healthier.”

The Society’s Physician Citizen of the Year Award is awarded annually to a physician who demonstrates a commitment to their communities through volunteer or charitable activities. There is no question Dr. Cody fits that description. For more than 10 years, Dr. Cody has served as medical director of the Beaver Dam School District, helping review policies to promote and protect health among students and staff. He has also served as medical director at Continental Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center in Randolph.

Through his church, Dr. Cody works with prison inmates at the Fox Lake Correctional Institution, leading weekly discussion groups to support and nurture their development of new behaviors. He has also helped rebuild homes in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi as part of a community effort to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, and he has also served as a Boy Scout leader. “Helping people in need is something I think we’re called to do as physicians,” said Dr. Cody. “There are so many problems out there that are much worse than what we’ll ever experience, so those of us who can help out should. It makes a difference, and it’s something that makes you feel good at the end of the day.”

With over 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. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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Wisconsin Medical Society launches performance improvement initiative utilizing WHIO data

release date: Monday, November 16, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—The Wisconsin Health Information Organization (WHIO) today launched a campaign to encourage health care purchasers, payers and agents to use its Health Analytics Exchange, a centralized data mart of health care claims information.

The Wisconsin Medical Society, a founding member of WHIO, also announced an initiative today to transform this data into a vital performance improvement resource for physicians that will lead to better patient care in Wisconsin.

“This work is notable because it’s really about finding ways to take the best possible care of patients,” said Society Senior Vice President Tim Bartholow, MD. “Wisconsin consistently is ranked at the top when it comes to providing high quality care, but there is always room to get even better. We believe by carefully examining the WHIO data, we will be able to identify areas with potential for improvement and support physicians in activities that will lead to higher quality patient care.”

The Society is recruiting physicians throughout Wisconsin to participate in workgroups that will focus on four key areas: orthopedics, cardiology, gastroenterology and behavioral health. These groups, which will begin meeting in December, will work to develop performance improvement initiatives for physicians statewide.

“WHIO data, used with an understanding of its limitations, can be an excellent tool in developing health care quality and efficiency initiatives,” said Society CEO Susan Turney, MD. “And it’s essential that physicians lead these efforts, because they take care of patients every day.”

With over 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. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Stronger graduated driver’s licensing program would save lives, prevent injuries in Midwest

release date: Friday, November 13, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—A new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 8) shows that three-stage graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) policies save lives and prevent injuries throughout the Midwest. The research also shows how states could save more teen lives and avoid thousands of teen motor vehicle injuries by modifying their GDL policies to include new, proven components.

A team of researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Injury Research Center and the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin studied GDL policies and five years of vehicle crash data from six states—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin—and found that more than 300 deaths could have been prevented if each of these states had included evidence-based modifications to their GDL programs. In addition, nearly 21,400 injuries could have been avoided if they had instituted at least five of the seven components identified by researchers from Johns Hopkins sponsored by the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety and recommended by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

Minimum age of 16 years for obtaining a learner’s permit
A holding period of at least six months after obtaining a learner permit before applying for intermediate phase
At least 30 hours of supervised driving
Minimum age of 16.5 years for entering the intermediate phase
No unsupervised driving at night after 10 p.m. during the intermediate phase
No unsupervised driving during the intermediate phase with more than one passenger younger than 20 years
Minimum age of 17 years for full licensure.

The study’s authors obtained these numbers by applying the Johns Hopkins researchers’ incidence rate ratio—a number used to predict the reduction of motor vehicle crash fatalities and injuries when a strong GDL policy is implemented—to crash statistics from the states whose GDL policies did not include five of the seven criteria listed above. The results, they argue, show just how beneficial strengthening these policies could be.

“Our study lends support for states moving to include more of the best-practice components and included within the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recommendations for state GDL regulations,” they say. “This could be viewed as a ‘policy treatment prescription’ capable of keeping teenagers alive and families intact.”

Wisconsin currently has a graduated driver’s licensing policy, but it includes only three of the seven evidence-based components. The authors also note that while motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teen deaths in the United States and Wisconsin, some policymakers may be reluctant to revise GDL laws due, in part, to concerns that delaying the driving age or further restricting teens’ nighttime vehicle use might burden busy families. However, parents tend to support GDL programs and are key participants in the development of successful GDL policies, they emphasize.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Fungus among us: Researchers find rare but dangerous rural fungal disease in Milwaukee

release date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Blastomycosis, a potentially fatal fungal infection, has typically been associated with rural northern Wisconsin. However, according to new research published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 8), it’s also a disease that affects city dwellers.

A team of researchers from the Center for Urban Population Health, the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and several other institutions studied 68 cases of the illness from urban southeastern Wisconsin from 2002 to 2007 and found that residents of this region may acquire blastomycosis there, sometimes without a specific outdoor exposure source.

A substantial percent of the patients studied reported that they had not traveled outside their community around the time they became ill, suggesting that they may have been infected close to home. The researchers surveyed these patients about their exposure to potential sources of the fungus near their homes, including open bodies of water and local parks, finding that the 45 cases identified in the City of Milwaukee were concentrated on the north side of town, closer than average to an inland waterway.

Previous studies have suggested that inland waterways may be associated with the disease. While the researchers were not able to determine how the fungus made its way from waterways to Milwaukee-area residents, a majority of the patients they queried recalled waterway exposure, which may have led to direct contact with the Blastomyces dermatitidis fungus.

While more research on the process by which people come into contact with Blastomyces is needed, the researchers say the study’s most important take-away message is for urban health care professionals: Blastomycosis should be considered as a diagnosis when a patient is presenting with its symptoms, even if the patient does not report a history of traveling to northern Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Off-label medication use prevalent among children due to lack of FDA guidelines

release date: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Despite passage of the federal Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) in 2002, most medications being prescribed to children who are very sick are not properly tested for pediatric use, according to new research published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 7).

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health studied doctors’ prescribing trends in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) over the course of a year and discovered that prescribing guidelines approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were unavailable for more than 65% of the most common medications given to patients under age 18, including morphine and fentanyl. In fact, of the five medications most commonly prescribed to children in this PICU, only acetaminophen has FDA-approved guidelines in all age categories.

The reasons for the lack of adequate study of medication use among children are complex, according to the authors. Concerns about the ethical complexities of studying pediatric patients play a role, as do the decisions of pharmaceutical companies that do not make such research a priority. As a result, many pediatricians prescribe medications to their young patients “off-label”—that is, in a manner other than what the FDA guidelines suggest.

A lack of data about medications’ effects on pediatric populations makes it very difficult to determine proper dosing guidelines for young patients. Off-label and off-license use of medications among pediatric patients have been linked with adverse drug reactions in several previous studies, though little of this research has been conducted in the United States.

In particular, the researchers expressed concern that high-risk medication classes sometimes prescribed to PICU patients have not been studied properly, raising the risk that side effects from these drugs might harm children who are already extremely ill. While the BPCA mandated a financial incentive for pediatric drug trials (continued drug exclusivity for 6 months), the lack of research persists. Allowing these medications to go unstudied among children simply reinforces the need for doctors to prescribe them off-label, presenting risks such as overdose and adverse reactions, the authors stress.

“It is vital that additional research be done to standardize pediatric prescribing guidelines with the same stringency currently applied to adults,” they said. “Providing appropriate pediatric labeling should remain a primary focus for all pharmaceutical research and new drug discoveries.”

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Risk of fatal alcohol-related car accidents greater in rural areas, new study finds

release date: Thursday, October 8, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Several recent studies have shown that some of the nation’s highest rates of alcohol consumption and binge drinking are found in Wisconsin. According to a new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 7), Wisconsin residents—especially those in rural areas—are also at higher risk of being involved in a car crash that is due to alcohol.

