Press Releases Archive: 2008 | Wisconsin Medical Society

Injured patients and families are ultimate losers as result of Court’s decision

release date: Friday, December 19, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society (Society), representing more than 12,000 physicians statewide, called today’s Court decision upholding the raid on Wisconsin’s Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (IPFCF) a loss for everyone concerned about quality health care in Wisconsin.

"Patients and their families are the real victims of the Court’s decision," said Society President Steven Bergin, MD. "The fund was not created as a piggy bank for the state; it is funded by medical professionals for patients and families when unfortunate circumstances occur. Justice has not been served."

The Society filed suit in October 2007 following enactment of legislation that took $200 million from the Fund to help balance the state’s budget. Oral arguments were held August 25 before Judge Michael Nowakowski.

"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 Ruth Heitz, JD, the Society’s General Counsel. "The Society will be reviewing its options to determine the best course of action to overturn this raid."

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 quality health care professionals, which leads to better access to health care for patients," said David Hoffmann, MD, a family practice physician from Mauston who joined the lawsuit as an individual plaintiff in February. "In fact, before the raid, two physicians from Pennsylvania joined our practice because they wanted to continue to practice high quality medicine but could no longer afford their six-figure medical malpractice insurance coverage in Pennsylvania. One reason they chose to practice here was because of the Fund—it’s critical to maintaining the high quality of Wisconsin’s health care system.

To view a five-minute video about this issue, visit www.vimeo.com/1128578. For more information, go to 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. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Wisconsin Medical Society launches statewide radio campaign

release date: Thursday, December 18, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society today launched the first in a series of informational messages designed to help educate patients about key health care issues.

"At a time when so much media attention is focused on the need for health system reform, we feel it is also important to provide constructive information on key medical issues and problems confronting Wisconsin families," said Society President Steven C. Bergin, MD. "These messages will focus on health care issues as wide-ranging as stress management, preventive health care, communicating effectively with your doctor and physician recruitment and retention."

The two 30-second spots will run on radio stations statewide over the holidays and feature a message on stress management. In it, Tim Bartholow, MD, reminds listeners, "You can stay healthy by getting plenty of rest, staying warm, limiting your alcohol intake and pushing the plate away just before you feel full. One of the most effective ways of managing stress is exercise. Just 20 minutes walking in our brisk Wisconsin air can do wonders." Doctor Bartholow practiced family medicine for 16 years in Sauk City before joining the Society staff in November.

The campaign, which will continue throughout 2009, will feature physicians with the key message, "We are doctors because we care for you and your family."

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. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Survey of Wisconsin women reveals overconfidence in condom effectiveness

release date: Thursday, December 18, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—Condoms are a safe, effective way to prevent pregnancy, but not quite as effective as some women may think.

A study published in the most recent issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 7) found half of the 252 women surveyed at two different family practice clinics incorrectly thought condoms were 99 percent effective. Only 57 percent knew that condoms were not as effective as the pill. Researchers at the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health conducted the survey.

In other findings, 59 percent of the respondents also were unaware that birth control pills can decrease the risk of some types of cancer (uterine and ovarian) and 21 percent incorrectly said that IUDs are unsafe.

"Women in this study demonstrated some important gaps in their knowledge about commonly used contraceptive methods," the authors write. Given that half of all pregnancies are unintended and half of all unintended pregnancies are aborted, the researchers suggest greater education regarding contraception would be worthwhile in the clinic setting.

"Clearer educational materials and patient-centered counseling about pregnancy readiness, attitudes toward contraception, and all the contraceptive options need to be emphasized in primary care offices," authors conclude.

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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Wisconsin Medical Society Board passes new physician gift policy

Updated policy will bolster trust in physician-patient relationship

release date: Thursday, October 16, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 or 608.852.4082 (cell) - kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s Board of Directors approved changes to Society policy regarding physician gifts at its meeting October 11. The policy, ETH-004: The Relationship of the Profession to the Health Product Industry, states:

"Physicians shall accept no gifts from any provider of products that they prescribe to their patients such as personal items, office supplies, food, travel and time costs, or payment for participation in on-line CME. A complete ban eases the burdens of compliance, biased decision making, and patient distrust."

The policy cites a Journal of the American Medical Association article (JAMA 2006:295;429-433) detailing the effect such gifts can have on the trust in the physician-patient relationship. With that article as a guide, ETH-004 also provides examples of ethical behavior in the areas of handling drug samples, physicians serving on formulary committees or speaker bureaus, and how the industry can still support needed CME offerings.

"This policy is strong and clear," said Society President Steven Bergin, MD. "It leaves no doubt that the Society’s physicians want to prevent even the impression that a gift–no matter how small–could get in the way of a physician’s decision-making."

He also stressed that the policy should not be implied as a condemnation of any specific group or industry.

"This policy simply puts the Wisconsin Medical Society on record that individual physicians should take a bright line approach to accepting items from companies that make products or drugs that the physician might end up prescribing or recommending to his or her patients," Dr. Bergin said. "There’s nothing more sacred than the physician-patient relationship, and we physicians have the responsibility to make sure nothing gets in the way of that relationship–or even appears to get in the way."

The Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state with more than 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients. The Wisconsin Medical Society has been a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Has ‘Doctor heal thyself’ gone too far?

release date: Wednesday, October 1, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—American Medical Association guidelines state flatly, "Physicians should generally not treat themselves or members of their immediate family." Yet a scientific paper published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 6) suggests a great many physicians do just that, quite possibly to their detriment.

"In the United States and Europe, from 52% to 90% of physicians report prescribing medications for themselves," writes Edward J. Krall, MD, of the Department of Behavioral Health, Marshfield Clinic. Doctor Krall states that previous research has found anywhere from 29%-44% of physicians lack a personal physician themselves or fail to receive regular medical care.

"Anecdotal accounts suggest that, although physicians as a group are healthy and have healthy lifestyles, their own health care is poor, in terms of their willingness to seek medical care," writes Dr. Krall.

Doctors’ busy schedules are often used as an excuse for not getting traditional medical care for themselves, according to Dr. Krall. Doctors will often make their own self-diagnoses and are "prone to ‘catastrophize,’ and avoid medical care because ‘they know what will happen’." It appears there are also problems related to physicians caring for their loved ones. "Data on families of physicians show that they were seen less often for acute illness, had incomplete exams, incomplete or absent medical records, and incomplete documentation of immunization," Dr. Krall writes.

Dr. Krall’s article suggests it’s difficult to draw a bright line between inappropriate self-care and acceptable examples. Even so, he suggests greater discussion of this issue take place and educational programs be established to promote better decision-making by physicians. Since self-treatment begins early in a doctor’s medical career, Dr. Krall suggests those educational programs on self-prescribing be established for medical students and residents.

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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Breast reconstruction rates low, despite proven safety record

release date: Monday, September 29, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison —Attitudes and biases of referring surgeons account for at least part of the reason for low (5%-15%) breast reconstruction rates in Wisconsin among mastectomy patients, according to a study published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal(Volume 107, No. 6).

"Referring general surgeons have biases that affect the discussion they have with patients about reconstruction," the authors write. They are from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the Division of Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. They surveyed 369 general surgeons in Wisconsin regarding breast surgery, with a 36 percent response rate. Eighty-four percent were male. In other studies, women surgeons tend to have a much higher referral rate for reconstruction.

"A large number of breast surgeons (40%) did not refer all mastectomy patients for reconstruction," the study reports. A major reason, according to 62 percent of the surgeons who responded, was patient refusal.

Other reasons cited for not referring these patients included "delay in oncological treatment (18%), the patient will receive radiation therapy (19%), reconstruction was not offered (11%), and no plastic surgeon was available (6%)."

The age of women mastectomy patients was also a significant factor in whether they received reconstruction. Those aged 55-64 had the procedure about half as often as patients in the 45-54 year age group. This may be due to patients’ cultural biases. "This cultural bias likely affects the referring general surgeons who are more likely to offer reconstruction to young patients, as physical appearance may be perceived as less important in older patients," the authors note.

"Plastic surgeons need to educate our colleagues and be more available for breast reconstruction procedures," they conclude.

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.

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Free lecture sheds light on menopause treatment research

release date: Monday, September 15, 2008
contact: Renee Reback- 608.442.3720 - renee.reback@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation presents a free public lecture September 25, 7-8:30 p.m. at Madison’s Monona Terrace Convention Center to help demystify research findings regarding the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

David Rubinow, MD, will present the 2008 Charles W. Landis, MD Memorial Lecture, Menopause, Mood and Depression: What’s a Woman to Do? He is the Assad Meymandi Professor and Chair of Psychiatry and Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Doctor Rubinow’s discussion will include these key issue areas:

How reproductive hormones regulate mood
Why some women are at risk for mood disorders during menopause
How to balance risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy with implications for mood and depressive disorder management

"Untreated depression can result in not only a decrease in a woman's enjoyment of life before, during and after menopause, but can also have a negative impact on physical health," said Reneé Reback, Executive Director of the Foundation. "Women need solid, research-driven information so they can make decisions that will help them through this time in their lives and to maintain optimal mental and physical health throughout their later years. Doctor Rubinow will shed some light on these issues."

