May/June M /J 22013 013 • UUSA SA $$1.95 1 95 Time To Write Seven Doctors Project ALSO INSIDE ‘Best Of Both Worlds’: Meet the New State Chief Medical Officer Champion Your Favorite Causes: MOMS Foundation Grants Renovation & Reconfiguration: MOMS & NCVO Remodel/Consolidate A Publication of the Metro Omaha Medical Society • www.OmahaMedical.com One call accesses maternal & fetal specialists, for newborns requiring immediate intervention. The Fetal Care Center at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center In afﬁliation with 1.855.850.KIDS (5437) PHYSICIANS’ PRIORITY LINE Your 24-hour link to pediatric specialists for physician-to-physician consults, referrals, admissions and transport service. ChildrensOmaha.org Working with you for a healthy Nebraska nebraskablue.com Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 4 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 New hope for patients with Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis “Pain-free is the new normal for me.” Charlene Auto Islet Cell Transplant Patient &KDUOHQHVX΍HUHGPRUHWKDQ\HDUVZLWKWKHGHELOLWDWLQJ SDLQRISDQFUHDWLWLV8QDEOHWROLYHZLWKLWDQ\ORQJHUVKH “We’re one of only a handful of medical centers in the nation to offer auto islet transplants to patients suffering from this very difﬁcult disease.” Brian Boerner, MD FDPHWR7KH1HEUDVND0HGLFDO&HQWHUȇVFRPSUHKHQVLYHFOLQLF IRUWKHWUHDWPHQWRISDQFUHDWLFDQGELOLDU\GLVRUGHUV $IWHUDQH[WHQVLYHHYDOXDWLRQE\DJURXSRIVSHFLDOLVWV VKHXQGHUZHQWDQDXWRLVOHWFHOOWUDQVSODQW7RGD\&KDUOHQH LVSDLQIUHHȊΖWZDVDJUHDWRSWLRQIRUPH$QGWKHUHLVQR SDLQΖWJDYHPHP\OLIHEDFNȋ (QGRFULQRORJ\ Call 800.401.4444WRGD\RUJRWR NebraskaMed.com/pancreasclinic May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 5 THIS Issue MAY/JUNE 2013 features departments 19 COVER: Time To Write Seven Doctors Project 10 22 ‘Best of Both Worlds’ Meet the New State Chief Medical Officer 24 27 Champion Your Favorite Causes MOMS Foundation Grants Renovation And Reconfiguration MOMS & NCVO Remodel/Consolidate 6 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 Editor’s Desk Why the Hands-off Approach? 12 NMA Message 14 Legal Update 15 Young Physician Report 16 Clinical Update 30 MOMS Events 31 MOMS Coming Events 32 Member News 34 Campus Update 37 New Member Update Our Avocation for Physicians Never Waivers HIPPA and HITECH Where It All Begins It’s an Emergency: Immunity for Health-Care Providers? why not? It’s your wealth. You decide how to use it. We’ll help with a plan. We have lots of ideas, and you can read them online. Go to our website. Click on “Wealth Talk.” Wealth Management Personally Delivered. www.bonnettwm.com 14710 West Dodge Road #203 Omaha, NE 68154 (402) 556-8858 Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Jerome P. Bonnett, Jr., CFP®, ChFC®, Registered Representative. Advisory services offered through BWM Advisors, LLC. Jerome P. Bonnett, Jr., Investment Advisor Representative. BWM Advisors, LLC (dba Bonnett Wealth Management) and Securities America companies are unaffiliated. May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 7 2013 VOLUME 34, NUMBER 3 A Publication of the Metro Omaha Medical Society 7906 Davenport St. • Omaha, NE 68114 (402)393-1415 • www.omahamedical.com OFFICERS President | Marvin J. Bittner, M.D. President-Elect | Debra L. Esser, M.D. Secretary-Treasurer | David D. Ingvoldstad, M.D. Past President | Pierre J. Lavedan, M.D. Executive Director | Diane Parsons EXECUTIVE BOARD Marvin Bittner, M.D. Debra Esser, M.D. David Ingvoldstad, M.D. Pierre Lavedan, M.D. Mohammad Al-Turk, M.D. Jane Bailey, M.D. Lori Brunner-Buck, M.D. David Filipi, M.D. Harris Frankel, M.D. Sherrill Murphy, M.D., Michelle Knolla, M.D. William Orr, M.D. Laurel Prestridge, M.D. William Shiffermiller, M.D. Gamini Soori, M.D. Jeffry Strohmyer, M.D. EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING STAFF Publisher | Omaha Magazine, LTD Editor | Marvin Bittner, M.D. Art Director | John Gawley Senior Graphic Designer | Katie Anderson Junior Graphic Designer | Paul Lukes Director of Photography | Bill Sitzmann advertising sales Todd Lemke • Sandy Besch • Greg Bruns Gwen Lemke • Gil Cohen • Alicia Smith • Vicki Voet • Paige Edwards • Jessica Linhart for advertising information: 402-884-2000 Physicians Bulletin is published bi-monthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, in e B2 B P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. © 2013. No whole or part of contents herein may be reproduced without prior permission of Omaha IN | KANSAS CITY ag | sin s e s s t o B u sin e ss M 2 012 s W ER a’ DES MOINES Bu ER N W ah s N OMAHA az Om e’s in aha Maga z Om IN LEAWOOD Magazine or the Metro Omaha Medical Society, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however, no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations. Omaha Magazine and the Metro Omaha Medical Society in no way endorse any opinions or statements in this publication except those accurately reflecting official MOMS actions. 8 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 Always Local, Always Beautiful May/June 2012 tiful tifu B ys Beau A l Alwa l, al, Loca Always Loc Each issue also features human interest pieces, including architect/designer/builder proﬁles, hot products, maintenance columns, room spotlights, landscaping columns, neighborhood proﬁles, home transformations, home happenings, mortgage columns, new business stories, green A Home For All Ages design features, and much, much more. September/Oc tober 2011 Alway A lway yss Local, Local Alway s Beauti Be tif Beaut B iful full WATKINS ULTIM ATE c yard Challenge aack ac Back BBa ” ““Band of Brothers “B TR HOFER CONS RT H UR CURT C ion A Publicat Architect St Steven ven Ginn’s I novati Innova tive ve Re Reside idence 2012 July/August of tiful tifu B ys Beau Loc l, Alwa Always Local ROOM SPOTLIGHT Kitchen Remodel March/April NEIGHBORHOOD PROFIL E Field Club Historical Distr ict 2012 Alway ys L Local al, Alwa Al ys Beau B tiful if 2011 NEBRASKA-IO WA ASID Project Awards ECT RON HACKETT’S a Hills PoncARCHIT Home in the Woods OD PROFIL NEIGHBORHO N NE E CTS HOT PRODU Luminous Lamps A Publication of CERTIFIED A Publication of GREEN HOME S Jeff Rensch & Brau Builders TAPESTRY/RU G WEAVER Mary Zicafoose We’re Making Healthcare a Little Easier to Digest Midwest Gastrointestinal Associates’ dedicated endoscopy centers perform thousands of procedures annually. This allows our team of GI professionals to provide the highest quality of care at the lowest cost in the region. To learn more about screening colonoscopy and other GI issues, visit our website at midwestgi.com. Tyron A. Alli, MD Jason J. Cisler, MD Michael B. Jones, MD John C. Mitchell II, MD Alexander B. Bernal, MD Joshua T. Evans Sr., MD William C. Livingston, DO Trevor J. Pearson, MD Marc A. Scheer, DO Bradley J. Schroeder, MD Douglas E. Brouillette, MD John J. Ferry, MD Thomas R. McGinn, MD Edwin C. Schafer, MD Brian W. Ward, MD John J. Cannella III, MD Kimberly S. Harmon, MD Matthew M. McMahon, MD Michael E. Schafer, MD Steven D. Wilkening, MD midwestgi.com 8901 Indian Hills Drive Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68114 402.397.7057 or 402.504.3880 17001 Lakeside Hills Plaza Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68130 402.885.8700 May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 9 EDITOR’S desk Why the Hands-off Approach? Marvin Bittner, M.D. President Metro Omaha Medical Society S HOULD NEBRASKA REMOVE THE sales tax exemption for sugary beverages? The debate on this subject was paradoxical. I know that there is more and more concern about more and more obesity. So, I thought, there must be very strong support from a long list of healthrelated organizations for removing the sales tax exemption. There wasn’t. Why not? Why wasn’t there strong support from health insurance companies, health-care systems, local health departments, academic medical centers and the VA? If the loss of the tax exemption would cut the consumption of sugary beverages and cut the growth of obesity, wouldn’t this reduce the costs of health care? Wouldn’t health insurers welcome this? I learned that health insurers have something else to consider. If sales of sugary beverages fall, then revenue will drop for stores that sell sugary beverages. Those stores are customers of health insurance companies. Why would a health insurance company do something to hurt its customers? Wouldn’t health-care systems seize on removing the exemption as a way to promote the health of the community? A health-care system leader told me that, as of 2013, they get paid for providing doctor visits and hospital stays. No one is paying them to reduce the prevalence of obesity in Omaha. Payers are cutting back. Health-care systems don’t have extra funds to spend on population health. I do know that the Douglas County Health Department is promoting healthy eating. Yet the department hasn’t gotten the city or county government to take the kind of strong stand 10 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 against sugary beverages that attracted so much attention to Mayor Bloomberg of New York City. Our local governments need to work with