A researcher at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, compared statistics about motor vehicle accident (MVA) fatalities that were related to alcohol and those in which alcohol was not a factor. In the process, he also analyzed county-by-county MVA trends and the relationship between alcohol-related MVAs and the number of liquor licenses per capita.

The study’s author found that rates of both types of MVAs—those associated with alcohol and those that were not—were significantly higher in rural counties than in urban ones. Rural counties had nearly 4.5 times more liquor licenses per capita than urban counties, suggesting that though there are fewer people on the roads in rural areas, there are more places to get a drink.

A number of other factors may raise the risk of accidents on rural roads, according to the study. Rural trips tend to be longer and may involve higher speed limits, wildlife crossing the roads and treacherous conditions such as snow, ice and gravel. When judgment and motor skills are impaired by alcohol, it can be a recipe for disaster.

The study's author argues that mandatory use of Ignition Interlock Devices for repeat driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) offenses might help to prevent some of these fatalities. He also recommends expansion of initiatives such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Road Crew program, which provides rides home for intoxicated motorists and uses social marketing tactics to promote a culture of riding home rather than driving home during a night of alcohol consumption.

However, the first step toward reducing alcohol-related MVAs may need to involve changes to liquor licensing practices, he says.

“The increase in the number of liquor licenses per capita in Wisconsin is suggestive of increased rural access to alcohol and provides a starting point for policy change and regulation,” he says.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Child safety seat education needs an extra boost

release date: Wednesday, October 7, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children despite the widespread availability of effective child passenger restraint systems (CPRSs) such as child safety seats. However, even when provided with free CPRSs and education about how to use them properly, many caregivers do not make them a part of their daily routine, according to the authors of a new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 7).

A group of researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee conducted a community-based study in which a certified car seat technician educated caregivers of more than 100 low-income, minority and urban children about how to choose and install the appropriate CPRS based on their child’s age, height and weight. In addition to this training, each caregiver was given a CPRS for their child at no cost.

While the rate of appropriate restraint soared to 85% soon after receiving the free CPRS and 30-minute training session with a technician, it declined to 65% over the next 9 months. Older children were less likely to be restrained properly than younger children, suggesting that interventions focused on reaching families with children before it is time to transition them into a booster seat might be most effective. The underlying reasons caregivers do not use CPRSs in daily routines are not clear, but factors such as having multiple caregivers transport the same child in multiple vehicles may play a role. A better understanding of these factors is important in developing interventions to increase appropriate use of CPRSs.

According to the study’s authors, interventions that target entire families and reinforce recently learned child-safety behaviors would also be beneficial.

“Much more needs to be done to assess effective interventions that improve this population’s rates of proper, long-term use of CPRS,” they said. “Interventions may need to include more support of families and communities as they struggle to move on the continuum of behavior change.”

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Suspension in BadgerCare Plus Core Plan enrollment further illustrates need for health care reform

release date: Tuesday, October 6, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—“Wisconsin physicians provide the highest quality care in the nation, and we believe that every one of our citizens deserves access to that care. But with our nation’s current economic woes and increasing unemployment rate, access to care for some of our most vulnerable patients is becoming increasingly difficult.

“Governor Doyle’s announcement yesterday that the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan will suspend enrollment this Friday, along with the fact that our state’s Medicaid program is already facing a $625 million deficit this biennium, further illustrates that real and lasting changes to our current health care system are essential. Wisconsin expanded BadgerCare coverage to include adults without children, which has resulted in a huge demand. As Wisconsin builds on its top quality status, health system reform must address the government’s chronic under-funding of health care programs for the sickest and poorest among us.

“The Wisconsin Medical Society is committed to working with the State to protect patients’ access to high quality care in Wisconsin and continuing to work with our Congressional leaders to enact health system reform that ensures access to this care.”

Statement attributable to Robert Jaeger, MD, President, Wisconsin Medical Society.

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. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Health care access and affordability problems plague insured and uninsured patients alike

release date: Monday, September 14, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—More than 9% of Wisconsin residents currently lack health insurance, but they’re not the only ones struggling with the health care system, according to the authors of new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 6).

A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire conducted an interview-based study of 18 Wisconsin residents with varying levels of health insurance coverage to discover how the experiences and concerns of patients without insurance compare to those of insured patients. Regardless of their insurance status, study participants expressed worries about health care access and affordability, as well as the significant influence this coverage has on their life choices, such as where to work and how to put food on the table.

The 18 interviewees that were the focus of this study were drawn from a set of 222 individuals from west-central Wisconsin who completed a health care survey in 2008. The study group included individuals recruited at community events such as farmers’ markets, patients from public health clinics, small business owners, college students and a farmer. Every study participant was employed at the time of the interviews, but only half of them were insured, largely because their employers were not offering any health insurance options or because the options offered were too expensive.

Though the results of this study cannot be generalized to a broader population, they speak volumes about the impact inadequate health coverage has on these patients’ health, careers and livelihood, as well as that of their families. For many of those interviewed, fear of medical debt resulted in skipped diagnostic tests or follow-up, unfilled prescriptions and lack of specialty care. As one participant put it, “They wanted to do a whole bunch of testing, and it was really expensive, thousands. And so I didn’t do it because I can’t pay that.”

Insured patients expressed frustration with health care plans that seemed to promise coverage of certain tests, procedures and medications but would not pay for these services when they were needed. Patients with insurance also described limitations related to career choices, such as staying at a job to retain health coverage rather than starting a business or becoming self-employed. Small-business owners expressed frustration about health insurance premiums that rise by as much as $200 per person each year. Meanwhile, uninsured patients said they decided against even the most basic health insurance plans because it would mean putting money toward insurance premiums “instead of buying a decent vehicle to get to work or buying food for the family.”

Of the 222 patients surveyed during the screening portion of the study, more than 90% indicated that they favored a system that would make health care accessible and affordable to all.

“These qualitative findings provide evidence of public support for universal health care,” the researchers said. “Participants agreed that all citizens have a right to health care and favor health care reform to make that right a reality.”

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Wisconsin physicians support health system reform, according to new study

release date: Tuesday, September 8, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Wisconsin physicians share a desire for health care reform and agree about several key priorities. Nevertheless, primary care physicians and specialists tend to differ on how changes to the current system should be implemented, according to the authors of a new study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 6).

A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Wisconsin Medical Society surveyed 2,500 randomly selected Wisconsin physicians in summer 2008 to determine their opinions about several facets of the health care reform debate, including what role the government should play in an adapted system, whether health insurance should be tied to employment and how the system should handle high-risk patients and those unable to pay for health care services.

A majority (60%) of the physicians that returned a completed survey to the researchers indicated that they think the government should be responsible, to a large degree, for ensuring that all Wisconsin residents have access to high-quality and affordable health care. In addition, 55% indicated that they support expansion of Medicaid and BadgerCare, while 24% indicated that they oppose this idea. The remaining 21% indicated that they were neutral or undecided on this issue. While more than half (54%) indicated that they support incentives for health savings accounts (HSAs) with high-deductible insurance plans, a significant percentage (21%) indicated that they oppose this reform measure. Another 25% indicated being either neutral or undecided.

A closer look at the data showed that these differences of opinion were closely linked to physicians’ status as primary care physicians (e.g., family physicians, internists, pediatricians) or specialists. Primary care physicians tended to support more government involvement in the health care system through measures such as universal coverage and creation of a single-payer system. Specialists were more likely to support HSAs with high-deductible insurance plans and oppose single-payer and universal-coverage proposals. Primary care physicians, in general, had a more negative view of the current state of health care in the U.S.—and Wisconsin—than specialists.