While there is no fee for this lecture, registration is highly recommended. See www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/foundation/events/landis/registration.

The Charles W. Landis, MD, Lecture Fund supports programs and projects focusing on psychiatry, mental health and mental illness, areas in which Dr. Landis was influential. He served as the first Director of Mental Health for Milwaukee County from 1958-1970, before joining St. Mary’s Hill Hospital in Milwaukee.

The Fund was established with a major contribution from Mary Landis of Elm Grove, Wisconsin. It is administered through the Wisconsin Medical Society’s charitable arm, the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation, which 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.

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No Court decision today on IPFCF lawsuit

release date: Monday, August 25, 2008
contact: Kristin Knipschild - 608.442.3765 - kristink@wismed.org

Madison—Oral arguments were held today in the Society’s lawsuit to overturn the State’s raid on the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund, and the Society is optimistic that the State will be ordered to restore the $200 million taken plus interest. Dane County Circuit Court Judge Michael Nowakowski could have ruled on the matter today, but chose to defer his decision; no specific date was indicated.

"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 Society President Steven Bergin, MD. "The Fund is not a piggy bank the State can tap into."

Watch future issues of Medigram for more information. The Society filed suit last October following enactment of legislation that took $200 million from the Fund to help balance the state’s budget. Society member David Hoffmann, MD, of Mauston joined the suit as an individual plaintiff in February.

Meanwhile, members are encouraged to continue to educate colleagues, patients, community members and their local media about the IPFCF raid. Information, including the Society-prepared video and FAQ flyer are available at this link, along with copies of court documents, press releases and additional background information.

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Preliminary School Program Increases Child Interest in Fruits/Veggies

release date: Thursday, August 7, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—As obesity surges among Wisconsin children, a preliminary study offers hope that it is possible to help influence better eating habits, which include fresh fruit and vegetables.

The study, involving 4th, 7th and 9th grade students, is published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 5). It’s available here. The authors are from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation and the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services.

In 2006, Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction selected 25 Wisconsin schools (13,500 students) to participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture. The goal is to help kids avoid overweight and obesity. Students were given either a fresh fruit or vegetable snack for free daily for one year, though these study results cover only the first three months of the experiment.

"Compared to controls, intervention students reported an increased willingness to try new fruits (24.8 percent vs 12.8 percent) and vegetables (25.1 percent vs 18.4 percent) at school.

The researchers say such an effort is important because "children’s preferences for specific foods tend to increase with frequency of exposure to food." They also note that getting in the habit of eating healthy foods early in life is a good predictor of healthy eating as adults.

In Wisconsin, one in four high school students is either obese or overweight. It has become the most common medical condition among children in the U.S., with prevalence more than doubling over the past two decades.

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.

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Experimental Program Helps Overweight Children Become ‘Fit Kids’

release date: Wednesday, August 6, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—Health advocates in Washington County took on the growing and intractable difficulty of weight control among kids, through a 12-week program involving 68 children and their families.

Results from the Fit Kids/Fit Families program, published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 5), find 59 percent of children increased their physical activity and 32 percent cut back on their sedentary habits. The study is available here.

"Fit Kids/Fit Families is a 12-week program that focuses on the core objectives of nutrition, exercise, and behavioral components," the authors explain. The authors are affiliated with Aurora Healthcare and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

The program objectives were to help overweight kids maintain or decrease their body mass index, increase physical activity, lessen sedentary activities, improve self-esteem and increase their knowledge about healthy lifestyles. The participants, referred by their doctor or who volunteered, were all overweight, and met one time per week for two hours at either a local school or YMCA.

Although the program was in its early stages, the authors say "this pre- and post-analysis of participants in a youth healthy lifestyle program provides some evidence that such an intensive effort is effective in changing behaviors and intermediate outcomes, such as improved knowledge and attitudes about healthy behaviors…"

The program is being replicated in Waukesha County, where local staff observed this program in action and received appropriate training.

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.

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Lozenge Better Choice for Weight-Conscious Smokers Wanting to Quit

release date: Tuesday, August 5, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—The first head to head comparison of nicotine gum and nicotine lozenges finds they stack up similarly in their ability to help smokers quit. But lozenges get the prize for limiting weight gain. The study is published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 5), available here.

"On average, those using the lozenge experienced 5.4 fewer pounds of post-cessation weight gain at eight weeks," the University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers report. They tracked 408 study participants at eight weeks, six months and one year.

Seven out of 10 smokers report wanting to kick the habit, but weight gain is a common concern among them. And rightly so, as the researchers note that most former smokers gain 10-14 pounds in the first year after quitting. On average all study participants gained weight, "but those in the lozenge group gained less," the study reports. "This effect also could reflect the more efficient nicotine delivery of the lozenge, compared to nicotine gum," they add.

The weight issue aside, both forms of nicotine replacement therapy appear to work well. "The gum and the lozenge appear equally effective for smoking cessation," the authors conclude. The quit rates at eight weeks were 15.1 percent for the lozenge and 11.3 percent for the gum.

Furthermore, the side effects from both the lozenge and the gum also were similar (nausea, mouth/throat irritation, heartburn).

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.

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Wisconsin Physicians Call on Congress to Override Medicare Veto

release date: Tuesday, July 15, 2008
contact: Mark Grapentine - 608.442.3768 - markg@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society today called on the state’s Congressional Delegation to override President Bush’s veto of H.R. 6331, the "Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008." The bill ensures access to care for Wisconsin Medicare patients, eliminating a 10.6 percent physician Medicare reimbursement cut that took effect on July 1, as well as restoring a credit for physicians who see patients in rural areas of Wisconsin. The Society’s letter, responding to today’s veto, is signed by President Steven Bergin, MD, Board Chair George Lange, MD, and Society EVP/CEO Susan Turney, MD.

"Uncorrected, this cut would be a disaster for Medicare patients as 60 percent of physicians say it will force them to limit the number of new Medicare patients they can treat," the letter says, citing a recent American Medical Association survey of the nation’s physicians. "We are proud that more than 80 percent of all Wisconsin physicians care for Medicare patients. However, this impressive percentage has fallen in recent years as Medicare payments lag behind increases in practice costs."

The letter also points out that H.R. 6331 is only a short-term fix for a much larger problem: Medicare physician funding is tied to a flawed federal formula—the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR)—which penalizes physicians in states like Wisconsin who provide high-quality care more efficiently than in other states.

H.R. 6331 has passed both houses of Congress with "veto-proof" margins: 69-30 in the Senate last Wednesday and 355-59 in the House on June 24. Eight of Wisconsin’s 10 members of Congress voted for the bill: Senators Kohl and Feingold, and Representatives Baldwin, Kind, Moore, Petri, Obey and Kagen.

The Society has also sent out an action alert to its membership, asking physicians across the state to call their members of Congress about the need for an override vote.

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. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Honey, I Shrunk the Wound?

Study reports that honey holds potential for healing

release date: Friday, July 11, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—There’s one more reason to like honey, besides the taste. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health call the gooey substance "a low-cost topical therapy with important potential for healing." Their scientific article is published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 4), which is available here.

The article discusses the use of honey to treat foot ulcers in patients with diabetes, which has become increasingly popular because of "a growing awareness of the cost and burden of diabetic foot ulcers and the need for cost-effective therapies."

The authors, who are conducting a trial regarding the use of honey for human patients, report there is evidence that honey promotes healing in animals. What may be especially surprising is that it appears to be therapeutic in a variety of ways: its acidity aids in improving circulation; it produces a small amount of hydrogen peroxide that kills bacteria without damaging tissue; and it contains flavanoides and acids that contribute to bacterial-fighting properties.

"Since honey’s antibacterial activity is multi-factorial, bacteria are unlikely to develop resistance to it," the authors explain. They go on to say that when patients agree to try it as a therapy, antibiotics are often discontinued.

Besides its ability to fight bacteria, the researchers say it also has "demonstrated tissue-healing properties." It keeps wounds moist and provides nutrients that may promote healing. The reasons for trying honey as a therapy are the low cost and potentially faster healing.

The most common risk associated with honey therapy is a burning or stinging sensation—a rather ironic side effect unrelated to the insects that produce the substance, but rather to honey’s low pH.