all segments of the community. That includes segments that cringe at anything that might hint at bigger government, even the loss of a sales tax exemption. I learned why medical schools can’t take the lead in opposing the tax exemption. Medical school accreditation requirements are extraordinarily detailed and demanding. They even specify how many square feet of lounge space to provide for each medical student! If the accreditors are that demanding, it’s a wonder that medical schools can do anything beyond cope with the mélange of detailed accreditation requirements. Expecting schools to step into the public arena to improve health policy is a pipe dream. The VA does recognize its responsibility to promote health – not just to provide acute care. However, its mission is confined to Veterans, and it does not engage in political activity at the state level. That leaves the Metro Omaha Medical Society and our partners at the Nebraska Medical Association in a lonely position. We are physicians who care about health, and we – unlike other health organizations – can make the health of our community a priority. Please don’t get me wrong. All of the other organizations that I mentioned do indeed do something for health. Often, they work with MOMS or the NMA. Many of us have ties with the other organizations, and we need to work together for a healthier Nebraska. YEARS 1983 19 - 2013 Metro maha Medical Society STRATEGIC PARTNERS The Metro Omaha Medical Society Strategic Partners offer products and services that are of value to our member physicians. Many of our member events and membership benefits are made possible by these partner organizations. CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF OMAHA’S FACES & SPACES! We encourage you to talk with our Strategic Partners when making decisions for yourself or your practice. PLATINUM PARTNERS www.FosterGrp.com www.CallCopic.com www.GoNines.com Featuring stories on parenting, children’s health and education, and family-friendly activities. HerFamily will also include a section just for “mom,” featuring stories on ﬁtness, women-focused businesses, beauty and fashion trends, women’s health, home improvement, and more. GOLD PARTNER www.YourFutureCounts.com SILVER PARTNERS www.KoleyJessen.com www.SeimJohnson.com BRONZE PARTNERS www.LutzCPA.com www.NebMed.org www.NebraskaSpineHospital.com www.Tsys.com/tms For more information on our Strategic Partners, visit www.omahamedical.com May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 11 NMA message Dale Mahlman Executive Vice President Nebraska Medical Association Our Avocation for Physicians Never Waivers D ATING BACK TO 2007, the Nebraska Medical Association, with the leadership of our Health Care Reform Task Force, was interested in and supportive of health care for “all” Nebraskans, providing access to timely needed care that emphasized good health habits, wellness and prevention. On the same day that our U.S. Senate failed to garner enough votes for a bill strengthening background checks for gun buyers, our Nebraska Legislature failed to advance LB 577, a bill that would expand Medicaid to an additional 54,000 Nebraskans. While the Senate decision was a much more emotionally charged debate given the recent tragedies associated with gun violence, the result in our Legislature was equally as disappointing as the proponents and opponents didn’t seem to be considering the same set of facts with their floor testimony. If politics is the art of the possible, then medicine is the art of the probable. With politics, especially more recently, finding common ground at the local, state and national level has become much more partisan and contentious. While medicine has undergone some significant changes in the recent past, physicians have and will continue to work shoulder to shoulder with their colleagues in the best interest of the patient at all times. Can you imagine if an operating room or a medical clinic took on the personality of the Sunday morning news shows? Finding consensus amongst politicians on Sunday morning – really no different than any other day of the week – is hard to find even as you move from program to program. Finding consensus in the medical 12 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 community, fortunately, is not a partisan issue. Our members continue to focus on the patient regardless of their insurance status. As we worked on the issue of Medicaid expansion our involvement with a broad-based coalition, including but not limited to the Nebraska Hospital Association, AARP, Appleseed and too many others to list, continued to focus on our 2007 goal of providing health care for all Nebraskans. We believe that LB 577 was a good deal for Nebraska and that it would grow the economy and create jobs. Most important, it’s the right thing to do for Nebraska patients. Unlike the opposition, we believe creating a healthier workforce and reducing the enormous cost of uncompensated care is good for our state. We believe providing coverage would generate a significant amount of economic activity and sustain a significant number of jobs each year. Increasing Medicaid would reduce the number of unnecessary deaths annually by 500 and help to reduce the number of bankruptcies associated with health-care related causes. As an organization, we came to support Medicaid expansion at our 2012 annual meeting with a resolution that was submitted by MOMS to our House of Delegates. Since that time, our interest in seeing that happen has only strengthened. While we are disappointed in the nature of the politics associated with this legislation, our resolve for this will not waiver and we believe by continuing to support our resolution from 2012 and as a result, LB 577, we will be “Advocating for Physicians and the Health of all Nebraskans.” Commercial Construction Green Environments D Disaster Recovery Industrial Medical Education ATE 2011 REA L EST IONS TA X DEDUCT EM E S SILO EXRTR ADV ENT URE OUT DOO aha Maga z Om U.S. $3.25 ag sin s e s s t o B u sin e ss M 2 01 2 s W ER Bu ER N IN ma.com N A+ Rating s a’ W 74470 63856 w w w. b 2 b o ah 0 8 az Om SUM MER 2011 0 4> 2606 S. 156th Circle | Omaha, NE 68130 (402) 399-9233 | www.sparklingklean.com in e B2 B e’s in st m ents H ea lt hy Ins ve e M ar tin ev St BCBS of N E’ IN 4 Consecutive t Years 68137 • OMAHA, NE 118TH CIRCLE NE • 5921 S. 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OMAHA MAGAZI PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID OMAHA MAGAZINE LTD Individualized Comprehensive Treatment Strategies for a wide range of outpatient counseling for children of all ages who are experiencing: • • • • The Omaha-Metro Business to Business Magazine Behavioral problems Emotional issues Academic problems Substance abuse Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health 13064 Walsh Drive On the Boys Town Campus To refer a patient, please call 402-498-3358. boystownpediatrics.org May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 13 LEGAL update HIPPA and HITECH Rick Vroman Member Koley Jessen P.C., L.L.O.’s Health Law Practice Group O N FEB. 17, 2009, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”) was signed into law. This was the first major amendment to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”). On Jan. 17, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) issued final rules implementing and clarifying various components of HITECH (the “Final Rule”). The Final Rule has broad implications for health-care providers. Breach Notification Rule: The most important development of HITECH is the requirement that each health-care provider notify the individual, HHS and, in some cases, the media when an individual’s unsecured protected health information (“PHI”) is (or is reasonably believed to have been) improperly accessed, acquired, disclosed or breached. Under the Final Rule, there is a presumption that a reportable breach has occurred – unless the health-care provider can demonstrate a “low probability” that the security or privacy of the unsecured PHI has been compromised. Such a presumption is significant, especially considering the increased focus on enforcement discussed later in this article. To rebut the presumption, the health-care provider must carefully assess the impact of the breach using a four-factor test. If the presumption cannot be rebutted, the health-care provider must promptly, but no later than 60 days following the date the breach is discovered (or should have been discovered), report the breach to the individual. Health-care providers must report such breaches to HHS annually, unless a breach affects 500 or more individuals, in which case, the report to HHS (and local media) must be made within the same timeframe for reporting to the individual. Business Associates: Another significant effect of the Final Rule is that business associ- 14 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 ates are now directly subject to the vast majority of HIPAA’s privacy and security requirements, including the requirement to have policies and procedures in place. As a result, business associate agreements need to be amended