At the same time, specialists and primary care physicians indicated that, by and large, they agree about what factors must be addressed in federal and state reform efforts. These factors include medical malpractice insurance costs and litigation, administrative costs in the health care system, unhealthy lifestyle choices among Wisconsin residents, the cost of health care services, pharmaceutical advertising and the waning supply of primary care physicians both nationally and statewide.

The research team asserts that the study’s findings signal a need for a more unified physician voice in the health care reform debate, both in Washington and Wisconsin.

“These results indicate a need for more dialogue and education among physicians to identify common ground, forge shared goals and promote reforms to best benefit patients by achieving a cost-effective, high-quality and accessible health care system,” the researchers said.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Autism most prevalent in families with highest levels of education and income

release date: Tuesday, August 18, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—As a family’s socioeconomic status (SES) increases, so does the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to new research published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 5).

A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Population Health Sciences and Waisman Center analyzed 2002 data from the Wisconsin Surveillance of Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities System and found that the frequency of ASD cases among 8-year-olds in southeastern Wisconsin was highest among those from families with the highest levels of education and those with the highest median household incomes. ASD prevalence in the highest education bracket was 6.8 per 1,000 8-year-old children compared to 2.6 per 1,000 children in the lowest education bracket.

This pattern is markedly different from the trend observed in a number of other studies, which found that a wide variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities are more common among children from low-SES families. However, a positive association between high SES levels and the prevalence of ASD specifically has been reported before. The reason for this relationship could not be determined from this study; however, the researchers noted that access to health and educational services may differ between high-SES families and low-SES families, which could account for variations in how often children are diagnosed with ASD and which children receive therapy and other services.

The researchers also emphasized that the number of Wisconsin children receiving services for ASD has increased steadily since 1992, indicating a need for further research on this topic.

“This trend has created concern among the public, increased demands on school systems and health care professionals and a pressing need for improved epidemiologic information,” they said.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Dairy intake aids teens’ bone-density levels; tobacco and alcohol have negative effects

release date: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison, Wis.—Scientists suspect that people whose bones do not reach peak density during adolescence may be prime candidates for osteoporosis, a metabolic condition that leads to weaker bones and higher risk of fractures, later in life. That’s why a team of Wisconsin researchers has been investigating factors that promote and prevent the development of strong bones in teenagers.

Their study, published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 4), revealed that consuming an average of 4 or more servings of dairy per day led to stronger, denser bones among 239 Wisconsin high school students and that smoking and alcohol use had the opposite effect. The participants’ bone mineral density (BMD) levels were measured during 9th grade and 12th grade, and each student completed a yearly questionnaire about exercise habits, alcohol consumption, smoking, caffeine intake and use of vitamins and medications. A serving of dairy was defined as 1 ounce of cheese or 1 cup of milk, yogurt, cottage cheese or ice cream.

The research team, led by Adel Korkor, MD, of Waukesha Memorial Hospital, says that these findings highlight the importance of public health campaigns to promote BMD development during adolescence, which may improve teens’ osteoporosis outcomes as they age.

"These strategies should include educating adolescents on the importance of adequate calcium intake and avoidance of alcohol and tobacco to optimize bone health," they said. The study also found that male subjects tended to gain BMD throughout high school while female subjects tended to lose it, suggesting that efforts to educate female teens about smoking, alcohol use and calcium intake are especially important.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Southeast Asian immigrants develop more cardiovascular risk factors shortly after settling in U.S.

release date: Wednesday, July 8, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison—Adapting to an American lifestyle that includes fast food and low levels of physical activity translates into an increased risk for cardiovascular disease for many Southeast Asian (SEA) children who have recently settled in Wisconsin, according to a new study published in latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 4).

A team of researchers from the Cardiovascular Research and Education Foundation, Cardiovascular Associates of Northern Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Psychology studied 715 randomly selected students from the Wausau School District and found that SEA students had a greater prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors than white students, even though fewer SEA students were overweight. Quite soon after arriving in the United States, the first-generation SEA youth had developed at least as many cardiovascular risk factors as their white counterparts.

Cardiovascular risk factors that develop during childhood often progress into cardiovascular disease in adulthood, highlighting the need for education and prevention efforts among children and teenagers. These risk factors include tobacco use, elevated blood pressure levels, above-normal body weight and several other factors, all of which were measured by the researchers.

Few studies of cardiovascular risk factors among SEA immigrants—particularly children and families settling in Wisconsin—had been done up to this point, even though Wausau and several other communities in the state are major relocation centers for Hmong refugees from Laos, as well as other SEA ethnic groups.

The researchers suspect that many SEA immigrants struggle to obtain information on healthy diet choices, such as the nutritional information on the labels of food products, due to language barriers and that SEA children tend to adopt the sedentary habits of their classmates. Prevention programs emphasizing daily physical activity, nutritious foods and avoidance of tobacco smoke are likely to make a difference if they are communicated to this ethnic group more effectively, they stress.

"In light of this study, these future preventive plans must be designed with cultural sensitivity and be accurately translated in order to successfully address cardiovascular risk in SEA students," they said.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Society applauds Senate action removing joint and several liability change from State budget

release date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009
contact: Mark Grapentine - 608.442.3768 or 608.575.2514 (cell) - mark.grapentine@wismed.org

Statement attributable to Robert Jaeger, MD, President, Wisconsin Medical Society

"The Wisconsin Medical Society applauds the State Senate for removing draconian changes to Wisconsin’s liability law from the biennial budget. Special thanks go to Sen. Jon Erpenbach for his efforts. Such a dramatic policy change didn’t belong in a budget bill in the first place, so we praise the Senate for standing up for good government.

"Wisconsin provides top-quality health care at a much more affordable value than other states in the country in part due to our reasonable approach to lawsuits. The dramatic change to joint and several liability would have threatened that stability by inspiring more lawsuits to be filed against more defendants as lawyers try to find a ‘deep pocket.’ Rather than encourage that bad behavior, the Legislature has sent a message loud and clear: let high-quality health care continue in Wisconsin."

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Society applauds Assembly action protecting Wisconsin's liability environment

release date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009
contact: Mark Grapentine - 608.442.3768 or 608.575.2514 (cell) - mark.grapentine@wismed.org

Madison—"Today’s vote by Assembly Democrats removing the joint and several liability changes from the biennial budget bill is very welcome news. Political arm-twisting should never trump good policy. Today’s action shows that our Capitol policymakers truly care about the ramifications of the work they do. The Society thanks Rep. Louis Molepske and Rep. Mary Hubler for making the motion to remove the item, and for the members of the caucus that supported that motion.

"We encourage the State Senate to support the Assembly’s action; keeping Wisconsin's medical liability environment stable helps our citizens keep their access to high-quality health care in this state."

Statement attributable to Robert Jaeger, MD, President, Wisconsin Medical Society

With nearly 12,500 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. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Many doctors choose traditional Indian method to treat sinus conditions

release date: Tuesday, June 9, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison—Neti pots and other saline nasal irrigation (SNI) devices used to be confined to health food stores and alternative-medicine practices. However, after receiving the thumbs-up from several clinical research studies, they’ve become a popular mainstream treatment for upper-respiratory conditions in Wisconsin.

A study in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 3) assessed SNI usage patterns among 330 family physicians in Wisconsin and found that 87 percent have recommended SNI as therapy for a variety of upper-respiratory conditions, including sinus congestion caused by bacteria, allergies and viral infections.

The SNI method, rooted in the Indian medical tradition of Ayurveda, involves rinsing the nasal cavity with a liquid or spray form of saline, often via a Neti pot. While use of SNI appears to be gaining popularity, especially after attention from National Public Radio and the Oprah Winfrey Show, this was the first study to measure awareness and clinical use of SNI among practicing physicians.