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. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Wisconsin Medical Society lauds U.S. Senate vote supporting Medicare

release date: Thursday, July 10, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Wisconsin Medical Society President Steven Bergin, MD, gave the following statement regarding Wednesday's action in the U.S. Senate passing HR 6331, thus preventing a 10.6 percent physician Medicare reimbursement cut from taking effect July 15:

Madison—"The Senate’s 69-30 vote Wednesday is a major victory for Wisconsin’s Medicare patients. Preventing the massive reimbursement cut helps maintain patients’ access to the high quality health care we enjoy in this state. Patients and their physicians should be proud that Wisconsin Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold voted to prevent the cuts and led the way to Wednesday’s stunning victory.

"However, it is important to note that while this short-term fix will last through 2009 if the President signs the bill into law or his veto is overridden, the federal formula that schedules these ludicrous cuts—the Sustainable Growth Rate or SGR—needs to be abandoned. The Wisconsin Medical Society pledges to continue to work with Senators Kohl and Feingold and the entire Congressional Delegation to find a sustainable way to fund Medicare. Our seniors, our veterans and all Wisconsin families deserve much better than what the SGR continues to produce."

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. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Clot-busting drug effective for rural hospital stroke patients

release date: Monday, July 7, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—The only clot-busting drug approved for urgent treatment of ischemic (artery to the brain) stroke has been tested successfully primarily in large, urban hospitals. But research from a rural hospital in Ladysmith, Wis., which has been using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) since 1995, indicates it can be safely used in smaller communities as well.

The study, conducted by a physician at Marshfield Clinic-Ladysmith Center, is published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 4), which is available here.

In Wisconsin, 14,000 patients are discharged from hospitals with a stroke diagnosis, while another 3,400 do not survive the blockage that slows blood to the brain. During the period studied (1995-2007), 108 patients were diagnosed with ischemic stroke and 18 were treated with tPA. The Ladysmith hospital’s 16 percent administration of tPA is much higher than previously documented rates at rural hospitals, ranging from just 1.6 percent to 6.3 percent.

"Patients treated with tPA were more likely to be discharged home and were less likely to expire within the following month," write the authors. "We sought to show that tPA has been successfully and safely administered in a rural hospital staffed by physicians in a variety of subspecialties where an acute ischemic stroke and tPA administration protocol is in place," the researchers explained.

The use of the drug is possible in rural communities, according to the authors, because of CT scanners, telecommunication advances and the availability of radiologists on-site or neurologists on a limited basis. The challenge for many rural hospitals is to administer the drug within the required three hours from the onset of symptoms to effectively reduce mortality rates and disability.

"This retrospective study further supports expansion of acute stroke process in rural hospitals, so more patients can receive tPA within the recommended time window," the authors conclude.

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.

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Wisconsin’s rural communities best big cities in environmental health rankings

Dane and Rock counties score worst in state overall

release date: Thursday, July 3, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—Small, rural communities across Wisconsin earned bragging rights, as they topped the rankings for air quality, water quality and less exposure to radon and lead, among other environmental factors tallied by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their results, which cover all 72 Wisconsin counties and the city of Milwaukee, separately, are published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 4). The article is available here.

Bayfield, Sawyer and Menominee counties grabbed the top three spots for overall health of the physical environment, while Rock, Dane and Portage counties scored the worst. Although Milwaukee County also faired poorly, ranking 61st overall, it scored best in the state for water quality.

"This study demonstrates that publicly available data can be used to measure the health of the environment of Wisconsin’s communities, and that environmental health risks vary across the state," the researchers report.

The authors say population health is linked to the physical environment, so these rankings can help communities identify problem areas and where to concentrate resources. Similarly, the rankings also point out where respective counties are excelling so they can then serve as models for other communities in that respect.

But just because smaller communities came out on top in environmental quality doesn’t necessarily mean their residents enjoy better health.

"Although rural areas have better measures of environmental health, they commonly have lower socioeconomic status, worse health care access and worse health behaviors," the report notes.

Residents of larger cities shouldn’t be complacent either regarding the need to take action to improve these measures. The researchers say environmental factors don’t necessarily have an immediate effect on health. It may take years or decades before poor health outcomes emerge.

The Wisconsin Division of Public Health worked with the University to evaluate the methods the researchers used in tallying the rankings.

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.

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12,000 member milestone surpassed!

release date: Thursday, June 26, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—For the first time in its 167-year history, the Wisconsin Medical Society has surpassed the 12,000 member mark.

"I am very excited that the Society has reached this milestone," said David Hoffmann, MD, of Mauston, who serves a chair of the Society’s Membership Committee. "Many state medical societies across the country have seen declining participation over the last decade, but the Wisconsin Medical Society has continued to grow. I believe that’s a clear indication physicians across Wisconsin—from small, rural clinics to large health systems—support the Society’s mission of ensuring that patients have access to high quality, cost efficient health care."

There are no membership records left from 1841 when the Territorial Legislature established the Society, but there is documentation from 1871 that lists just 26 members of the Society "prior to 1854." Today, the Society serves an especially critical role because of the myriad issues facing physicians like health system reform, workforce shortage and quality improvement.

"Physicians in this state are dedicated to improving health care for their patients, and the Society exists today because of that commitment," said Society CEO/EVP Susan Turney, MD. "I am extremely pleased that the Society truly represents the experience, commitment and vision of 12,000 physicians working together to shape the future of health care." Society President Steven Bergin, MD, of Stevens Point, agrees.

"There really is strength in numbers," he said, "and with this unprecedented level of participation in the Society, I am confident we can do even more to help our patients and their families—through achieving lasting change in our health system and fighting to protect their interests and ensuring they have access to care."

With over 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society (www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org) 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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HHS Secretary announces selection of Wisconsin Medical Society, MetaStar and WCHQ as 1 of 12 sites for Major EHR Demonstration

release date: Friday, June 13, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—This afternoon, Wisconsin Medical Society CEO Susan Turney, MD, welcomed Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt to Madison to announce that a collaboration of key Wisconsin health care stakeholders has been selected to take part in a national Medicare demonstration project. The five-year, first-of-its kind project provides core incentive payments to primary care physicians for reporting 26 clinical quality measures related to diabetes mellitus, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and the provision of preventive care services such as immunizations and cancer screenings, for Medicare beneficiaries. Additional bonus payments will be based on how well the physicians use certified electronic health records (EHR) to improve the quality of patient care at the local level.

"The use of electronic health records, and of health information technology as a whole, has the ability to transform the way health care is delivered across our nation," Secretary Leavitt said. "We believe that EHRs can help physicians deliver better, more efficient care for their patients, in part by reducing medical errors. This project is designed to demonstrate these benefits and help increase the use of this technology in practices where adoption has been the slowest – at the individual physician and small practice level." Partners in this collaboration are the Wisconsin Medical Society (Society), Metastar, and the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality (WCHQ).

"We are extremely pleased to have been selected as one of the 12 sites to participate in the EHR Demonstration," said Dr. Turney. "In our shared commitment to expanding the use of electronic health records, we have noted that smaller physician office practices have been slower to adopt EHRs than many of the larger health systems in Wisconsin. We each feel strongly that health information technology is an important tool for improving health care quality, and we look forward to working with CMS as we move forward. We know that through this collaboration we will be able to accomplish more."

According to the 2006-2007 Wisconsin Ambulatory Information Technology Survey, 86 percent of large systems have adopted health information technology compared to 25 percent of independent or small system sites. The reasons why doctors in small practices have not adopted EHRs vary from start-up costs and maintenance, to lack of computer knowledge and technical support, to security concerns. For some physician practices, there are a number of barriers to implementing EHRs. This initiative will provide financial incentives to 100 small- to medium-size primary practices in Wisconsin to use certified EHR systems.

The other communities selected to work with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Medicare EHR demonstration project range from county- and state-level to multi-state collaborations. These include Alabama; Delaware; Jacksonville, FL (multi-county); Georgia; Louisiana; Maine; Maryland/Washington, DC; Oklahoma; Pittsburgh, PA (multi-county); South Dakota (multi-state); and Virginia.

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.

Click here for a press release from HHS.

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Wisconsin poll finds tepid support for social/economic policies to improve health

release date: Tuesday, June 11, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—Many Wisconsin residents aren’t convinced that government policies that promote social and economic factors—such as education, housing and income level—are an important way to improve public health.

The results are from a one-of-a-kind survey of Wisconsin adults, which is published in the most recent issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 3) and is available on-line at www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org. The poll demonstrates that Wisconsin adults feel access to health care and health insurance affect overall health more than other social and economic factors like income, education, and neighborhood environment.

"In this country, we tend to think that our health is only caused by access to health insurance and health care, and by our personal behaviors such as exercise, smoking and diet," says lead author Stephanie Robert, Associate Professor of Social Work and Research at the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

"While these factors are certainly important, research shows that there are many other social and economic factors that affect health, such as stress, income, education, employment, social support and neighborhood environment. Even if we equalized access to health care today, these social and economic conditions would continue creating poor health among our citizens," added Robert.