to address new obligations imposed on business associates by the Final Rule. In addition, business associates now need to have business associate agreements with each subcontractor of the business associate who creates, receives, transmits or maintains PHI on the business associate’s behalf. Deceased Individuals: The Final Rule allows (but does not require) a health-care provider to disclose to a family member, other relative, close personal friend or any other person previously identified by a deceased individual that PHI “directly relevant” to such person’s “involvement” with the deceased individual’s health care or payment related to that health care unless doing so is inconsistent with any prior expressed preference of the individual. We caution, however, that the terms “directly relevant” and “involvement” have not been defined, so there is real risk that a health-care provider disclosing under this new rule might be challenged whether the information disclosed exceeded what was directly relevant, and thus a HIPAA violation. Restrictions on Disclosures: The Final Rule mandates that health-care providers comply with requests from individuals that their PHI not be disclosed to a health plan, if (a) the purpose for the disclosure is not related to treatment or otherwise required by law and (b) the health-care services to which the PHI applied have been paid for in full by the individual or someone other than the health plan. To comply with this provision and avoid an improper disclosure in violation of HIPAA, health-care providers will need to develop and maintain detailed policies and procedures to flag, highlight or physically separate PHI relating to procedures or treatment paid for out-of-pocket from other PHI of the individual not subject to the restriction. Other Provisions: In addition to the significant developments discussed above, the Final Rule includes provisions (i) allowing for verbal authorization of certain disclosures to schools when necessary for immunization confirmation purposes; (ii) allowing compound authorization (i.e., conditioned and unconditioned authorizations) for research purposes as long as the conditioned and unconditioned research activities are clearly distinguished and the authorization allows an individual to opt into the unconditioned research activities; (iii) giving patients the right to demand to receive copies of their PHI in electronic form if the provider maintains the PHI in electronic form; and (iv) requiring certain revisions to the standard Notice of Privacy Practices. Increased Enforcement: Enforcement is also increased. The Final Rule requires formal investigations by HHS into any complaint of a violation of HIPAA if a preliminary investigation indicates willful neglect. Previously, HHS had the discretion to conduct an investigation. The Final Rule also requires HHS to conduct an investigation when an alleged HIPAA violation is disclosed by the media or state or federal agency (i.e., a formal complaint is not required). In addition, HITECH provides a tiered penalty structure, which results in maximum penalties of $50,000 per violation, capped at $1,500,000 per year. It is clear that HHS is serious about enforcement; thus, more reason to ensure a solid HIPAA compliance program is in place. Plan of Action: In response to the Final Rule, health-care providers should take the following steps: • Amend current privacy and security policies and procedures to incorporate the provisions of the Final Rule and ensure ongoing compliance with HIPAA. Identify all business associates and review • and update business associate agreements as appropriate (which update should include additional responsibilities for business associates under the Final Rule). • Review and update the health-care provider’s training program to ensure compliance by its workforce on the revised policies and procedures. • Revise the Notice of Privacy Practices and make the revised notice available to patients in a timely manner. The deadline for compliance with the Final Rule is Sept. 23 provided, however, compliance with the requirement to amend business associate agreements may be delayed until until Sept. 23, 2014, so long as the current agreement is HIPAA compliant and is not renewed or modified before then. The information presented in this article is advisory in nature and is not intended to be legal advice. This article is intended to be a brief overview of key provisions of the Final Rule. For a full analysis of the Final Rule and the related impact on your practice, we recommend contacting legal counsel. YOUNG physician repor t “As physicians, we have so many unknowns coming our way... One thing I am certain about is my malpractice protection.” Where it All What we do control as physicians: our choice of a liability partner. I selected ProAssurance because they stand behind my good medicine. In spite of the maelstrom of change, I am protected, respected, and heard. I believe in fair treatment—and I get it. Creighton University Medical Center Begins A Medicine is feeling the eﬀects of regulatory and legislative changes, increasing risk, and proﬁtability demands—all contributing to an atmosphere of uncertainty and lack of control. Zach Rosol Fourth-year Medical Student S MY FINAL ROTATION of medical school concludes, I can’t help but reflect on the long journey I have just finished and begin to focus my eyes on the next endeavor: residency. I will be joining the Hennepin County Medical Center Internal Medicine Program in Minneapolis. I am extremely excited to be moving back to my home state but will truly miss Omaha and Creighton University, where I have spent the past eight years pursuing my dream of becoming a doctor. Walking out of the hospital after the conclusion of my last day on service was a surreal experience. “Yes! I’m finally done with medical school” was one of the emotions. The other, “Holy crap… next time I step foot inside a hospital I’ll be an intern!” Should I run back into the hospital to hide behind the medical-student title a little longer or am I ready? I believe, with confidence, that I am prepared and able to step into the role of being an intern and caring for patients. With that being said, I am well aware that there is much learning to be done and am eager to continue honing my skills in the art of medicine. I have been cleaning out my desk and copious mounds of paper I have accumulated during the four years of medical school. I am in awe of the vast amount of material my classmates and I have learned in such a short period of time. It also has me thinking about what I didn’t learn in medical school that maybe would be useful in our ever-changing health-care climate. The obvious answer, while recycling all my old PowerPoint presentations, was a lot of what was in my hand. I need to review, practice and repeat treating patients with a vast array of diseases to truly become an efficient and effective physician. I feel our medical schools can help improve on this by further challenging students to take responsibility for patients during all rotations instead of merely following from afar. A part of this equation is absolutely self-initiative on the part of the student. However, our schools, physicians and residents can help to empower and include students in decision-making, which will further prepare us for residency. Second, and maybe more important, is beginning to introduce students to the common terms and practices of the health-care industry. I strongly believe education about insurancehospital interactions, who pays when a patient is unable, how does the hospital determine prices, what is an HMO, what is an ACO, and systembased practices are equally important topics as the treatment of pneumonia or indications for an exploratory laparotomy. With the continuous growth of health care as a business, it is imperative that we, as physicians, are well-educated about our field of expertise. No longer can we stand by the wayside in these important discussions, but must be seated at the head table to ensure that the focus remains on the patient. To do so, we must be well-educated not only in the care we deliver but also have an understanding of the process in which the care is delivered. I am seeking some of this knowledge on my own, but I know many of my classmates are not. These are lessons we all need to learn and the logical place to start, in my opinion, is in medical school. Professional Liability Insurance & Risk Management Services ProAssurance Group is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. ProAssurance.com å 800.279.8331 May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 15 CLINICAL update By COPIC’s Patient Safety and Risk Management Department It’s an Emergency: Immunity for Health Care Providers? P HYSICIANS AND OTHER LICENSED medical providers often provide uncompensated care in emergency circumstances or when acting as volunteers. This article focuses on the Nebraska Good Samaritan laws, volunteer laws and the Federal Aviation Medical Assistance Act. person is guilty of gross negligence or willful misconduct. This Act, however, may not apply to foreign carriers or