After gathering data through an electronic survey, researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that younger physicians tended to recommend SNI to their patients more frequently than older physicians and that female physicians were more likely than male physicians to suggest this method. In general, the physicians surveyed recommended variety of methods for SNI delivery, though sprays and gravity-based devices such as the Neti pot were the most popular.

In addition, most of the survey respondents indicated that they had advised SNI use prior to prescribing antibiotics, suggesting that SNI may be an effective way to minimize antibiotic use for sinus conditions and, in turn, fight the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

"Even a small decrease in the use of prescription and over-the-counter medications could have a substantial impact on medical expenditure, ‘antibiotic pressure’ and associated antibiotic resistance," the study’s authors state.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Barriers to rural research are many, but infrastructure improvements may help

release date: Monday, June 8, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison—According to the Rural Policy Research Institute, less than 0.5 percent of the nation’s private philanthropy goes toward rural research projects. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), less than 1 percent of its own funds for Wisconsin research support projects outside the Milwaukee and Madison areas. And according to Janette Strasburger, MD, a physician and professor from Neenah, Wis., this dearth of funding hampers rural communities’ efforts to improve their economies, keep up with medical and technological advances, and address public health issues that affect their residents.

A commentary piece by Dr. Strasburger, published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 3), makes a case that small towns and rural areas need more research dollars, public and private, and offers an action plan for universities, communities and elected officials to extend the reach of research beyond large cities and suburbs.

"These research endeavors stand to enhance economic growth, reduce health disparities, decrease youth exodus and enhance research infrastructure," she states in the article. "Cities are viewed as sources for high-paying jobs, yet many of these same jobs could be translated to rural and micropolitan areas, provided that the resources are established to support it."

Strasburger points to several successful health research centers in smaller communities—in particular, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wis.—as proof that world-class research can take place outside urban areas. However, these centers owe much to a successful model for enlisting support from the community, plus established institutions such as universities, she says.

For many rural areas to achieve similar success, university faculty partners must be easier to access, community leaders must polish their grant-writing skills, and rural individuals must increase their presence on the advisory boards of grant programs, especially those at universities, Strasburger argues.

In addition, universities and other grant-awarding institutions must simplify their application processes and examine their procedures for barriers to rural applicants, she says.

A host of other recommendations about how to help rural and small-town communities access to research funding—from upgrading public libraries to increasing wireless Internet access—are outlined in an action plan in the article.

Doctor Strasburger is a professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the director of cardiac services at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin – Fox Valley in Neenah, Wis.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Wisconsin children’s blood lead levels peak during summer

release date: Wednesday, June 3, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison—Researchers have long suspected that blood lead levels—and the incidence of lead poisoning—follow seasonal trends, but these suspicions had never been confirmed for Wisconsin preschoolers. Now they have, thanks to a team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

The study, published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Vol. 108, No. 3), analyzed blood lead test results from nearly 677,000 Wisconsin children under age 6 from 1996 to 2008. The researchers found that average blood lead levels were lowest in March and highest in September, suggesting that lead may be more prevalent in Wisconsin children’s environments during the summer months.

In addition, these levels were most pronounced among infants less than 10 weeks old who lived in both the most and least densely populated areas of the state.

Although lead-based paint inside the home is the single greatest source of lead in a child’s environment, lead-containing dust from outside the home also appears to play a significant role, most likely when parents open windows and take the child outside to play.

"A short-lived but intense event could lead to significant transport of [lead-containing] particulates into the interior of building, especially if the doors and windows were open or in use at the time," the researchers said.

Some possible exterior sources of lead include lead-based paint on the outside of children’s homes and other homes in their neighborhoods, the soil of these homes’ yards, residual contamination from leaded fuels and windblown dust from distant sources. The study’s authors recommend that these potential lead sources be studied further.

The authors also recommend that health care professionals consider retesting children whose blood lead levels approach the lead-poisoning threshold during an off-peak period month such as March or April. They recommend that these children be tested again during the summer since they may be at greater risk for lead poisoning then.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Society applauds efforts for statewide smoking ban

release date: Thursday, May 7, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—"The Wisconsin Medical Society is extremely pleased by the collaboration among the legislature and other key stakeholders to protect the health of our citizens with a statewide smoking ban. Wisconsin physicians have known for a long time that secondhand smoke is a costly and preventable health hazard for our patients. We applaud this effort and sincerely hope that smoke-free Wisconsin workplaces will become a reality in the days ahead.

The Society commends the leadership of Senators Fred Risser and Jon Erpenbach and Representatives Jon Richards and Al Ott to promote this vital public-health reform, and we call on the rest of the State Senate and Assembly to follow suit when it is time to vote. Strong smoking-ban legislation is truly a step forward for Wisconsin."

Statement attributable to Robert Jaeger, MD, President, Wisconsin Medical Society

With nearly 12,500 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. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org to learn more.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Male elders face growing suicide risk as they age

release date: Thursday, May 7, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison—Numerous studies have shown that suicide rates among older adults are disproportionately high, but until recently, few researchers have investigated suicide risk factors for this population.

Using two violent-injury reporting systems, researchers from the Injury Research Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, analyzed several demographic characteristics of the 534 Wisconsin residents age 65 and older who committed suicide between 2001 and 2006. Their study, published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 108, No. 2), found that older male adults committed suicide at a rate 7.8 times higher than females and that single males and older male elders (defined in this study as age 85 and up) were at greatest risk of taking their own lives.

Though the study echoed previous research that identified being male, being single and being an older male elder as suicide risk factors, it found no statistically significant correlation between suicide risk and factors such as education level and veteran status. Previous national studies had found veterans age 65 and older to be at higher risk of suicide.

The researchers also determined that suicide rate trends among Wisconsin residents age 65 and older remained steady at 12 to 13 percent over the six-year study period. As of 2005, the suicide rate for this age group in Wisconsin was lower than the national average of 14.7 percent.

Given that the population of older adults is rising, the study’s authors emphasized the need to increase and focus suicide-prevention efforts for the 65-and-older age group, using a public health approach.

"In addition to having a disproportionately high rate of suicide, older adults are also more likely to die following a suicide attempt compared to the general population," the authors report. "Such statistics are particularly concerning because there is evidence that suicide is preventable."

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal: Electronic Medical Records increase productivity though some doctors have opposite perception

release date: Wednesday, May 1, 2009
contact: Jessica Steinhoff - 608.442.3747 - jessica.steinhoff@wismed.org

Madison—Electronic medical records (EMRs) are quickly becoming the standard way for health care professionals to manage patients’ health information. However, doubts about whether the benefits will outweigh the costs have stalled the implementation process at many hospitals and clinics.

That’s why researchers from the Medical College of Wisconsin set out to discover the extent to which EMRs affect the productivity of medical practices while measuring physicians’ perceptions of the electronic records’ impact on clinic productivity, documentation issues and quality of care.

Their study, published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 108, No. 2), found that physician productivity rose immediately and stayed at elevated levels throughout the study period. Meanwhile, physicians perceived that EMRs decreased their productivity.

Using a family medicine residency clinic as a test site, the researchers observed 13 medical faculty members and 25 residents as an EMR system was introduced and implemented over a two-year period. These physicians were surveyed about the EMR system’s impact on quality of patient care, documentation and productivity. Surveys took place in three-month intervals between December 2003 and May 2005.

While the study group showed greater productivity levels with the EMR system than when using paper records, they felt they were spending more time on electronic records than paper ones. Despite physicians’ perceptions that EMRs were increasing their workload, most maintained a positive opinion of the new system.