The authors conducted this survey to document what the Wisconsin public thinks causes poor health and what strategies they think would improve health. The random phone survey of 1459 adults, contacted between September 2006 and February 2007, also asked people what policy priorities the government should make in order to improve health. The survey revealed that people think the government should place highest priority on providing health insurance to more people (76%), improving the physical environment (64%) and reducing poverty (60%).

"Although respondents view individual health practices as important to health, and they report that strategies to improve health practices would be effective at improving health, they are not as likely to believe that government should make this a high priority," the report states.

Nevertheless, projects already are underway in Wisconsin that try to find policies that improve health, beyond those involving medical care. For example, the City of Milwaukee Health Department’s Center for Health Equity focuses on social and economic factors in the city, state and nation that may help improve population health.

The researchers say it’s important to gauge whether public opinion changes in this matter because fiscal circumstances are such that "it is unlikely that policymakers will prioritize addressing the social and economic determinants of health unless encouraged to do so by the public."

The authors note that although similar surveys have been conducted in other countries, this is the first survey in the United States to question the public about their views regarding determinants of health, and their opinions on the range of social, economic and health care policies that might improve health. The authors believe that tracking public opinions over time is important to inform educational and policy efforts to improve health outcomes in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 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.

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Stepping up: losing weight as a community

release date: Tuesday, June 10, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—The fact is inescapable: Our communities are filled with the signs of obesity. Researchers from La Crosse area recognized the predicament and in April, 2007, challenged the entire community to do something about it—and they did!

"In order to slow this rapid increase in obesity, communities need to find creative ways to persuade their members to become more active," write the authors (Gundersen Lutheran Health System and Winona State University) of a study that examined the "Minutes in Motion" program.

The free program challenged participants to exercise for 30 minutes per day for six weeks. Of the 3505 community members who signed up, "78 percent initially participated and 61 percent met the challenge goal," the authors report in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 3), which is available on-line at www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org.

The "Minutes in Motion" program recruited local news media and large employers to get the word out to the community and gave out free pedometers to the first 1600 people who registered. The vast majority of participants (78%) were women.

Nearly three out of four participants said that they kept a daily log of their activities, and were more likely to report weight loss and improved endurance. The participants also said they enjoyed better moods.

Participants were required to submit their time exercising after three and six weeks, individually, or as a team. At the conclusion of the challenge, the organizers distributed prizes at an outdoor celebration.

"While we recognize that six weeks is not sufficient time for a behavior such as a sedentary lifestyle to become a permanent change, 37 percent of our survey participant stated they planned to increase their level of active, and 61 percent planned to maintain their current level of activity over the next six months," the researchers write.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With nearly 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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Wisconsin Medical Society asks Court to declare raid on Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund unconstitutional

release date: Friday, June 6, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society, representing nearly 12,000 physicians and medical professionals, filed a motion today for summary judgment in its lawsuit to restore $200 million to the Wisconsin Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund.

The raid of Fund was an unconstitutional taking of health care providers’ property rights without just compensation,
An unconstitutional impairment of health care providers’ contractual rights,
A disguised tax on health care providers and injured patients and families; and,
An unconstitutional denial of health care providers’ rights to equal protection.

The Wisconsin Medical Society has also asked the Court to order the State to replace all money removed from the Fund, including lost investment earnings and interest.

To view a five-minute video about this issue, click here. Or, for more information on the Fund and lawsuit, visit www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/initiatives/lawsuit.

The Injured Patients and Families Compensation 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 an annual sum to the Fund. There are no taxpayer dollars in the Fund.

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 hospitals, physicians vow to eliminate rare, serious errors

Resolution aimed at improving patient safety, quality

release date: Friday, June 6, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—Two of the state’s largest health care organizations jointly announced their support today for a resolution aimed at improving patient safety by working to eliminate nine of the most serious adverse events that can occur in hospitals.

The Wisconsin Hospital Association Board of Directors approved and the Wisconsin Medical Society endorsed a resolution that recognizes that while patient safety is the highest priority in health care, serious errors do occur. The resolution includes a list of nine serious adverse events, for example, wrong site surgeries and leaving a foreign object in a patient following surgery, and requests that hospitals not seek payment from patients or insurers for hospital care made necessary because of these events.

Wisconsin is among a small, but growing, number of states to take this voluntary action.

"This resolution sends a strong message to our communities that we are serious about patient safety. All of our hospitals are actively engaged in improving both the safety and quality of care they provide with a goal of driving errors out of our health care system," said WHA President Steve Brenton. "Wisconsin consistently ranks at the top of national quality ratings because our health care providers are dedicated to providing the best possible care."

"Patient safety and access to high quality care are top priorities for physicians across Wisconsin, which is why we support this resolution and look forward to working with hospitals in this effort," said Society CEO Susan Turney, MD. "We are extremely proud of the care we deliver, and this is one more way we can improve health care in Wisconsin."

The resolution covers nine rare serious adverse events and is based on nationally-accepted definitions provided by the National Quality Forum. The list includes:

surgery on wrong body part
surgery on wrong patient
wrong surgical procedure
retention of foreign object
air embolism-associated injury
infant discharged to wrong person
artificial insemination w/ wrong donor
incompatible blood-associated injury
any incident in which a line designated for oxygen or other gas to be delivered to a patient contains the wrong gas or is contaminated by toxic substances

The new resolution builds on a series of initiatives launched in Wisconsin over the past four years aimed at increasing health care transparency. In 2004, Wisconsin became the first state to voluntarily report ten measures related to hospital quality, a list that now includes nearly 50 measures (www.wiCheckPoint.org). The following year, WHA launched the PricePoint program that displays charge information for every hospital in Wisconsin (www.wiPricePoint.org).

About WHA: The Wisconsin Hospital Association advocates on behalf of its member hospitals and health systems and supports their efforts to provide high quality, cost effective, and accessible care in the communities they serve. Learn more at www.wha.org.

About the 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.

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Karen Meyer, MD, named recipient of Young Physician Leadership Award

release date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation honored Karen Meyer, MD, of Fond du Lac, with its Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD Young Physician Leadership Award, which was established in 2007 memory of the late Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD, of Oshkosh. She received the award during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 11 in Madison.

"Through her efforts in making care available to low income and non English speaking patients, her volunteer work in the community and her involvement in the Fond du Lac County Medical Society and the Wisconsin Medical Society, Doctor Meyer has ably demonstrated a commitment to her patients, the community and the medical profession that sets an example for other young physicians in Wisconsin—an example that my father would have been very proud of," said Doran Viste, who represented the Viste family in presenting the award.

Karen Meyer, MD, accepts the Viste award from Doran Viste, son of Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD.

Doctor Meyer’s contributions are many. Among them, she developed the Prenatal Care Intake Program for the Non-English Speaking Community in Fond du Lac, which allowed more low-income individuals to access care. She also provides education to the community through lectures on various health-related topics and serves as a volunteer speaker for Girls in Science at MATC, a program to encourage young women to enter science.

"For those of us who knew and loved Dr. Ken Viste and were inspired by his dedication to his patients and his profession, we are thrilled to honor Dr. Meyer with this award. She epitomizes everything Dr. Viste stood for in his professional life," said Foundation President Ayaz Samadani, MD.

In Dr. Meyer’s honor, the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation has contributed $500 to Wisconsin Literacy, Inc., the community organization of Dr. Meyer’s choice.

The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a non-profit, non-stock corporation to enable physicians and other friends of the profession to support through loans and scholarships, education of health care professionals.

With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Wisconsin Rapids native awarded scholarship

release date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation has named Jason Jagodzinski its 2008 Presidential Scholar. The Wisconsin Rapids native will receive a $3,000 scholarship to defray his educational expenses.

"The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation is pleased to recognize Jason Jagodzinski for his remarkable scholarship," said Foundation President Ayaz Samadani, MD. Doctor Samadani presented the award during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 11 in Madison.

Jagodzinksi, a student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, plans to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Jason Jagodzinski accepts his award from Foundation President Ayaz Samadani, MD

"Jason is an outstanding student and person," wrote Patrick McBride, MD, MPH, Associate Dean for Students, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, in his letter of recommendation for this honor. "His research is exciting, and he demonstrates outstanding character and values."

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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Wausau native honored with Houghton Award

release date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—Derrick Siebert, a student at Milwaukee’s Medical College of Wisconsin, is one of two recipients of the prestigious 2008 Houghton Award from the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation.

Siebert, a Wausau native, was honored during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 11 in Madison. The award includes an engraved plaque and $1000 to applaud the student’s work and encourage future excellence and leadership.

"Derrick has proven through his ability in medical school and leadership in extracurricular activities that he will be a dedicated and skilled physician," said Ayaz Samadani, MD, President of the Society’s Foundation.

Foundation President Ayaz Samadani, MD, presents Derrick Siebert with his award.

Siebert served as technology chair for the AMA Medical Student Section and worked on a college-wide learning management system to allow faculty and staff to present on-line instructional content.