on foreign soil because the law of the United States may not apply. Example No. 1: The Camp Physician Fire department, first aid, or rescue or emergency squad volunteers who provide emergency public first aid are also immune from liability when they render those services in good faith. However, these volunteers can be held liable if they act willfully or wantonly. As an obstetrician, you are asked to accompany your son to an out-of-state camp where you will act as camp physician for the campers and other attending adults during that week. In return, your room and board will be free. In the past, the camp has primarily treated minor trauma, bug stings, patients with asthma, etc. Should you agree to do this? Would you be covered by the Nebraska volunteer laws for your activities? (The camp, by the way, does have general liability coverage, but not specific medical liability coverage and will not indemnify you for your service.) In this case the answers would be no. If you are not licensed in that state, you could be culpable for the unlicensed practice of medicine. Additionally, volunteer laws differ in each state and may not afford the same protections as Nebraska. Federal Aviation Medical Assistance Act Example No. 2: If There is a Doctor Onboard, Physicians also have protections under the Federal Aviation Medical Assistance Act of 1998 for providing emergency assistance on flights. Under the Act, an individual is not liable for damages for any acts or omissions in providing or attempting to provide assistance in the case of an in-flight medical emergency unless that Please Ring Your Call Button Persons Rendering Gratuitous Emergency Assistance Exempt from Liability The Nebraska Good Samaritan laws protect physicians and others from civil liability if they gratuitously render emergency care. Individuals are also immune from liability if they fail to act, care or arrange for treatment for an injured person. It is also important to note that this is a Nebraska law and other states treat volunteers differently. Volunteering in Nebraska for Public First Aid 16 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 After two weeks abroad in Europe, you are trying to sleep in the economy cabin somewhere over the Atlantic. Suddenly, the flight attendant makes an announcement to ring your call button if you are a doctor. You ring your call button and learn of an emergency in first class. You are asked to come evaluate and treat this patient, who is having chest pain. Despite your best efforts, the patient succumbs to an apparent myocardial infarction and an emergency landing is made in Maine. Would you have liability if there were concerns about how the resuscitation efforts were handled? Should you accept first-class tickets back to Omaha offered by the airline? Under the Federal Aviation Medical Assistance Act, you should be immune from liability if federal law applies. It could get more complicated if the carrier is domiciled in another country and the emergency occurs on foreign soil. Federal law may be inapplicable. And yes, you can accept those first-class tickets back to Omaha. The Act does not have a reimbursement restriction. Example No. 3: The High School Team Doctor Finally, as a family practice physician, you have been asked to attend to the football players on the sidelines during the local high school football games, at no charge. Would you have immunity for your actions during the games, even perhaps for evaluation of possible concussions, under the Nebraska volunteer laws? This answer is no. Nebraska law is silent about protecting physicians who act as volunteers for competitive sports. The person knew there was danger and intentionally failed to prevent likely harm. May/June May/ Ma y/Ju June ne 2 2013 013 01 3 Ph Physicians Phys ysic icia ians ns B Bulletin ulle ul leti tin n 17 The Care and Comfort PaƟent’s Want, MEDICAL/OFFICE BUILDING FOR LEASE The Quality and Convenience Physicians Need 17055 Convenient, Spa-Like Atmosphere Same Day Appointments FRANCES STREET Front Door Parking Up To 60% Savings vs. Hospitals OMAHA, NE Monday-Friday 8am-6pm Results Within 4 hours Saturday by Appointment All Major Insurances Accepted Open MRI CT Ultrasound 302 N 168th Circle, Suite 202 :: LOCATED NEXT TO LAKESIDE HOSPITAL :: UP TO 14,508 SF :: NEWER CONSTRUCTION :: AMPLE PARKING Omaha, NE 68118 Phone: 402-502-SCAN (7226) Fax: 402-502-7098 www.villagepointeimaging.com FOR MORE I N F O R M AT I O N C O N TA C T David Barton Steve Sheppard +1 402 334 8877 3DUWRIWKH&%5(DIÀOLDWHQHWZRUN Margaret Block, M.D. M. Salman Haroon, M.D. Ralph J. Hauke, M.D. Timothy K. Huyck, M.D. Robert M. Langdon, Jr., M.D. Kirsten M. Leu, M.D. *Nationally Recognized in Clinical Trials and Oncology Research by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (402) 393-3110 (402) 334-4773 (402) 941-7030 Alegent Creighton Health Cancer Center - Bergan Midwest Cancer Center Legacy Fremont and West Point (402) 354-8124 (402) 593-3141 Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center Midwest Cancer Center Papillion John M. Longo, M.D. Patrick J. McKenna, M.D. Geetha Palaniappan, M.D. David A. Silverberg, M.D. Gamini S. Soori, M.D. Yungpo Bernard Su, M.D. Stefano R. Tarantolo, M.D. Peter M. Townley, M.D. 18 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 Cover Feature: Seven Doctors Project The McVea File Hometown: Omaha Undergraduate Degree: Stanford University in American studies Medical Degree: University of Nebraska Medical Center Residency: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in internal medicine and pediatrics Fellowship: UNC Chapel Hill in primary care research Time To Write Kristine McVea, M.D., liked to write. She pursued this passion in college. “I was successful at it.” She had her work published in some Stanford publications. Then, medicine got in the way. First, her studies at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Then, her residency and fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She established herself as medical director for OneWorld Community Health Centers. She also started a family, which now includes three sons. Writing seemed a world away until she heard about the Seven Doctors Project, which pairs physicians with writers in a workshop setting. “This was something I wanted to do for myself,” she recalled. “I wanted to tap into a different Location: OneWorld Community Health Centers Title: Medical Director Family: Husband, Craig; sons, Patrick, Andrew and Jackson Why MOMS: “I like to network.” May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 19 feature part of my brain. It’s always challenging making time.” But she did. Dr. McVea recently completed her second eight-week Seven Doctors Project workshop. Now, she can’t stop writing. Physicians are matched with mentors, who guide them through the workshop. The goal is for participants to tap their creativity through practicing creative writing, said Steve Langan, who leads the program. “We encourage them to create and sustain publishable work.” During her first workshop, Dr. McVea wrote a fictional piece about a woman undergoing dialysis. She also wrote a poem about her father’s death. The moment I arrive at his bedside, I see my father, dead Dr. McVea said she had no experience writing poetry. The workshop, which she completed in spring 2012, forced her to try her hand. Participants write during class, take their work home and come back the next week ready to discuss what they have written. They critique one another’s work. An assignment for her first workshop was to write about death. She chose to write about her father, who had died two decades ago. “It was painful to write this poem,” she recalled. “It made me go back to the moment in a specific way.” Her work focused, in part, on her mother’s reaction to seeing her father’s collapse and her response. 