This positive opinion, the researchers say, "is likely due to having become accustomed to the now-ubiquitous computer in daily life, as well as the sense that the EMR increased the quality of care they could provide."

The residents were most accepting of the new system because the majority grew up with computers, according to the researchers, unlike faculty members, most of whom began using computers later in life.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal Study: Milwaukee County suicide rates top national average

release date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—When a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison set out to examine suicide rates in Wisconsin’s rural areas, he made a surprising discovery about urban suicide rates: Milwaukee County, the state’s largest urban area, had higher suicide rates than many other urban areas between 1999 and 2005.

The study, published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 108, No. 2), also found that suicide rates for males in Wisconsin’s rural areas were lower than the national average during the same six-year period, but that the rates for rural females mirrored the national average.

The study’s author, Zachary J. Baeseman, argues that his findings about Milwaukee County are surprising given that living in a rural area has long been considered a suicide risk factor among males and that suicide rates for urban females have been declining, for the most part, since 1980.

Baeseman says it is unclear why Milwaukee County has higher suicide rates than similar cohorts nationally or why rural Wisconsin males have lower-than-average suicide rates when compared to other rural areas in the United States. However, he hypothesizes that social factors are an important part of the equation.

"Social capital, social networks and social integration play an essential role in the etiology of suicide and are perhaps active factors in Wisconsin," he writes in the article. "Further research is necessary to clarify what role age, alcohol use, firearm access and social isolation play in Wisconsin’s suicide rates."

Baeseman’s analysis was based on suicide data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and population-classification guidelines such as the National Center for Health Statistics’ urban-rural classification system and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural-Urban Continuum Codes.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 12,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. For details, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

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Milwaukee-area physicians elected Society leadership

release date: Monday, April 27, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s House of Delegates confirmed the elections of the following Milwaukee-area physicians to leadership positions at the Society’s Annual Meeting April 17 in Madison. Two physicians will serve three-year terms on the Society’s Board of Directors:

Michael Lischak, MD, of Brookfield, was elected to a three-year term on the Board of Directors. Doctor Lischak is Board certified in occupational medicine, aerospace medicine and undersea and hyperbaric medicine. He serves as medical director for Columbia St. Mary’s Corporate WORx with his office in West Allis and is also Immediate Past President of the Medical Society of Milwaukee County.
George L. Morris, MD, of Whitefish Bay, is a Board-certified neurologist practicing with Epilepsy & Seizure Care Specialists, SC in Milwaukee. He is also President-Elect of the Medical Society of Milwaukee County.

In addition, several Milwaukee-area physicians were elected to the following leadership positions:

George M. Lange, MD, of River Hills, was re-elected Chair of the Society’s Board of Directors. Doctor Lange, who practices with Westgate Medical Group in Wauwatosa, is board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics.
Charles J. Rainey, MD, JD, FCLM, of Milwaukee, was elected Speaker of the Society’s House of Delegates. Doctor Rainey is a forensic psychiatrist and an assistant professor for the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine.
Mahendr S. Kochar, MD, MACP, of Milwaukee, was elected delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA) for 2009-2011. Doctor Kochar is Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology and Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is also a member of the Society’s Board of Directors and a member of the AMA’s Council on Medical Education.
Tim McAvoy, MD, of Brookfield, was re-elected delegate to the AMA for 2010-2011. Doctor McAvoy is an internist practicing in Waukesha.
Barbara Hummel, MD, of Muskego, was elected alternate delegate to the AMA for 2009-2011. Doctor Hummel is a family physician practicing in West Allis and is also President of the Medical Society of Milwaukee County and a member of the Society’s Board of Directors.
Cory Hartman, of Wauwatosa, was elected to a one-year term on the Board of Directors. He is a student at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

With nearly 12,500 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.

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Three Green Bay physicians elected to Society’s Board of Directors

release date: Monday, April 27, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s House of Delegates confirmed the elections of the following area physicians to leadership positions at the Society’s Annual Meeting in Madison April 17-18:

John Hartman, MD, was re-elected treasurer of the Society’s Board of Directors. Doctor Hartman is the CEO of Visonex and is a Nephrologist living in Green Bay.
Bruce M. Neal, MD, FACS, of Green Bay, was elected to a three-year term on the Board of Directors. Doctor Neal is a board-certified urologist with BayCare Clinic Urological Surgeons in Green Bay.

Additionally, Nicky Plementosh, MD, FACOG, FACS, FIC, of Green Bay was elected to the Society’s Board prior to the Annual Meeting to complete a term vacated by another physician. Doctor Plementosh is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a fellow of the American College of OB/GYN, American College of Surgeons, and a fellow of the Interenational College of Surgeons. She is certified in advanced laproscopic surgery, robotic surgery, and treats urinary incontinence, high risk ob and infertility. She practice at Women’s Healthcare OB/GYN in Green Bay and also sees patients in Brillion.

With nearly 12,500 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.

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Fond du Lac physician elected to Society’s Board of Directors

release date: Friday, April 24, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s House of Delegates confirmed the re-election of Kevin A. Jessen, MD, of Fond du Lac, to the Society’s Board of Directors. Doctor Jessen, who was also re-elected vice chair of the Board for a one-year term, will serve three years as a director. He is a family physician for the Aurora Medical Group central region.

With nearly 12,500 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.

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Eau Claire physician elected to Society leadership

release date: Friday, April 24, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s House of Delegates confirmed the election of Andrea Hillerud, MD, of Eau Claire, as alternate delegate to the American Medical Association for 2009-2011. Doctor Hillerud is a family physician with the Marshfield Clinic’s Oakwood Center in Eau Claire. She is also a member of the Society’s Board of Directors.

With nearly 12,500 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.

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Society names Watertown physician as president-elect

release date: Thursday, April 23, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—Thomas J. Luetzow, MD, of Watertown, was elected president-elect of the Wisconsin Medical Society April 17 during the Society’s Annual Meeting in Madison.

Doctor Luetzow, a family physician who practices at Medical Associates of Menomonee Falls, is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Medical School (today known as the UW School of Medicine and Public Health) and completed his residency at the Womack Army Medical Center in Fort Bragg, N.C.

A champion of patient advocacy, Dr. Luetzow says he will make quality care and physician professionalism his top priorities.

"I have long held that what is good for patients is good for physicians. Likewise, what is good for physicians is good for patients," he said. "We as physicians will need to unify ourselves as effective advocates around major issues such as health care worker shortage, inadequate reimbursement, transparency issues, quality, safety and professionalism."

Dr. Luetzow has been active in the Society for 25 years, representing Winnebago County and Waukesha County at different points in his career. He has served as chair and vice chair of the Society’s Board of Directors, secretary/treasurer of the Emergency Medicine Section of the Society’s House of Delegates and chair of several House reference committees and councils, among other leadership roles. In addition, he is the current director of the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians, a three-time president of Wisconsin American College of Emergency Physicians Board of Directors and a community leader via his activities with the Waukesha County Medical Society and role as vice chair of the Family Practice and Emergency departments at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Luetzow says he looks forward to partnering with other medical groups and specialty societies, as well as government agencies and the American Medical Association, to support best practices in medicine.

In 2010, Dr. Luetzow will succeed Robert Jaeger, MD, who was sworn in as president during this year’s Annual Meeting. Until then, he will continue his active role in the Society.

With nearly 12,500 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.

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T. Michael Bolger receives Wisconsin Medical Society’s Presidential Citation Award

release date: Thursday, April 23, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—T. Michael Bolger, of Milwaukee, has received the Presidential Citation Award from the Wisconsin Medical Society. Outgoing President Steven Bergin, MD, made the presentation at the Society’s Annual Meeting in Madison April 17.