"I find Derrick to be among the very best students and finest persons with whom I have worked in 18-plus years here," wrote Kenneth Simons, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, in his letter of recommendation.

The Houghton Award is presented annually to one student from each of the state’s two medical schools. It was established by Doctors John H. and William J. Houghton in the 1960s to honor medical students who show promise for becoming what the brothers referred to as, "complete physicians." By that, they meant those who excelled in their knowledge of both the socioeconomic and scientific issues related to medicine.

John H. Houghton, MD, a general practitioner at Wisconsin Dells, was president of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin (now called the Wisconsin Medical Society) in 1965-1966.William J. Houghton, MD, also active in the Society, was a general surgeon in Milwaukee.

The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a non-profit, non-stock corporation to enable physicians and other friends of the profession to support through loans and scholarships, education of health care professionals.

With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Marshfield native honored with Houghton Award

release date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—Kyle Swanson, a student at Madison’s University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, is the recipient of one of two prestigious 2008 Houghton Awards from the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation.

Swanson, a Marshfield native, was honored during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 11 in Madison. The award includes an engraved plaque and $1000 to applaud the student’s work and encourage future excellence and leadership.

"Kyle not only has achieved nearly a perfect grade point average, but has been an active volunteer in a great array of medical organizations and causes," said Ayaz Samadani, MD, President of the Society’s Foundation.

Kyle Swanson accepts his award from Foundation President Ayaz Samadani, MD.

Swanson was selected for membership in Alpha Omega Alpha, the honorary medical society, for his scholarship, character and leadership, according to Patricia DeMarse, Assistant Dean at UW School of Medicine and Public Health. "Kyle’s academic performance has been outstanding," wrote DeMarse in her letter of recommendation.

The Houghton Award is presented annually to one student from each of the state’s two medical schools. It was established by Doctors John H. and William J. Houghton in the 1960s to honor medical students who show promise for becoming what the brothers referred to as, "complete physicians." By that, they meant those who excelled in their knowledge of both the socioeconomic and scientific issues related to medicine.

John H. Houghton, MD, a general practitioner at Wisconsin Dells, was president of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin (now called the Wisconsin Medical Society) in 1965-1966.William J. Houghton, MD, also active in the Society, was a general surgeon in Milwaukee.

The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a non-profit, non-stock corporation to enable physicians and other friends of the profession to support through loans and scholarships, education of health care professionals.

With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Central Wisconsin physician elected Society’s President-Elect

release date: Thursday, April 25, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—Robert J. Jaeger, MD, FACOG, of Mosinee, was elected president-elect of the Wisconsin Medical Society during the Society’s Annual Meeting in Madison April 11-12.

Doctor Jaeger, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, is an assistant clinical professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Now retired from full-time practice, he has served on the Board of Directors of both Family Planning Health Services, Inc. and the Rice Clinic in Stevens Point and has held various leadership roles, including president of the medical staff, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point.

A 32-year member of the Wisconsin Medical Society, Dr. Jaeger is active in numerous professional organizations. He has been a member of the Society’s Board of Directors for a total of 21 years, initially for nine years as a director from central Wisconsin and subsequently in an ex officio capacity as a member the Society’s AMA Delegation. He has also served on numerous Society Commissions and Committees and is a member of the Portage County Medical Society.

Doctor Jaeger has served as President of the Wisconsin Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of the University of Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board. He is the past Chair of the Wisconsin Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as well as past Chair of the College’s District VI and Chair of ACOG’s International Council of District Chairs (52,000 members). He currently serves on six Boards of Directors including the Stevens Point Elks Lodge and the Board of Governors of Wisconsin’s Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund.

Next year, Dr. Jaeger will succeed Steven Bergin, MD, who was sworn in as president during the Annual Meeting. This will mark the first time two successive presidents have been elected from the same community and the first time for two successive presidents from the same specialty and clinic.

With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health. he Board of Governors of Wisconsin’s Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund.

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Milwaukee-area physicians elected to Society leadership positions

release date: Thursday, April 25, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s House of Delegates confirmed the elections of the following Milwaukee-area physicians to three-year terms on the Board of Directors at the Society’s Annual Meeting April 12 in Madison:

Mark E. DeCheck, MD, of Racine, was re-elected to the Board, 2008-2011. Doctor DeCheck is family physician who practices with Drs DeCheck and Martini SC, Racine.
Lowell H. Keppel, MD, of Brookfield, was elected to the Board, 2008-2011. Doctor Keppel is a retired family physician with nearly 30 years of experience in both clinical practice and health care management. He served as vice president and corporate medical director for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Wisconsin, a subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. and is currently President of the Wisconsin Academy of Family Practice, President of the Waukesha County Medical Society and on the Board of Directors of Aurora Family Service.
Mahendr S. Kochar, MD, MACP, of Brookfield, was re-elected to the Board, 2008-2011, and was also elected alternate delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA) for 2009 and 2010. Doctor Kochar is Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology and Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Kesavan Kutty, MD, of Menomonee Falls, was re-elected to the Board, 2008-2011. Doctor Kutty specializes in pulmonary diseases and critical care internal medicine at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Milwaukee. A full-time Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. Kutty begins a three-year term next month as a Regent of the American College of Physicians, and in that capacity, will be a member of the ACP Delegation to the AMA.
Rosanna Ranieri, MD, of Bristol, was re-elected to the Board, 2008-2011. Doctor Ranieri specializes in internal medicine and nephrology at Kenosha Medical Center Clinic.
Sridar V. Vasudevan, MD, of Belgium, was re-elected to the Board, 2008-1011. Doctor Vasudevan specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain medicine at Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls.

Additionally, the following Society members from the Milwaukee area were elected to leadership positions.

Matthew W. Buelow, of Milwaukee, was re-elected to a one-year term on the Board of Directors. He is a student at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Clarence P. Chou, MD, of Mequon, was elected delegate to the AMA for 2009 and 2010. Doctor Chou, the Society’s Immediate Past President, is a full-time staff psychiatrist in the crisis service of the Behavioral Division, Milwaukee County.
George M. Lange, MD, FACP, of River Hills, was elected Chair of the Board of Directors. Doctor Lange is board-certified in internal medicine and geriatrics. He practices with and is a member of Columbia St. Mary’s Community Physicians, Milwaukee.
Charles J. Rainey, MD, JD, of Milwaukee, was re-elected to a two-year term as Vice Speaker. Doctor Rainey, a forensic psychiatrist, is an assistant professor with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

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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Four Madison physicians elected to Society’s Board of Directors

Martha (Molli) Rolli, MD, Madison, was re-elected to the Board for a three-year term, 2008-2011. Doctor Rolli is a psychiatrist with UW Hospital & Clinics and serves as chair of the Society’s Council on Ethics.
Yolanda T. Becker, MD, FACS, Madison, was re-elected as the Medical Schools Section member of the Board for a one-year term. Doctor Becker is a board certified transplant surgeon at UW Hospital & Clinics.
Claudia L. Reardon, MD, Madison, was elected to a one-year term on the Board as the Resident Fellow Section representative. Doctor Reardon, a psychiatrist, is a resident at UW Hospital & Clinics.
Amanda Herzog, Madison, was elected to a one-year term on the Board as a Medical Student Section representative. She is a student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Fond du Lac physicians elected to Society leadership positions

Karen L. Meyer, MD, was elected to a three-year term on the Society’s Board of Directors, 2008-2011. Doctor Meyer is in practice at the Fond du Lac Regional Clinic, specializing obstetrics and gynecology.
Kevin A. Jessen, MD, was elected Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. Doctor Jessen is a family physician with Mercury Marine Family Medical Center in Fond du Lac.

Central Wisconsin physicians elected to Society leadership positions

Mary Jo Freeman, MD, FACP, of Mosinee, was re-elected to a three-year term on the Society’s Board of Directors, 2008-2011. Doctor Freeman is a board certified internal medicine specialist affiliated with Aspirus Freeman Adult Health in Wausau.
Kevin T. Flaherty, MD, of Wausau, was elected delegate to the American Medical Association for 2009 and 2010. Doctor Flaherty, who serves as the Society’s Speaker of the House of Delegates, is an ophthalmologist with the Eye Clinic of Wisconsin with locations in Wausau, Antigo, Medford, Merrill, Rhinelander and Stevens Point.

Ashland physician elected to Society’s Board of Directors

release date: Thursday, April 25, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society’s House of Delegates confirmed the election of the following physician at the Society’s Annual Meeting April 12 in Madison.

David M. Saarinen, MD, of Ashland, was re-elected to a three-year term on the Society’s Board of Directors, 2008-2011. Doctor Saarinen is a board certified family physician with Duluth Clinic-Ashland.