20 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 Waiting for some other doctor to tell her The News Not quite yet, but soon? Murmured prayers, Styrofoam cups, Good Housekeeping, their address book Share a small space. This is what divides us: When the nurse leaves, she calls out “Open your eyes” And I cannot hope with her. The Seven Doctors Project got its start in 2008 when Langan, an Omaha poet who teaches writing courses at UNO, was looking for an outlet for his research. His answer was physicians in the middle of their medical careers facing professional fatigue and needing an outlet for their creativity. The workshops run eight weeks, with participants meeting for two hours each Thursday night. They receive homework assignments, come back the next week and discuss their work. Langan engages Omaha writers to serve as mentors to the writers. Beginning July 1, Seven Writers Project will be a program under the Nebraska Writers Collective, a local nonprofit organization. Bob Huerter, an Omaha author, served as a mentor for several sessions. He said he enjoyed watching participants, who initially found themselves feature I’ve got voices in my head and I don’t know if they’re real or not wish I could ask my cousin Tom maybe he saw someone like this in Vietnam maybe this has a name a woman’s voice that never stops never stops never stops Working with Charles, Dr. McVea said, was memorable. Charles would talk. He would tell his story. Dr. McVea would attempt to put Charles’ words onto paper. “He has such a beautiful way of expressing himself,” she said. “It’s (his story) very brutal. Very honest.” Maybe they’re right Something’s not right I’m not right my brother told everyone beers after work at JC’s bar he was drunk so I guess I understand or maybe he was jealous I made foreman Dr. McVea invited Charles to attend the final workshop session when she would share their finished work. She recalled he was anxious about attending. “But he came.” Dr. McVea said she is looking for an outlet for their poem, which they titled “A Poem for Two Voices.” A medical journal might be a possibility, she said. outside their comfort zone, develop their writing skills. “It was a unique undertaking – one offering diverse perspectives and something I enjoyed.” Langan said he was surprised by the quick response when the project was first announced. In less than two days, the Seven Doctors Project had its first seven participants. Now, some of those early participants – including Bud Shaw, M.D.; Lydia Kang, M.D.; and Phil Smith, M.D. – have had their work published. They now serve as mentors for new participants. “I appreciate that the physicians in the project are cooperative and even, at times, vulnerable,” Langan said. “It seems to be a safe place for physician-participants.” Dr. McVea sought a different experience for her second stint. She wanted to partner with a patient and tell his story. She chose Charles, whom she describes as one of her favorites. “He had taught me a lot about living with schizophrenia.” The pair decided to tell Charles’ story through poetry. The two would meet at Village Inn to talk, and review Dr. McVea’s work from the previous week; then, repeat the process. The bar closes 2 a.m. every night snort coke with Jerry stay awake voices louder if your mind gets quiet stay up stay up don’t sleep pass out one silent minute some mornings 60 seconds maybe don’t open your eyes don’t move pretend you’re asleep Is she gone? Both writing workshops, McVea said, were positive experiences. The first session, she said, forced her to revisit her feelings about death. The second, she said, required that she negotiate the boundaries between a patient who became a writing partner and friend. “The workshop was a way to get me back into doing something I enjoyed,” she said. “It forced me to write every week. That’s not all, she said: “I realized that an examined life is a richly lived life.” Seven Doctors Project is recruiting physicians and health-care providers for its fall session. For more information, contact Langan at (402) 659-6343 and [email protected]. May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 21 feature Best of Both Worlds J OSEPH M. ACIERNO, M.D., J.D., figured that a medical and law degree could be a powerful combination. Still, Dr. Acierno said, he never figured his career path would one day make him responsible for the health of all Nebraska. Dr. Acierno replaced Joann Schaefer, M.D., as chief medical officer and director of the Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health in early March. 22 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 feature “Life has an interesting road for you,” he said. “You look for opportunities to grow.” Dr. Acierno grew up near Chicago, but had a Creighton University connection. His brother, now a dentist, attended Creighton, as did a friend. He headed to Omaha, and stayed. First came a bachelor’s degree in science, followed by his medical degree, then a law degree. Dr. Acierno said those were busy years. While attending law school, he worked as an emergency room physician at Alegent Bergan Mercy Hospital. “I had the best of both worlds. It was a very busy time of my life. I guess that’s the beauty of being young.” Dr. Acierno said he took a liking to Creighton University and Omaha. “I enjoyed the Jesuits. It was a great experience. I didn’t want to leave.” But he did – a least for a time. He moved the family to Southern California where he practiced law, focusing on medical and health-care facility defense cases. He returned to Omaha to start his own practice with several Creighton classmates. Next stop: serving as legal counsel for HHS. He became acquainted with Dr. Schaefer, who appointed him deputy director in 2007. Now, Dr. Acierno finds himself running a department with more than 450 employees. His responsibilities require him to use both his medical and legal expertise. “I am not interested in sitting around,” he explained. “One day I might be working on the licensure of a facility, the next reviewing health-promotion materials. There are so many different things, it’s impossible to be bored in a job like this.” Over time, Dr. Acierno said, he’s learned how to work with people and supervise them. “I don’t think medical and law school teach you how to manage people.” Dr. Acierno said he often is asked about why he pursued what could be two career paths and sought advanced degrees in both. “I consider what I do the practice of medicine – I just do it differently. I did not hand in one degree to get another.” That blend of professions is evident in his dual responsibilities as chief medical officer and director: regulatory and community health. Dr. Acierno said it’s too early to talk about his priorities for HHS and the state. Circle back in six months, he said, and he’ll be ready to discuss the issues. This much he knows: the HHS staff is a quality one. “I am excited about the opportunity to work with the talented people we have – and I don’t just mean in the state health office, but the health-care professionals throughout the state.” The more we get together, the happier and healthier we’ll be. At MMIC, we believe patients get the best care when doctors, staff and administrators are humming the same tune. So we put our energy into creating risk solutions that help everyone feel conﬁdent and supported. Solutions such as medical liability insurance, physician well-being, health IT support and patient safety consulting. It’s our own quiet way of revolutionizing health care. To join the Peace of Mind Movement, give us a call at 1.800.328.5532 or visit MMICgroup.com. May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 23 feature Champion Your Favorite Causes M ICHELLE KNOLLA, M.D., WANTS to hear from her colleagues – in the form of applications to the MOMS Foundation to support their favorite causes. “We are all busy, but we all have our favorite charities,” said Dr. Knolla, MOMS Foundation president. The Foundation typically supports one-half dozen charities each year with grants that range from $1,000 to $5,000. The deadline to submit an application in 2013 is July 1. The application can be found at www.OmahaMedical.com or by contacting the MOMS office. The Foundation is funded by MOMS members, which means foundation members take their role seriously when selecting what charities will receive support. “We want to be the best stewards of the monies we receive,” Dr. Knolla said. “We appreciate the generosity of our members.” All nonprofits that carry a 501(c)3 status and provide service in the Omaha metropolitan area 24 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 are eligible to apply for support, said Diane Parsons, MOMS executive director. Priorities are given to those organizations that: • Respond to a demonstrated or emerging community health need. • Support effective, proven or promising solutions. • Build on and maximize other community resources. • Provide matching funds to support the project. • Offer a clear plan for financial sustainability. The MOMS Foundation does not support political campaigns or lobbying efforts, Parsons said. Secular activities provided by religious organizations may be eligible for support, she added. No funding can be used for salaries or overhead costs. The MOMS Foundation was formed in 1981, the year when Charles Bressman, M.D., was president of MOMS. Dr. Bressman’s family funded the Foundation, after his death. Since 1994, MOMS dues statements have contained an option for members to donate to the Foundation when paying their membership dues. Each autumn, MOMS singles out one nonprofit organization to receive support from a letter appeal to members and the Foundation matches the first $5,000 in donations. In 2013, the Foodbank of the Heartland received $15,906 from the autumn 2012 letter appeal. Parsons said benefiting nonprofits are required to report how the funding was used and the results achieved. Other benefiting organizations in 2012 include: • ALS in the Heartland, $2,800, for an equipment tracking system to be used for the agency’s equipment loan program. • Children’s Respite Care, $3,800, for a Hi-Low Mat Table for therapists to use during treatment processes. • Heartland Family Service, $4,080 for physical health screenings and nicotine replacement support for program participants trying to quit smoking. feature FINANCIAL EXPERTISE FOR THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY. To