Bolger, a native of Minocqua, is the current President and CEO of The Medical College of Wisconsin.

"Since 1990, he has led the institution with vision and tireless dedication," said Dr. Bergin during the award presentation. "Through his efforts the Medical College has attracted internationally recognized physicians and scientists to serve on the faculty. Under his leadership the Medical College has become a nationally recognized institution in biomedical research. And his tremendous contributions to current and future physicians are too great to enumerate."

Under his tenure, the Medical College received a $304 million endowment from the conversion of Blue Cross & Blue Shield United of Wisconsin to a for-profit stock corporation. This gift established the Medical College’s "Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin" program to support research, education and academic/community partnerships focused on improving health for the citizens of Wisconsin.

Doctor Bergin also noted that Bolger is credited with leading the campaign for Milwaukee’s $100 million theater district project, a campaign that has symbolized a development renaissance in the city. "His numerous civic honors reflect his strong commitment to social justice," Bergin added.

The Society President 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 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.

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Carl Eisenberg, MD, receives Wisconsin Medical Society Director’s Award

release date: Thursday, April 23, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—Carl S. L. Eisenberg, of Mequon, 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 17.

Doctor Eisenberg, a retired pediatrician, was recognized as being a true leader in medicine. He has served in numerous leadership roles throughout his career and has been very active in the Society during his 36-year membership. He served on the Board of Directors for nine years and has been a long-time member of the Council on Legislation in addition to serving as its chair. He has also chaired reference committees and been a member of the Society’s Nominating Committee and Policy Panel.

"The Society’s Directors award is reserved for doctors who make numerous and substantial contributions to the profession," said George Lange, MD, Chair of the Society’s Board of Directors. "Doctor Eisenberg is well-deserving of this honor."

In addition to his involvement in the Society, Dr Eisenberg has also been very active in the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, serving as its President and co-chair of its legislative committee. He was named the Chapter’s Pediatrician of the Year in both 1985 and 2008.

"The Society is especially grateful for (Dr. Eisenberg’s) efforts to integrate the Academy’s efforts with the Society's advocacy goals. It serves as an excellent example of how joining forces can result in better health for all Wisconsin citizens," said Dr. Lange.

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 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.

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Aaron Dunn, MD receives 2009 Young Physician Leadership Award

release date: Thursday, April 23, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation recognized Aaron A. Dunn, MD, of Mineral Point, as the Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD, Young Physician Leadership Award winner during the Society’s Annual Meeting April 17 in Madison. Doctor Dunn is a board-certified family physician practicing at Family Practice Associates in Mineral Point and Dodgeville.

The award is presented annually in honor of the late Dr. Viste to a young physician who demonstrates commitment to patients, the medical profession and the community.

"Doctor Dunn is a remarkable example of a caring physician who, like our role model, Dr. Ken Viste, takes his passion for medicine beyond the clinic doors to the community at large," said Foundation President David Falk, MD.

One of the first things Dr. Dunn did when arriving in Mineral Point three years ago was to ask community leaders what was needed. He soon immersed himself in creating a free clinic in Dodgeville, which has since served more than 1,000 people, using 70 volunteers. Doctor Dunn serves as its medical director.

"I felt an obligation to my patients, and working in the free clinic, seeing patients fall through the cracks of this broken health care system, I realized we have a major problem," said Dr Dunn. "It’s hard for me to sleep at night knowing this is continuing to go on.

"Physicians are in a critical position to lead the change we want to see to make sure that everyone has access to the care we can provide to keep everybody healthy," Dr Dunn added. "I felt obligated as a physician to speak out publicly for change."

Like Dr. Viste, Dr. Dunn has taken a strong interest in achieving health reform that serves more of our population. In fact, Dr. Dunn has worked directly with State Representative Steve Hilgenberg on public listening sessions and other efforts to figure a better way out of our access to care problems.

"(Doctor Dunn) backs up his words with action by being instrumental in setting up the free clinic to provide services to those in need until reform happens," wrote Representative Hilgenberg in a letter of support for Dr. Dunn.

"People know if they need something accomplished, Dr. Dunn is the one to contact," said Denise Whitish, LPN, Family Practice Associates-Mineral Point.

In Dr. Dunn’s honor, the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation has contributed $750 to the Community Connections Free Clinic, the community organization of Dr. Dunn’s choice.

The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation promotes patient health in a variety of ways. Established in 1955 as a nonprofit, charitable organization, the Foundation awards scholarships to individuals pursuing careers in medicine and grants to individuals or organizations for innovative programs that promote healthy lifestyle choices based on current research and principles of public health.

The Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state with 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients. With that in mind, Wisconsinmedicalsociety.org offers patients a unique source for reliable, physician-reviewed medical information. The Wisconsin Medical Society, a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Shorewood native named 2009 Presidential Scholar

release date: Thursday, April 23, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation has named Ben Weston its 2009 Presidential Scholar. The Shorewood native will receive a $3,000 scholarship to defray his educational expenses.

"The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation is pleased to recognize Ben Weston for his remarkable leadership while maintaining academic excellence," said Foundation President David Falk, MD. "Ben is already a leader among his peers, making him a perfect choice for this honor." Doctor Falk presented the award during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 17 in Madison.

Weston, a 3rd year medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health in addition to completing his medical degree. In 2008, he created the developed the Healthy Classrooms Symposium, to bring the ideals and practices of public health to all classrooms in and around Dane County. The symposium attracted an audience of over 300. Subsequently, Weston and others launched the Healthy Classrooms Foundation; the 2nd annual Symposium was held April 22.

"I have never met a student like Ben before—and I have met thousands in my 24 years as a faculty member and as the Associate Dean for Students at the UW," wrote Patrick McBride, MD, MPH, in his letter of recommendation for Weston. "Ben’s experience in the Healthy Classrooms Foundation as well as many other activities has demonstrated his devotion to improving the health of the state of Wisconsin.

"It is rare for students to achieve this level of excellence," Dr. McBride added.

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.

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Wisconsin Medical Society affirms AMA torture policy

release date: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—At its Annual Meeting this past weekend in Madison, the Wisconsin Medical Society (Society) affirmed its strong support for American Medical Association (AMA) policy against physician involvement in torture.

Recent media reports regarding the potential involvement of medical personnel in the torture of detainees held by the United States CIA prompted the AMA and the Society to send letters to President Barack Obama in the past few days.

The Society’s letter "unequivocally condemns the involvement of medical personnel in monitoring and /or participating in torture of anyone, at any time, under any circumstances."

The AMA letter states, "any involvement by physicians in torture is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as a healer."

To read the full text of the Society’s letter, click here. To access the AMA’s letter and policies, click here.

With nearly 12,500 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.

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Brookfield native honored with Houghton Award

release date: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—Matthew Buelow, a student at Milwaukee’s Medical College of Wisconsin, is the winner of the prestigious 2009 Houghton Award from the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation.

Buelow, a Brookfield native, received his award, including a $1000 check, during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 17 at Madison’s Monona Terrace.

"The medical profession is fortunate to have a young leader as committed and talented as Matthew Buelow soon joining its ranks," said David Falk, MD, president of the Society’s Foundation. "Matthew’s service on the Society’s Board of Directors, in addition to numerous medical school activities and an extraordinary academic record of achievement, makes him an ideal candidate for this recognition."

Buelow has served as co-president of the Medical College’s Chapter of the American Medical Association, as well as chair for the Residency Day, Residency Fair and Career Day events.

"Mr. Buelow…has utilized his outstanding leadership and team player skills in both on and off campus organizations that warrant him to be highly considered," wrote Kenneth Simons, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, in his letter of recommendation.