With nearly 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Area physicians elected to Society’s Board of Directors

Andrea Hillerud, MD, of Eau Claire, was elected to a three-year term on the Board as the Young Physician Section representative, 2008-2011. Doctor Hillerud is a family physician with Marshfield Clinic Oakwood Center in Eau Claire.
Arne T. Lagus, MD, of St. Croix Falls, was re-elected to the Board for a three-year term, 2008-2011. Doctor Lagus is a family physician with River Valley Medical Center in St. Croix Falls.

Marshfield’s Robert Phillips, MD, receives Society’s Director’s Award

release date: Thursday, April 17, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—Robert Phillips, MD, of Marshfield, has received the prestigious Director’s Award – the Wisconsin Medical Society’s highest honor. He accepted the award during the Society’s Annual Meeting in Madison April 11.

Doctor Phillips was recognized as being a true leader in medicine. He has served as chair of the Society’s Board of Directors and as a member of numerous committees and task forces. Notably, he chaired the Society’s 1993 Health Reform Taskforce, which developed a plan for providing every citizen in Wisconsin with affordable, high-quality health care.

Robert Phillips, MD, accepts the Director's Award as outgoing Board Chair Thomas Luetzow, MD, looks on.

"The challenges of health system reform remain significant as we strive to achieve universal health care coverage in Wisconsin," said Thomas Luetzow, MD, outgoing Chair of the Society’s Board of Directors. "But the principles Doctor Phillips and his colleagues established remain intact and guide our organization as we pursue this vision." Doctor Luetzow also noted that Dr. Phillips’ contributions to medicine and health policy continue today in his role as Government Relations Director for Marshfield Clinic.

"Because so many legislative decisions are being made today that impact the future of our profession and the access of care for our patients, there never has been a more important time for our policy leaders to have the benefit of working with a physician as well-versed in health policy as Doctor Phillips," said Dr. Luetzow.

The Director’s Award was established in 1928 to recognize those who have served the art and science of medicine, their fellow physicians and the public with distinction.

With more than 11,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Thomas Meyer, MD, receives Wisconsin Medical Society’s Presidential Citation Award

release date: Thursday, April 17, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—Thomas C. Meyer, MD, of Madison has received the Presidential Citation Award from the Wisconsin Medical Society. Outgoing President Clarence Chou, MD, made the presentation at the Society’s Annual Meeting in Madison April 11. Doctor Chou called Dr. Meyer’s contributions to medicine and public health "indisputable."

Before retirement, Dr. Meyer was a pediatric cardiologist and also a professor of pediatrics and continuing medical education at the University of Wisconsin Medical School. He also served as Medical Director of St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center and has remained active in medical education since retiring in 1995.

Thomas C. Meyer, MD, receives the Presidential Citation Award from outgoing Society President Clarence Chou, MD.

"Instead of scaling back on his commitments to take full advantage of his retirement, Dr. Meyer became medical editor of the Wisconsin Medical Journal, a role to which he devoted countless hours for more than a decade," said Dr. Chou, during the presentation. "At a time when all but a handful of state medical societies eliminated their peer-reviewed journals, Dr. Meyer not only guided ours into a reputable scientific journal that educates Wisconsin physicians about Wisconsin medicine, but also ensured its place as a venue for students and residents interested in research and scientific publishing."

The President of the Society has the privilege of presenting the Presidential Citation Award to a physician or non-physician who has made significant contributions to medicine or public health. The award was established in 1959.

With more than 11,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Two physicians named 2008 Physician Citizens of the Year

release date: Thursday, April 17, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Medical Society has named James Allen, MD, of Madison, and Scott Walker, MD, of Boscobel, the Society’s 2008 Physician Citizens of the Year. Both physicians were honored during the Wisconsin Medical Society’s Annual Meeting April 11 in Madison.

Doctor Allen, a retired ophthalmologist, was the driving force behind changing federal law so disabled veterans who lost their vision in one eye because of their military service may get enhanced benefits should they lose vision later in the other eye.

James Allen, MD, was named a Physician Citizen of the Year.

"In the seven years between the time the bill was written and the time it as enacted, Dr. Allen wrote many letters and made many calls looking for co-sponsors. He can truly be said to be the one person behind this new law. Thousands of veterans will be affected," said Jay Gold, MD, of Madison, in his nomination of Dr. Allen for the award.

"I believe Dr. Allen provides a model to the medical community of how physicians can dedicate themselves to the common good over and above the good they do in direct clinical care," Dr. Gold added.

Doctor Walker, a family physician, established and serves as medical director of a free clinic.

"Doctors like Scott Walker help keep our health care system functional, as we try to reform it so we may more effectively serve patients. Achieving health system reform has proven to be a difficult challenge indeed, but we are inspired to keep working at it because of the dedication of so many physicians like Dr. Walker who roll up their sleeves and treat those in need rather than waiting for politicians to reach an agreement. That level of decency, generosity and empathy cannot be overstated," said Clarence Chou, MD, during the award presentation. Doctor Chou is the Society’s immediate past president.

Scott Walker, MD, was also named a Physician Citizen of the Year.

The Physician Citizen of the Year Award is bestowed upon physicians who demonstrate a commitment to their communities through volunteer or charitable activities.

With more than 11,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Stevens Point’s Dr. Steven Bergin elected Wisconsin Medical Society President

Dr. Bergin urges colleagues to mount urgent campaign for health reform

release date: Saturday, April 12, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—Steven Bergin, MD, of Stevens Point, was inaugurated the 155th president of the Wisconsin Medical Society Friday evening during the Society’s Annual Meeting at Madison’s Monona Terrace.

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Bergin urged his colleagues to get involved politically to make health insurance available for everybody.

"We must shed our professional cocoon and awaken from our political hibernation," said Dr. Bergin, an OB/GYN. "We need to mount a vigorous sustained grass roots campaign engaging and dialoguing with local, state and national legislative representatives. We should not off-handedly dismiss proposals just because they depart from the status quo."

Outgoing President Clarence Chou, MD, congratulates Steven Bergin, MD, as he is inagurated.

Doctor Bergin’s presidential theme focuses on ways to improve health care quality, controlling costs and increasing access to healthcare. He reminded his colleagues that patients are partners in this effort, and that doctors need to challenge them to adopt healthier lifestyles. And that’s a message Bergin also wants to deliver to those companies who pay for health care. "We need to convince insurance companies it is prevention-prevention-prevention."

Doctor Bergin cited evidence that indicates the United States spends more per capita on health care than any other nation in the world, yet came in last in terms of preventable death rates.

Finally, he challenged fellow physicians to re-examine their own approach to patient care. "We must amplify our evidence-based care approach to managing disease and expand our best practice solutions," said Dr. Bergin.

The president of the Wisconsin Medical Society serves a one-year term. Doctor Bergin succeeds Clarence Chou, MD, of Milwaukee.

With more than 11,500 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

Click here to view a transcript of Dr. Bergin's Inaugural Address.

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‘Real Rain Man’ to visit Wisconsin April 8-11

release date: Tuesday, April 1, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—He may not be able to leap tall buildings with a single bound, but 56-year-old savant Kim "Rain Man" Peek is a superman when it comes to his intellectual feats.

Peek, known to friends as "Kimputer," has astounding memorization skills. For example, he has read more than 9000 books and can recall virtually every fact from them. He says he simultaneously reads one page with his left eye and the other page with his right eye. Peek’s unique skills are what caught the attention of Hollywood, and led to the Oscar-winning movie Rain Main, starring Dustin Hoffman.

"Kim Peek is a living miracle, and the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation is thrilled to host his Wisconsin visit to celebrate the potential in all of us," said Foundation President Ayaz Samadani, MD. "The phenomenon we know as Savant Syndrome is something to marvel and appreciate, and we are grateful for Mr. Peek’s willingness to share his gift with us."

During his visit April 8-11, Peek will highlight the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation’s Annual Fundraising event Thursday, April 10 at Madison’s Monona Terrace. He will speak at approximately 8 p.m. News media are welcome to attend.

Peek has done dozens of interviews over the years and will be available to field questions from reporters on several occasions during his trip to Wisconsin. He will be joined by his father, Fran Peek, and Fond du Lac psychiatrist Darold Treffert, MD, an internationally recognized expert on Savant Syndrome.

More information about Kim Peek is available on the Wisconsin Medical Society Web site at http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome.

Media availability:

April 9:	7-10 a.m., scheduled phone interviews from Fond du Lac.
April 10:	Early morning and noon TV programs from Madison.
April 10:	Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation Annual Fundraiser, Monona Terrace, Madison, 8 p.m. presentation by Kim Peek. (One-on-one interviews in Hall of Ideas, Room G from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.)
April 11:	Early morning TV and Radio interviews from Madison.

Contact Steve Busalacchi at 608.698.5298 or prdr@tds.net to schedule an interview with Kim Peek during any of these times.