speak with a dedicated speciallist from our Health Care Banking Diviision call Ed Finan at 402-399-5028. XXXBOCBOLDPNtMPDBUJPOTJO/FCSBTLBBOE*PXB$BMMPS ? swollenachylegs leg ulcers varicose& spider A MOMS Foundation grant helped fund the Nature Explore outdoor play area, which allows children served by NCHS’s Early Childhood Education Center to get their hands dirty. • Nebraska Children’s Home Society, $3,500, for a Nature Explore outdoor classroom, which provided outdoor activities for children in the NCHS Early Childhood Education program. • OneWorld Community Health Center, $2,500, to provide children with Scholastic books during their well-child checkups. • Project Harmony, $2,100, for the Medical Aspects of Child Abuse and Neglect course that targets medical providers, child welfare professionals, law enforcement officials and others. The purpose of the course is to describe the medical indicators of child physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. • PTI Nebraska, $5,000, to increase awareness of autism spectrums disorders in collaboration with the Nebraska Act Early State Autism Team through the creation of a website. HEARTLAND VEIN & VASCULAR INSTITUTE heartlandvein.com May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 25 Let me manage your ﬁscal health so you can focus on your patients’ physical health. Doctors enter the workforce later than the average person and need retirement strategies to help them catch up and save enough to maintain the lifestyle they want. Call me today for information on: O Strategies to reduce current taxable income O Small business retirement plans O Lifetime retirement income strategies There’s Wealth in Our Approach.TM Bob Kenny First Vice President - Financial Advisor 1120 South 101 Street, Suite 300 Omaha, NE 68124-1088 (402) 392-6105 [email protected] © 2013 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. Have your cake. And eat it, too. Dining. Family. Fun. Health & Beauty. Household. Retail. Services. Transportation. 26 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 feature Renovation and Reconfiguration M Above: Floorplan f the combined MOMS & NCVO offices as well as the construction phases. Below: New board room as it nears completion. ETRO OMAHA MEDICAL SOCIETY has a new look in its old home. 7906 Davenport St. remains as MOMS’ home, but the office space has been reconfigured, renovated and refurbished, said Diane Parsons, executive director. “We have a nice, fresh look,” she said. Added Marvin Bittner, M.D., MOMS’ board president: “Our purpose in this endeavor was to determine how we could best serve our members, while enhancing the work environment for our staff. The savings we realized was an important part of the process.” Visitors to MOMS will still be greeted as they step inside the doors. Little else remains the same, Parsons said. The executive director’s office no longer is to the right (east). The office has been transformed into the board room. Parsons said, “The room has been designed to allow for large meetings or can be configured in classroom style or organized for breakout sessions. The board room features audiovisual equipment for use in presentations.” “Previously, the organizations that used our board room had to bring their own equipment,” Parsons said. “No more.” Each year, the board room is used for a variety of meetings, including MOMS board and committee meetings. MOMS also uses its board room to host its senator breakfasts, the retired physicians group, the Editorial Board, Membership Committee and Foundation meetings. In addition, outside organizations, including the Nebraska Psychiatric Society, the Immuniza- tion Task Force and the Hope Medical Outreach Coalition, use the board room throughout the year. The reconfiguration means the executive director’s office now is situated to the west of the reception area. Next door to the west is a room dedicated to housing IT equipment, including servers for MOMS and Nebraska Credentials Verification Organization (NCVO). May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 27 Approximately 70% of adult smokers want to quit.* Nebraska Tobacco Quitline QuitNow.ne.gov | 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) 8SFEGGS*VII2IFVEWOE2IFVEWOE(ITEVXQIRXSJ,IEPXL ,YQER7IVZMGIW(MZMWMSRSJ4YFPMG,IEPXL *U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) 28 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 feature View of the old Board Room towards the front office entrance during construction. The remaining space that once served as the board room and office space has been reconfigured entirely as office space for MOMS and the NCVO staff, which serves under the auspice of MOMS. “We’re all part of one organization,” Parsons said, “and our office now will promote collaboration among all the staff.” Previously, the NCVO staff was situated in office space north of the MOMS office area. The lease on that rental property was not renewed. The savings because of the office reconfiguration come twofold, Parsons said: MOMS will save $35,000 annually in • rent due to 50 percent reduction in square footage needed to house the society and the NCVO. MOMS’ real estate company, P.J. Morgan • Real Estate, picked up the cost of the renovations – minus the cost of adding cubicles to the office area – in exchange for a 10-year lease. The office reconfiguration and renovation coincides with MOMS’ effort to go paperless. All records for MOMS and NCVO are now scanned. Paper records have been shredded. “We use fewer resources and provide a better product for our clients (NCVO) and our members (MOMS),” Parsons said. Annette Petersen, NCVO manager, said scanning more than 20 years of paper files was no easy task. She commended the NCVO staff for its efforts. “We have spent the last three years preparing for this point in time – when walls of metal file cabinets would no longer dominate office square footage, she said. “The benefits of their efforts will include a more efficient office with improved communication and shared resources allowing MOMS and NCVO staff to work closely as one team. It is pretty exciting to think about.” Dedicated to providing wellness solutions to the communities we serve in the form of state of the art treatment options, education and products. t-JGU$IBJST t1PSUBCMF0YZHFO t8IFFMDIBJST t1PXFS$IBJST4DPPUFST t$1"1#J1"1 t5SJMPHZ7FOUJMBUPST t3BNQT t4UBJSMJGUT t(fax) www.midwestrespiratory.com Serving Omaha/LaVista, Lincoln, Grand Island, Blair May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 29 MOMS events MEDICAL MESS CLUB The Metro Omaha Medical Society hosted its Medical MESS Club performance at the Joslyn Art Museum on April 26. Member physicians sang, danced and tickled the funny bones of more than 300 attendees. Drs. Pierre Lavedan and Bryan Bredthauer co-hosted the evening, while Maestro Chuck Penington led the band. 1. Dr. Bryan Bredthauer, a member of the clever MESS Club writers group and co-host for the evening. 2. Dr. Pierre Lavedan, co-host of the evening, sang about an enlightening approach to endoscopy to the tune of “This Little Light of Mine.” 3. Drs. Chris Link (left) and Mark Mahloch had the “No Helmet Blues” to the tune of “On the Road Again.” 4. Dr. Katie Hoppes (a.k.a. William Tell) sang an overture of “NMH is the best” for Nebraska Methodist Hospital, an event sponsor. 5. “So What?! I’m still a doctor!” Drs. Emily Kean, Joann Schaefer and Jennifer Hill sang with attitude to a popular song by Pink. 6. Dr. Gary Gorby gave a “corny” but “moving” rendition of “The Turd Who Can’t Be Moved.” 7. Stroller-bound daughter (Dr. Julie Fedderson) tells her mother (Dr. Susan Keasling) just where to go...to Boys Town National Research Hospital, one of the event sponsors. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 30 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 MOMS events WOMEN IN MEDICINE The Metro Omaha Medical Society hosted a “Women in Medicine” meeting at Body Basics in Rockbrook. Attendees were able to network while enjoying items from Cork Screw Wine & Cheese before learning about the latest in exercise technique and equipment from personal trainer Chaz DeVetter and the Body Basics staff. 8. Drs. Lanette Guthmann (from left), Jane Kugler, Michelle Knolla and Laurel Prestridge socialize during the networking portion of the evening. 9. Participating in one of the exercise demonstrations were Drs. Michelle Knolla (from left), Tina Scott-Mordhorst, Jane Bailey, Pat Chudomelka, Laurel Prestridge and Lanette Guthmann. 10. Personal trainer Chaz DeVetter of DeVetter Fitness demonstrates exercise technique. 