The Houghton Award 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 1965-66. 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 12,500 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. To learn more, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/physicians.

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Brown Deer native honored with Houghton Award

release date: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—Nyama Sillah, a student from Madison’s University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, is the winner of the prestigious 2009 Houghton Award from the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation.

Sillah, a Brown Deer native, received the award, including a $1000 check, during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 17 at Madison’s Monona Terrace.

"If past achievement is any indication of Nyama Sillah’s potential, there is no doubt that she will continue to serve patients and the profession with great distinction," said David Falk, MD, Foundation president. "She has demonstrated an exceptional academic record, as well as participation in a great many activities that will help her better empathize with the patients she will treat throughout her budding career."

Sillah has achieved numerous academic distinctions during medical school, including membership in Alpha Omega Alpha, the honorary medical society, which counts scholarship, character and leadership potential as qualifying standards. She also has published articles relatedto her work as a research assistant for the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

What’s more, Sillah has an impressive record outside of medical school, having served as the UW Chapter President the American Medical Association-Medical Student Section and a student delegate and representative to the Council on Legislation with the Wisconsin Medical Society.

"We believe Nyama is an outstanding candidate for this year’s Houghton Award," wrote Patricia DeMarse, Assistant Dean, UW School of Medicine and Public Health in her nomination of Sillah. "Her talents and desire to ‘make a difference’ will certainly contribute to becoming a ‘complete physician’ as described by the Drs. Houghton."

The Houghton Award 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 1965-66. 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 12,500 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. To learn more, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/physicians.

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Dr. Robert Jaeger of Mosinee elected Wisconsin Medical Society President

release date: Monday, April 20, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748, 608.852.4082 cell - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—Robert J. Jaeger, MD, FACOG, of Mosinee, was inaugurated as the 156th President of the Wisconsin Medical Society Friday, April 17 during the Society’s Annual Meeting at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison.

The president of the Wisconsin Medical Society serves a one-year term. Doctor Jaeger succeeds Steven Bergin, MD, of Stevens Point.

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Jaeger focused on the theme of professionalism in medicine—working to improve patient care and advance the medical profession as a whole.

"To be a professional is to make a promise to help, to keep that promise and to do so in the best interests of the patient," said Dr. Jaeger. "Medicine is at heart a moral enterprise founded on the covenant of the patient-physician relationship."

Doctor Jaeger, who is retired, 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. 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.

With nearly 12,500 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.

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Are doctors the new detectives?

Medical expert from TV’s ‘CSI’ series to discuss how medicine solves crime

release date: Friday, April 10, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—Examining dead bodies is the stuff of nightmares for most people, but for Gary Telgenhoff, MD, it’s a fascinating game of detective work—and the real-life source of the popular television series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

Doctor Telgenhoff, a Las Vegas-based forensic pathologist and deputy medical examiner, is the forensic consultant for "CSI," "Bones" and many well-known authors. He will speak at the Monona Terrace Convention Center at 8 p.m. next Thursday, April 16 at a fundraising event for the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation. His presentation, "How Medicine Solves Crime," will help support the Foundation’s community grants and scholarship programs. News Media are welcome to attend.

Telgenhoff describes his interest in pathology as a fascination with mystery, discovery and "the process of putting the case together and getting an answer that makes sense." His medical background includes a medical degree from Michigan State University and a five-year pathology residency in Ohio during the 1990s. These days, as a medical examiner and pathologist, he sees nearly 1,000 bodies each year, about half of which he autopsies. Because many of the bodies he examines are homicide victims, Telgenhoff is often called to court to explain how he determined the cause of death.

"Seeing the understanding in a family’s eyes when I have explained what happened to a loved one, seeing the understanding in the jury’s eyes when I have explained medical findings in common, everyday layman’s language, and the occasional feeling that I’ve contributed to a justice system that often works" are just a few of the things that make his job exciting and worthwhile, he says.

Telgenhoff’s other passion—rock ’n’ roll—is likely to surface in his presentation as well. In addition to shaping the plots of TV thrillers, the doctor’s daily encounters with darkness and mystery surface in songs that he writes and performs when he’s not doing detective work. A seasoned club performer, he recently released his third CD, You Kill Me, with members of Blue Öyster Cult and Alice Cooper.

"I was a musician before I went to medical school, but I had no ideas for tunes. As soon as I got into the profession, ideas started falling from the sky," he says.

Contact Kendi Parvin at 608.442.3748 or kendi.parvin@wismed.org to schedule an interview with Dr. Telgenhoff or obtain details about this event.

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 nearly 12,500 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.

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Society files appeal to overturn decision on Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund raid

release date: Tuesday, March 17, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748, 608.852.4082 cell - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society today filed an appeal with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals to overturn a Dane County Circuit Court decision upholding the 2007 raid on the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (Fund). The Society filed suit in 2007 to reverse the wrongful taking of $200 million from the Fund by the State of Wisconsin. Judge Michael Nowakowski ruled last December that health care providers do not have an interest in the Fund and that Wisconsin law prevents the State from being sued on the Society’s other claims in this type of case.

"The circuit court’s decision fails to uphold the purpose of the Fund established by Wisconsin law. The money in the Fund is there for injured patients and their families, period. It was never intended to be—nor should it be—a slush fund for the State to balance its budget," said Wisconsin Medical Society President Steven Bergin, MD. "Because the Society’s commitment to protecting the Fund is unwavering, we will exhaust all avenues of appeal."

It is widely accepted that the Fund, along with other tort reform measures, has helped stabilize the medical liability environment in Wisconsin and helped the state attract and retain top-quality healthcare professionals. Wisconsin consistently receives a top ranking in annual health care quality surveys.

"This appeal is an important step in restoring the integrity of the Fund, which is a key factor for physicians deciding to practice medicine in Wisconsin. That’s why a positive liability environment is critical to ensuring that patients have access to medical care, especially in our rural and inner-city areas," said David Hoffmann, MD, a family physician from Mauston, who is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

The Fund was created in 1975 to minimize the potential impact lawsuit-related insurance costs might have on health care costs and quality. Wisconsin physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals are required to pay into the Fund each year. There are no taxpayer dollars in the Fund. The Wisconsin Supreme Court allowed Wisconsin teachers to sue the State in a similar case involving the Employee Trust Fund; the teachers won that case. The Society’s lawsuit is also similar to cases in which the Supreme Court has concluded that individuals can have a property interest in preserving the integrity and security of a state fund. In his circuit court decision, Judge Nowakowski ruled that the Society does not have a property interest in the Fund to prevent the State from taking the money. However, the Society contends that physicians and other health care professionals contribute to the Fund and have a property interest in preserving its integrity and security so that the money will only be used to pay the claims of injured patients and their families, which is the purpose of the Fund.

To view a five-minute video about this issue or for more information, go to www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/initiatives/lawsuit.

With nearly 12,500 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.

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Wisconsin Medical Journal goes green and ‘virtual’

Free download allows full access and easy searches

release date: Thursday, February 26, 2009
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748, 608.852.4082 cell - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—Aiming to give readers a superior reading experience and save some trees, the Wisconsin Medical Journal has gone "virtual" effective immediately. However some printed copies will remain available for subscribers.

"The new on-line version reassures those who like the look and feel of a print journal that we can have that—and be more environmentally friendly as well," said Journal Medical Editor John Frey, MD.

To launch a digital publication that looks identical to the printed edition, readers may click on a thumbnail image of the Journal’s cover or click a link on the Wisconsin Medical Society (Society) Web site. They can then turn pages, zoom in and out of the document, print and download articles, and even visit links to Web sites included in references and advertisements.