The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a charitable organization to enable physicians and other friends of the profession to support the education of health care professionals through scholarships, fellowships and student loans. Every health care professional will care for many patients over his or her career, so a gift to the Foundation truly touches many lives.

With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

For a list of interesting facts about Kim Peek, click here.

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‘Real Rain Man’ to visit Madison school April 10

release date: Tuesday, April 1, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—Students from Madison’s Jefferson Middle School will have the chance of a lifetime April 10 to hear and meet the incredible savant who inspired the movie Rain Main.

Kim Peek, known to friends as "Kimputer," has something akin to a photographic memory, despite his developmental disabilities. Nevertheless, the story of Kim Peek, and the reason he is speaking to students, is that Peek demonstrates the hidden potential we all have, whether disabled in some ways or not.

For example, if one gives Peek a date in history from 50 or 100 years ago, he can say immediately on what day of the week it fell. He also has enormous knowledge of history, sports, classical music, and other subjects. Peek’s unique skills are what caught the attention of Hollywood, and led to the Oscar-winning movie Rain Main, starring Dustin Hoffman.

Peek’s visit to Jefferson Middle School is being co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation and VSA arts of Wisconsin (www.vsawis.org), an organization that conducts arts programming for individuals with disabilities. Through this partnership, Peek will give two presentations at Jefferson Middle School on Thursday, April 10.

Such presentations are nothing new to Peek, as he addresses groups from throughout the country and has appeared on numerous television programs. He will be joined by his father, Fran Peek, and Fond du Lac psychiatrist Darold Treffert, MD, an internationally recognized expert on Savant Syndrome. More information about Kim Peek is available on the Wisconsin Medical Society Web site at http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org/savant_syndrome.

School Presentation Details:
Two presentations will be held April 10 at Jefferson Middle School, 101 S. Gammon Road, Madison, before approximately 260 sixth and seventh grade students. They are scheduled from

9:30 -10:20 a.m. (second floor lecture hall), and
10:25 -11:15 a.m. (One-on-one interviews available following second presentation)

Park across the street from the school on Gammon Road, although there may be some space in the school parking lot.

The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a charitable organization to enable physicians and other friends of the profession to support the education of health care professionals through scholarships, fellowships and student loans. Every health care professional will care for many patients over his or her career, so a gift to the Foundation truly touches many lives.

With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

Incorporated as a nonprofit in 1985, VSA arts of Wisconsin (VSA) serves people with disabilities across Wisconsin. Its mission is to expand the capabilities, confidence and quality of life for children and adults with disabilities by providing programs in dance, drama, creative writing, music and visual art. Individuals served include people with disabilities from birth through senior populations and across all disability categories including physical, emotional, behavioral, visual, hearing, cognitive, learning and mental illness.

For a list of interesting facts about Kim Peek, click here.

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No. 2 Wisconsin ranking reason to be proud

release date: Thursday, March 27, 2008
statements below attributable to: Clarence Chou, MD - Wisconsin Medical Society President

"We are extremely pleased that Wisconsin has once again been ranked among the top states in terms of health care quality. Health care professionals and organizations across Wisconsin have reason to be proud. It takes a lot of commitment and hard work to achieve high quality health care, and our efforts in Wisconsin are proving effective.

"At the same time, the AHRQ report also indicates some areas in which we could improve, such as cancer care, home health care and the fact that 63 percent of patients in Wisconsin are overweight or obese.

"We can’t rest on our laurels. It’s important that we continue to work hard to improve the quality of health care for all of our patients and also that we preserve the environment that makes practicing medicine in Wisconsin attractive to high quality health care professionals."

The above statement references the "2007 State Snapshots" released yesterday by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The report ranks Wisconsin second in the nation in overall health care quality.

With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Former Representative Gielow joins Wisconsin Medical Society on special assignment

release date: Wednesday, March 5, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—Curt Gielow, former state representative from Mequon, has joined the Wisconsin Medical Society staff on a part-time basis as Senior Advisor to the CEO. He will focus on identifying and executing strategic initiatives that position the Society for a leadership role on issues affecting physicians. Health care reform proposals, long-term care reform initiatives and medical claims data assimilation for use in quality improvements and transparency are some of the issues under consideration.

Gielow holds an undergraduate degree in pharmacy and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Mauston doctor joins lawsuit to overturn raid on Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund

Threat to rural health care looms

release date: Tuesday, March 4, 2008
contact: Kendi Parvin - 608.442.3748 - kendip@wismed.org

Madison—David Hoffmann, MD, a family physician who practices in Mauston, has joined in the complaint against the State of Wisconsin to overturn the raid on the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund (IPFCF).

"We believe the illegal transfer of $200 million from the IPFCF threatens the stability of a program intended for patients and their families," said Mark Grapentine, JD, the Society’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations. "The unintended consequence of this raid very well may be that it becomes a deterrent to recruiting doctors in small towns across Wisconsin like Mauston."

The IPFCF was created in 1975 to minimize the effects that increased insurance costs caused by lawsuits might have on health care costs and quality. There are no taxpayer dollars in the fund. Instead, Wisconsin physicians, hospitals and some other health care professionals are required to pay into the fund annually to ensure that injured patients and their families have a safety net if a patient is injured as a result of medical negligence. The Fund has been a stabilizing factor in Wisconsin’s medical liability climate, which has helped clinics and hospitals to recruit and retain physicians, particularly in rural communities.

"I do not take this action lightly, but in my own practice I work with two physicians who left their practices in Pennsylvania because of the negative liability environment there," said Dr. Hoffmann. "Now they are worried that Wisconsin may experience a similar fate. I am extremely concerned that the State’s raid of the IPFCF may make recruiting and retention difficult in the future. And that could have a devastating effect on access to health care in towns like Mauston."

Dr. Hoffmann joins the suit brought by the Wisconsin Medical Society, which represents more than 11,000 physicians across Wisconsin.

"The Medical Society appreciates the sincerity and dedication of Dr. Hoffmann’s action," said Grapentine. "We want families, mayors, local government officials, the legislature and the Governor to recognize the terrible impact that this raid will have on health care access and quality. Dr. Hoffmann’s experience underscores the potential impact that the State’s raid on the IPFCF might have on physicians who practice in rural communities statewide."

With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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County Public Health Programs underfunded in Wisconsin

County by county figures available at www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.org

release date: Wednesday, February 20, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—A county’s financial health may well be related to the health of its citizens. Unfortunately, researchers from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute found the counties that have "the worst health outcomes" had only slightly higher levels of public health funding than those with better outcomes.

Their research, published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 1) investigated 10 years of total funding and staffing data from all of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. "On average, Wisconsin local health departments spend $20.60 per capita, ranging from $7.40 to $68.20 among counties," the study reports. These figures are low by national standards.

Although Wisconsin aims to have "equitable, adequate and stable financing" for local public health, those goals remains "unmet," according to the study authors. That, despite evidence that "public health policies and programs make a difference in improving population health." The authors say the counties with the poorest health outcomes may need more resources to turn things around. But they warn that even with adequate funding, it may take years to see improvement at a population level.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Treestand injuries most common among deer hunters

release date: Monday, February 18, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—Gun injuries definitely pose a threat, but falling out of a treestand should be a major concern for deer hunters as well.

A study just published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 1) looked at serious deer hunting injuries treated at University of Wisconsin Hospital from 1999 to 2004. The study found that 66 percent (16 of the 24) of injuries treated at the trauma center were the result of treestand falls. The rest of the injuries were firearm-related. The treestand-related injuries were mostly orthopedic in nature, but also included the three closed head injuries noted in the study and two injuries that resulted in the hunters’ deaths. To prevent treestand injuries the authors recommend the following:

Choose only healthy, mature, straight trees for a stand.
Be familiar with your equipment, including your safety harness.
Always use a safety harness, not a single strap belt.
Always use a haul line to raise and lower unloaded firearms and equipment.
Wear non-skid shoes or boots.
Tell others where you are hunting; carry emergency communication (cell phone, whistle).
Hunt with a buddy when possible.
Never climb a treestand tired or drunk.

The authors also emphasize that hunters must be "extra vigilant during the opening days of deer season and during the Thanksgiving holiday when the volume of hunters is presumed to be at a peak," and to wear 100 percent blaze orange clothing.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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State report indicates Fund intended for injured patients is in jeopardy

release date: Friday, January 18, 2008
contact: Mark Grapentine, JD - 608.575.2514 - markg@wismed.org

Madison—The Wisconsin Department of Administration has confirmed what the State’s medical professionals most feared. According to today’s Wisconsin State Journal, "An Oct. 29 transfer of $71.5 million from the Patient’s Compensation Fund … left the fund short $46.2 million in cash…."A letter received by the State’s budget committee January 11 from DOA Secretary Michael Morgan indicates that the Fund’s balance was still short $44.5 million as of November 30.