8 Coming Events JULY 10 MOMS RETIRED PHYSICIANS MEETING MOMS BOARDROOM 9 10:00 a.m. Featuring James Linder, M.D. University of Nebraska Medical Center He will speak on on research and innovation at the University of Nebraska. SEPT. 20 10 NMA ANNUAL SESSION AND HOUSE OF DELEGATES OMAHA MARRIOTT (REGENCY) Omaha Physician Dr. Kevin Nohner will be inaugurated as NMA president. Call (402) 393-1415 for more information or to make reservations for any of the MOMS events. May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 31 MEMBER news Thomas G. Tape, M.D. Pierre Fayad, M.D. Dr. Tape elected Dr. Fayad serves to national doctors’ group board as local investigator in stroke study T S HOMAS G. TAPE, M.D., has been elected to the Board of Regents of the American College of Physicians (ACP), the national organization of internists. The Board of Regents manages the business and affairs of ACP and is the main policy-making body of the college. His term began in April. Dr. Tape is professor and vice chair of clinical affairs for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine. He also serves as chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine. He is currently serving as chair of the Board of Governors for ACP. Governors are elected by local ACP members and serve four-year terms. Dr. Tape also will be serving ACP as the chair of the Health & Public Policy Committee during the 2013-2014 year. Dr. Tape earned his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He completed an internal medicine residency and fellowship at the University of Rochester. He has served ACP as chair-elect of the Board of Governors, governor for the Nebraska Chapter, and co-edited Diagnostic Strategies for Common Medical Problems, an ACP book. His surveys of ACP physician members have been published in the Annals of Internal Medicine and the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States. ACP members include 133,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. TROKE SPECIALIST, PIERRE FAYAD, M.D., was a local prin- cipal investigator in a major stroke study featured in the March 20 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. The study – called “Recurrent Stroke Comparing PFO Closure to Established Current Standard of Care Treatment (RESPECT)” – enrolled 980 young adult patients between 18 and 60 years of age who had suffered a stroke of unknown cause and who had a hole in the wall of the heart (known as a patent foramen ovale or PFO). Investigators attempted to determine the best treatment to prevent further strokes – either by closing the hole with a button device, along with anti-clotting medicines, or with anti-clotting medicines alone. It is estimated that between 20 and 40 percent of all people have a PFO, said Dr. Fayad, the Reynolds Centennial Professor of Neurological Sciences at UNMC and director of the Nebraska Stroke Center at UNMC’s hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center. UNMC was one of 69 sites participating in the trial over the past several years, contributing a total of 14 patients to the study – seven of whom had their hole closed and seven of whom were treated with anti-clotting medicines alone The researchers found that the group that received the button device showed a trend toward having fewer recurrent strokes than those receiving standard care with anti-clotting medications (9 versus 16). However, the difference did not meet the criteria for definitive rigorous statistical tests. IN memoriam DANIEL H. DIETRICH, M.D. JOHN E. KEILLY, M.D. FREDERICK J. “TOM” BARNEY REES, M.D. MARCH 29, 1946 – MARCH 28, 2013 FEB. 19, 1936 – MARCH 16, 2013 LANGDON, M.D. OCT. 24, 1922 – JULY 7, 1917 – MARCH 8, 2013 MARCH 10, 2013 32 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 MEMBER news FOR THE PASSIONATE GOLFER Pure air, clear blue skies, and endless grass covered sand dunes, stretching unobstructed for miles in every direction. Rugged, serene, XQWDUQLVKHG7KH1HEUDVND6DQG+LOOVLVWKHÀQHVW golf country in the world. This book tells you about WKHPDJQLÀFHQWJROIFRXUVHVWKDWKDYHFUHDWHG a "golf trail" in the Nebraska Sand Hills. $29.95 To Order: Call (402) 884-5995 ZZZ*ROÀQWKH1HEUDVND6DQG+LOOVFRP Joel Bessmer, M.D Dr. Bessmer ranks among top concierge physicians J OEL BESSMER, M.D., has been named among the top 15 concierge physicians in the country by Concierge Medicine Today. Dr. Bessmer has been practicing concierge medicine since 2006, and started his own concierge medicine practice three years later. He became the founding partner and medical director of Members.MD. The practice now includes four other physicians. Dr. Bessmer also serves as an associate professor of internal medicine-general medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The Metro Omaha Medical Society Foundation identifies and provides support to community priorities where physician involvement can make a difference in improving the health of the Metro Omaha Community. MOMS Foundation 7906 Davenport St. Omaha, NE 68114 402-393-1415 May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 33 CAMPUS update “We’ve always known that a fundamental component of our partnership with Alegent would be to provide our students with greater access to patients and a wider array of clinical experiences,” said Robert Dunlay, M.D., interim dean for the Creighton University School of Medicine. “By naming these administrators to our team of associate deans, we are one step closer to fulfilling that promise to our students.” School of Medicine names new associate deans T WO ALEGENT CREIGHTON HEALTH adminis- trators have been named associate deans for the School of Medicine. Richard Rolston, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Alegent Creighton Clinic, will serve as senior associate dean for clinical affairs and Kevin Nokels, chief administrative officer for academic integration at CUMC, has accepted the role of associate dean for hospital affairs. Dr. Rolston, a board-certified pediatrician who leads the more than 500 physicians and mid-level providers of Alegent Creighton Clinic, will oversee the development of new clinical platforms to provide innovative and exciting opportunities for medical education. As associate dean for hospital affairs, Nokels will lead the development of similar hospital-based platforms. Research could bring relief for chronic hives T HE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL of Medicine has published new research by Thomas B. Casale, M.D., professor of medicine and microbiology and immunology and chief of allergy/ immunology at Creighton University School of Medicine, suggesting a new treatment approach for patients who are unable to find relief for chronic hives. Omalizumab is an immunomodulator medication, which means it acts by directly changing the behavior of the immune system. While it is currently used to treat severe allergic asthma in those who are 12 years of age and older, a late-breaking abstract that Dr. Casale presented at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology program was launched in 1987 by Peter Coccia, M.D. Anne Kessinger, M.D., of Scribner, Neb., pioneered stem cell transplantation. The therapy is now standard practice around the world. Primary care ranking holds S Transplantation program celebrates milestone INCE PERFORMING ITS FIRST bone marrow transplant on April 1, 1983, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, have evolved into one of the leading bone marrow/ stem cell transplantation centers in the world. The program has performed 4,460 transplants in patients from all 50 states and more than a dozen countries -- 4,043 transplants in adults and 417 in children. Most adults have sought the treatment for cancers of the blood, in particular, lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma. Pediatric transplants normally are performed for patients with more aggressive disease such as for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The adult transplant program, which was founded by Kearney, Neb., native, James Armitage, M.D., performed its first bone marrow transplant on April 1, 1983, while the pediatric transplant 34 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 U NMC REMAINS THE SIXTH-RANKED primary care medical program in the United States, according to the 2014 U.S. News & World Report rankings of the nation’s top graduate schools. “To be recognized as a leader in primary care is a testament to the tremendous work of all our faculty, staff and students at UNMC,” said Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “Our expertise in primary care will be particularly beneficial to our state and region in the coming years, as more emphasis is placed on wellness and preventive care, and the need increases for more primary care providers.” U.S. News surveyed 149 institutions while compiling the rankings. In addition to the primary care ranking, UNMC ranked 64th in research. Dr. Zheng tabbed as vice chancellor for academic affairs J IALIN ZHENG, M.D., HAS been named associate vice chancellor for academic (AAAAI) and published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that omalizumab also appears safe and effective in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic hives who are not successfully treated with antihistamines. “Many times the treatment of hives is successful with oral antihistamines that control the itch and recurrence of the rash. Yet there are patients with hives that last for long periods of time and are idiopathic, or without an identifiable cause,” Dr. Casale said. “In some of these chronic hives patients, antihistamines are not successful, but from our clinical trials we’re seeing that omalizumab