This technology also features improved search functions, allowing readers to search each issue of the Journal by author, subject and keyword. In the coming months, new issues will become available as they are published, along with searchable archived editions.

Published since 1903, the Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Society. Its readers include Society members as well as other health care professionals and consumers who access the Journal electronically from around the country and even the world.

With more than 12,000 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. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Martial Arts offer ‘better overall health and balance’

Physician says psychological well-being an added benefit

release date: Thursday, February 13, 2009
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - prdr@tds.net

Madison—If you can’t get your kids off the couch, maybe they’d be more interested in a less traditional form of exercise that’s also good for them.

"Martial arts are an enjoyable alternative to ‘traditional exercise’ for many and offer unique opportunities to learn self-defense and new skills in a group setting," writes Thomas Woodward, MD, in a report in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 108, No. 1). But Dr. Woodward, an urgent care physician at Dean Health System, Madison, says martial arts are often suitable for people of any age group.

For example, tai chi, which is a Chinese martial art, may be appropriate for the elderly. "There is an emphasis on balance and coordination," the article explains, and tai chi may well provide both good exercise and fall prevention for older people by improving balance, strength and flexibility.

In addition, martial arts may offer special benefits for children with hyperactivity problems because they promote "concentration and reduce impulsivity by requiring students to focus intensely on a physical activity, follow verbal and visual commands, and practice in a controlled, disciplined environment," the article notes.

Besides being good exercise overall, Dr. Woodard says martial arts are good for one’s frame of mind. "These practices improve psychological health by promoting relaxation, self-esteem, and mind-body coordination," he writes.

Like any sport, though, injuries are associated with karate, judo, taekwondo and other martial arts. Sprains and strains are the most common, while broken bones, dislocations and dental injuries are experienced less frequently. But Dr. Woodard cites a survey that found football, basketball and wrestling had more serious injuries associated with them than the martial arts.

Community centers and municipal centers frequently offer low-cost classes so participants can test which form of martial arts might be best for them.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 12,000 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. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Survey finds Wisconsin parents who refuse vaccines fear immunizations more than the disease

State sees sharp increase in non-medical exemptions for vaccinations

release date: Thursday, February 12, 2009
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - prdr@tds.net

Madison—Although compliance with the Wisconsin Student Immunization Law remains high, many Wisconsin children are more susceptible to vaccine preventable diseases because more parents refuse immunizations for non-medical reasons. Survey findings involving 963 parents of children in 66 Wisconsin elementary, middle and high schools compared the attitudes and beliefs of those with children having nonmedical exemptions to those with fully-vaccinated children. The results are published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 108, No. 1). The authors that collaborated on this survey are from the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

During the 2005-2006 school year, 3.1 percent of Wisconsin students received nonmedical exemptions for vaccines, nearly four times higher than in 1992-1993 when it was 0.8 percent, according to the authors. "The dramatic increase in nonmedical exemptions for philosophical reasons in Wisconsin is in sharp contrast to religious and medical waivers, which remained relatively constant among school attendees in Wisconsin during the past 13 years," the authors report. "The most common reason reported for parents claiming nonmedical exemptions for their child was the vaccine might cause harm (57%)," the authors report. Another common reason stated was that it was better to get a natural disease than a vaccine. Data do not support these beliefs.

The survey found the relatively new vaccines for chicken pox and hepatitis B were the most commonly refused immunizations. However, even a substantial share of parents (25%-34%) who accept vaccinations had unsupported safety concerns.

"The effect of the decreased vaccine coverage has resulted in an increase of individual susceptibility and a decrease of herd immunity among Wisconsin children, leaving this population more susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases outbreaks," the authors conclude. They also note that the survey results support the need for finding more effective ways to communicate valid vaccine safety information and the risk children face by not being vaccinated.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 12,000 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. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Insurance coverage main complaint among medically underserved

release date: Thursday, January 8, 2009
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - prdr@tds.net

Madison—Low-income, minority patients from Milwaukee zeroed in on health insurance issues as their greatest barrier to care. Their complaints are detailed in a new report published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 8).

The project involved six focus groups of patients primarily from the Milwaukee area. The Aurora Family Care Center, Milwaukee; Center for Urban Population Health, Milwaukee; and the University of Wisconsin-Madison conducted the study.

"When asked about what barriers stand in the way of getting the best care, the overwhelming answers were money and insurance," the authors report. The complexity of the health care system, as well as an inability to get some care, even when insured, were among the chief complaints.

Surprisingly, according to the researchers, "there was very little mention of racial biases, although many people did have isolated stories."

The authors explain that it’s important to study this area because minority patients have poorer health overall, compared to white counterparts. "It is not easy, however, to differentiate the multiple factors that likely contribute to the differences in health outcomes for minority patients, including genetic factors, access to care, socioeconomic factors, and physician bias and prejudice," the report states.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 12,000 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. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Building primary care interest in Wisconsin not about money

Survey finds med students going into primary care seek strong patient relationships, etc

release date: Monday, January 5, 2009
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - prdr@tds.net

Madison—Money was not on the list of the most important factors in choosing a primary care specialty, according to a survey of Wisconsin medical students published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 8).

“…salary and years of training may have been overemphasized in understanding student career choice,” say the authors, from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

This is an important issue, as the aging population and a potential expansion in health insurance coverage may well fuel a primary care shortage in Wisconsin and other states. In fact, rural and inner city areas in Wisconsin already are considered primary care shortage areas.

The researchers used a Web survey to contact all Wisconsin medical students with active e-mail addresses. The response rate was 21 percent. Two-thirds of those responding who chose primary care specialties were women.

"Significantly more primary care students considered an interest in the underserved, relationships with patients, scope of practice, and role models to be ‘extremely’ or ‘quite’ important in their career choice than other specialty students," the authors report. What’s more, primary care students were much more likely to say salary and competiveness were "not at all" important.

"Wisconsin’s medical schools need to nurture interest in primary care disciplines among medical students to meet the expanding needs among Wisconsin’s residents and its health care system," the report concludes.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 12,000 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. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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A remedy for health care paperwork headache

Collaboration between Dean Health System and DOT leads to electronic solution

release date: Friday, January 2, 2009
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - prdr@tds.net

Madison—The bane of health care is paperwork: Forms for insurance, certification of medical conditions, medical leave, and more. But according to a scientific paper published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 8), Madison-based Dean Health System developed a way to improve the process.

"The form previously took 6-7 minutes to complete," writes author Philip Bain, MD. "After the new process was in place, it took 30-45 seconds."

The new process was initiated by a Dean neurologist who spent a significant amount of time each week completing a paper form required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for patients with certain medical conditions. When a group from Dean Health System approached the DOT about the form, they also were interested in finding a more efficient process because many of the forms came in with illegible handwriting or were incomplete.

The electronic medical records team went to work, producing in 70 hours a form that could be completed electronically and that would also incorporate patient information already in a database. Since this was the first attempt to solve such a problem, those involved believe it wouldn’t take as long to develop a similar electronic version for other paper forms. In fact, another Dean clinician subsequently requested a paper form he used to be created electronically, and the team was able to accomplish that one in just five hours. It is now in use.

"This project illustrates how a workflow process was improved and streamlined through collaboration between a government agency (DOT) and a health care system (Dean) using an electronic medical record," concludes Dr. Bain.

Bain’s report cites a survey showing 36 percent of Wisconsin clinicians in an outpatient setting use a fully functioning electronic medical records system. "Health care analysts expect this number will increase exponentially in the next few years," writes Dr. Bain. He says all parties benefit from filing forms electronically, including patients, because they’re completed faster and more accurately.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 12,000 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. Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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