"The Injured Patients and Families Compensation fund was created in 1975 to provide funding for large malpractice claims, thereby making medical liability insurance more readily available and reducing pressure to increase insurance costs," said Clarence Chou, MD, Wisconsin Medical Society president. "I’m concerned that the State did not think through the consequences of its actions when it illegally took funds intended for victims and their families to be used for other programs."

Chou adds that the shortfall will likely grow, because a second transfer of $128.5 million from the Fund is slated to occur July 1, 2008 as part of the two-year budget agreement. And because there was not enough cash in the Fund when the initial transfer occurred, the State took money from other State funds and, as a result, has asserted that the Fund will have to pay interest to those other State funds.

The Wisconsin Medical Society has filed suit to overturn the raid on the Fund. "While physicians certainly hope that patients never have to make a claim, the fact is that this Fund was created for the citizens of Wisconsin if they are injured due to a negligent medical act. It would be tragic if funding were not available in the event that patients and their families need it," Chou added.

Fund payments provide unlimited economic damages by covering medical bills and replacing lost income. It also provides payments for pain and suffering. No taxpayer dollars are in the Fund; instead, most physicians, hospitals and other health care providers are required to pay annual fees.

With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Group Urges Public: List it. Don’t risk it!

Write down your medicines. Carry the list.

release date: Wednesday, January 16, 2008
contact: Mary Kay Grasmick, Wisconsin Hospital Association, 608.274.1820 or 608.575.7516

Madison—People carry a lot of different lists in their pockets. Grocery lists. Lists of chores and errands. They all find their way into our purses and wallets. But one list you carry could save your life in a medical emergency—a medicine list.

Safe Care Wisconsin, a statewide group of health professionals and organizations dedicated to patient safety, announced today their first statewide health safety project: "List it. Don’t Risk it. Write down your medicines." The project emphasizes the importance of writing down and carrying an accurate list of medications. The medication list project is aimed at getting people who take both prescription and non-prescription medications to write down the name, dose and other important information and to carry the list in their wallets.

The campaign will be bolstered by radio ads and the work of a statewide hospital volunteer group, Partners of Wisconsin Hospital Association. Partner’s President Diane Westbrook, River Falls, said her group set a goal of having all 12,000 of their members fill out a medicine list—and then complete one for a friend or family member, for a total of 24,000. Westbrook said her hope is that their efforts will lead to more people in the community recognizing how critical it is to write down and carry a list of medicines.

Information on this project, including a blank medicine list can be downloaded from www.safecarewisconsin.org. In addition, medicine list forms are available at hospitals, medical clinics and pharmacies.

Society member Kathy Leonhardt, MD, MPH, is the patient safety officer at Aurora Health Care. She said patients and their family members have a difficult time recalling what prescription and non-prescription medicines they take when asked to help fill out a medical history at the doctor’s office.

"Many of us take medicines on a regular basis—either prescribed by a doctor or medications that we select ourselves like vitamins or aspirin, things bought without a prescription. Some of us have to take a lot of medicines to stay healthy—and it can be very confusing—both for patients and their doctors," according to Dr. Leonhardt.

"For patients, it can be hard keeping track of all the pills and the instructions for each one. For doctors, they may not know what other doctors have prescribed for a patient or what over-the-counter medicines the patient is taking—unless all that information is given to the doctor at the time of the visit," she said. "We all want to be safe when taking medicines, but it is easy to see that mistakes can happen," Dr. Leonhardt added.

Dr. Leonhardt urges people to keep the list where it can be found quickly, such as in a wallet behind a driver’s license. As an emergency department nurse at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Heather Grant, RN, knows that seconds count in a medical emergency.

"At any time, you or a family member could have an accident or fall seriously ill and be unable to communicate with emergency responders or personnel in the emergency room. The recent I-90 weather-related multi-vehicle pileup demonstrated how emergencies can take place any time and far from home. We look for every piece of information that we can when a patient comes in to the emergency department. The more we know about the patient, the faster we can treat them. We always worry that a patient is taking medicine that will have a negative reaction with a drug we administer in the ER," Grant said. "A medication list can truly save your life in an emergency," she added.

Mike Flint, a registered pharmacist and owner of Mallatt’s Pharmacy in Madison, said the pharmacist is often the last person to talk to a patient before they take home a new prescription. He urges his patients to update and carry a current list of medicines and to note any allergies that they have on the list as well.

"It is very important that you show the pharmacist the list of medications that you are taking, including vitamins and supplements that you purchase that do not require a prescription. It becomes even more important that you show your pharmacist the list if you pick up prescriptions from more than one pharmacy or if you order prescriptions through the Internet. Ask questions about your prescription if you don’t understand how often to take it, or what it is for. Ask your pharmacist to print out a list of medications that you take and use that list to fill out your own list," Flint said. "Don’t be shy about asking for help in completing your list. Many people have multiple prescriptions, and it is confusing. A list goes a long way in preventing medication errors at home," he said.

Safe Care Wisconsin members represent hospitals, physicians, insurers, quality improvement organizations, patient safety organizations and others committed to ensuring the safety of patients throughout Wisconsin. For more information on Safe Care Wisconsin, visit www.safecarewisconsin.org.

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Journaling medical students tell it like it is

release date: Friday, January 11, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—Learning to become a doctor is a challenging feat indeed, so researchers set out to see what medical students were thinking while they were going through this arduous process.

"Since clerkship experiences often are the first time medical students encounter clinical medicine, we sought to explore the thematic content of medical students’ written reflections during clerkship training," write the authors, from the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine. Their article is published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 106, No. 8).

Approximately 25 medical students from 1994-1996 and 35 from 2001-2003 voluntarily participated. Prominent themes included gender issues, career choice, rural practice and the experience of relating to patients.

Here are some specific examples:

"It is funny how many times I have been mistaken for a nurse the last few weeks."

"It scared me to death the first time I did a pelvic exam on a young woman who had never had one before."

"I have always thought of general practice fields as being very hard. Such a variety of patients, such a wide differential base. How could one ever stay current on everything? I thought only the very smartest of the smartest, maybe the top 1 percent of medical students could be truly good at it. Why does the top of the class go into surgery?"

"The cows come before everything else. Understand that, and you’ll never be surprised by your patients who are farmers."

"At what point does the death of a patient not bother a doctor?"

"I get the sense from my preceptor that much of primary care entails deciding what not to do—what parts of the physical exam can be safely skipped, how abbreviated the history-taking can be, and this bothers me, because at this point I’m worried about missing things and get worried if I’m not being thorough enough."

The study’s authors conclude, "This initial qualitative project demonstrates both constancy in the themes on which students reflect during medical training, as well as evidence to suggest the impact of outside trends and events on the educational experiences of medical students…"

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Study: Physicians see limited benefit from cold remedies

release date: Thursday, January 10, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—The bottom line is that doctors agree there is just no magic bullet to defeating or substantially minimizing the effects of the common cold.

A survey of physicians and medical researchers, just published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 106, No. 8), asked family physicians and others considered "experts" on common cold research what they thought of such treatments as zinc, vitamin C and antihistamines.

"Responding family physicians and experts agreed that cold remedies do not reduce illness duration," report the authors, who are from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Family Medicine.

On the other hand, there was a lot of disagreement about what worked regarding "severity reduction," though decongestants were rated most positively.

"Interesting to us, antihistamines and Echinacea received the most favorable ratings, with the largest number of moderately strong or very strong ratings," the authors report. Zinc nasal spray got the worst ratings.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.

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Could dairy state be vitamin D deficient?

release date: Tuesday, January 8, 2008
contact: Steve Busalacchi - 608.698.5298 - PRDR@tds.net

Madison—Your ability to fight disease, build muscle and prevent broken bones may all hinge on how much vitamin D your body receives and produces. But new research published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 106, No. 8) finds residents of the dairy state are vitamin D deficient.

"As a result of low dietary intake and sun avoidance, low vitamin D status is endemic in Wisconsin," say the authors, from the University of Wisconsin Osteoporosis Clinical Center and Research Program in Madison.

Vitamin D is produced in the skin when we’re exposed to sunlight. But the risk of skin cancer has scared many of us out of the sun and has increased the popularity of using sunscreen, even though sunscreen "effectively blocks cutaneous vitamin D production."

While preventing skin cancer is important, so is preventing falls, especially since as of 2002, Wisconsin had the highest "crude death rate from falls in the United States," according to the Journal article.

"Since low vitamin D status increases falls risk, and supplementation reduces falling, it is likely that vitamin D supplementation is an inexpensive way to reduce falls and fractures in Wisconsin and elsewhere," the authors conclude. They estimate the cost at as little as $1 per month.

Milk, salmon and other fatty fish are good sources of vitamin D, but spending a little time in sunshine is probably necessary too, unless you take supplements.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal is the official publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society. With more than 11,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy leadership since 1841. Your Doctor. Your Health.