is safely able to provide relief when compared with a placebo.” Researchers studied the safety and effectiveness of this use of the drug on 323 patients between the ages of 12 and 75, with moderate to severe chronic hives, who were not adequately treated with antihistamines. In the randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled study, those patients who received omalizumab reported a reduction in itch severity sooner than those taking a placebo. Those receiving omalizumab also experienced a decrease in the number of hives throughout the duration of the study. affairs overseeing the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Asia Pacific Rim Development Program (APRDP). “Dr. Zheng has clearly set a very high bar in terms of establishing mutually beneficial UNMC international relationships in the Asia Pacific Rim,” said Dr. Dele Davies, vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of graduate studies. “It’s a model for our collaboration with other partners around the world. Best of all, he has been able to accomplish many of his goals while maintaining a successful research portfolio.” Dr. Davies praised Dr. Zheng for a number of his accomplishments, which include: • The recruitment of five visiting scholars and 72 graduate and postdoctoral students to train at UNMC. The students were selected from some of China’s top educational institutions through the prestigious Chinese Science Council. • Developing solid partnerships with four prominent Chinese institutions: Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an Jiao Tong University Health Science Center and Tongji University. • Creating an exchange of almost 200 students in medicine, nursing, allied health, pharmacy and dentistry between UNMC and Tongji University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Metro Omaha Medical Society FOUNDATION Dedicated to improving the health of the Metro Omaha Community 2012 Grants Recipients ALS in the Heartland Children’s Respite Care Center Food Bank for the Heartland* Heartland Family Service Nebraska Children’s Home Society OneWorld Community Health Center The Foundation’s success is made possible by many individuals and organizations who contributed to or supported the efforts of the Foundation. Thank you to the following supporters who were the “Foundation” of our success over the past 12 months. (Thank you to any individual or organization who inadvertantly may have been omitted from the listing.) Project Harmony PTI Nebraska *Appeal Campaign Gift Recipient MOMS Foundation Board of Directors Michelle Knolla, M.D., President William Palmer, M.D., Secretary/Treasurer Marvin Bittner, M.D. Paul Esposito, M.D. Polly Haiar Lee Handke Jack Lewis, M.D. Jeanie Owen John Sage, M.D. Tom Tonniges, M.D. Dr. Claire Baker Dr. Richard Baltaro Dr. Marvin Bittner Dr. Bryan Bredthauer Dr. & Mrs. Bradley Britigan Dr. Gregory Brooks Dr. Jill Burke Dr. Jane Carnazzo Dr. & Mrs. Paul Christy Dr. Jennifer Cyr Dr. Franklin DeVries Dr. Mark Domet Dr. John Donaldson Dr. John Donovan Dr. Wallace Duff Dr. Kim Duncan Dr. Debra Esser Dr. Cynthia Ferris Dr. Linda Ford Dr. Jonathan Fuller Dr. Thomas Gallagher Dr. John Gordon Dr. John Haggstrom, Jr. Dr. Linda Head Dr. Paul Hodgson Dr. Kristen Hoffman Dr. Gregory Jackson Dr. & Mrs. Ralph Kramper Dr. Jane Kugler Dr. Jack Lewis Dr. Ed Malashock Dr. Edward Mantler Dr. Daniel McKinney Dr. Jill McTaggart Dr. Gordon Moshman Dr. James Newland Dr. Kevin Nohner Dr. Richard O’Brien Dr. Garret Parker Dr. Nicole Pearsall Dr. Robert Penn Dr. Deborah Perry Dr. Eric Phillips Dr. John Ramsell Dr. Virginia Ripley Dr. John Sage Dr. Thomas Seidel Dr. William Shiffermiller Dr. Judith Stern Dr. James Tracy Dr. & Mrs. Stanley Truhlsen Dr. Doug Vonderfecht Dr. Ronald Wax Dr. Christine Webster The Asthma & Allergy Center, P.C. May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 35 Application for Membership This application serves as my request for membership in the Metro Omaha Medical Society (MOMS) and the Nebraska Medical Association (NMA). I hereby consent and authorize MOMS to use my application information that has been provided to the MOMS credentialing program, referred to as the Nebraska Credentials Verification Organization (NCVO), in order to complete the MOMS membership process. Personal Information Last Name: _____________________________ First Name: _______________________ Middle Initial: ______ Birthdate: _________________________________________________ Gender: Male or Female Clinic/Group: __________________________________________________________________________________ Office Address: ________________________________________________________________ Zip: __________ Office Phone: ____________________ Office Fax: ___________________ Email: _________________________ Office Manager: _______________________________________ Office Mgr. Email: ________________________ Home Address: ____________________________________________________ Zip: ________________________ Home Phone: __________________________________________ Name of Spouse: ________________________ Preferred Mailing Address: Annual Dues Invoice: Event Notices & Bulletin Magazine: Office Home Other: __________________________________ Office Home Other: __________________________________ Educational and Professional Information Medical School Graduated From: __________________________________________________________________ Medical School Graduation Date: ____________________ Official Medical Degree: (MD, DO, MBBS, etc.) _______ Residency Location: _____________________________________________ Inclusive Dates: _________________ Fellowship Location: _____________________________________________ Inclusive Dates: _________________ Primary Specialty: ______________________________________________________________________________ Membership Eligibility Questions YES NO (If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, please attach a letter giving full details for each.) Have you ever been convicted of a fraud or felony? Have you ever been the subject of any disciplinary action by any medical society, hospital medical staff or a State Board of Medical Examiners? Has any action, in any jurisdiction, ever been taken regarding your license to practice medicine? (Including revocation, suspension, limitation, probation or any other imposed sanctions or conditions.) Have judgments been made or settlements required in professional liability cases against you? I certify that the information provided in this application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. _____________________________________ Signature ___________ Date B Fax Application to: 402-393-3216 36 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 Mail Application to: Metro Omaha Medical Society 7906 Davenport Street Omaha, NE 68114 Apply Online: www.omahamedical.com NEW MEMBER update MEMBER benefits Did you Know? H. Wesley Cheng, M.D. Brent Timperley, M.D. Laurie Humphries, M.D. OMS/NMA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS PHYSICIANS in a Medical School: Creighton University Medical School: University of Nebraska Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine variety of ways – from legislative representation, access to health and dental plans designed for physicians, and access to a variety of personal and medical practice products and services to save you time and money. School of Medicine Medical Center Residency: Cleveland Clinic in orthopedic surgery Residency: UNMC in ophthalmology M Here is one of our membership benefits: Reduce your total COPIC premium by up to 10 percent. Members with COPIC medical liability insurance receive an automatic 5 percent premium reduction. Combine it with another 5 percent reduction for participating in risk management education and save even more. Contact Kristin Stepien, director of sales at COPIC, at (800) 421-1834, or [email protected] for more information on the premium credit or a premium indication. Residency: Emory University Affiliated Hospitals in adult psychiatry Fellowship: Fellowship: Fellowship: University of Wisconsin in Madison in sports medicine Cleveland Clinic in corneal and refractive surgery Emory University Affiliated Hospitals in child psychiatry Specialty: orthopedic surgery Specialty: ophthalmology Specialty: child and adolescent psychiatry Location: Location: Location: Lakeside Orthopedics Ilumin Consultant for Nebraska DHHS After graduating from Millard North High School, Dr. Cheng headed to Creighton University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and graduated Magna Cum Laude. While completing his fellowship in sports medicine, Dr. Cheng spent time working with the Wisconsin football team during its 2011 Big Ten Championship season. Another interesting note about Dr. Cheng is he can complete a Rubik’s cube in under 5 minutes. Dr. Timperley’s hobbies include hunting, fishing and golf. His family has had a cabin on a lake near Fremont since he was a child. He still enjoys fishing for bass at the cabin when he gets a chance and especially enjoys carrying on the tradition by spending weekends there with his children. He is also an avid sports fan and enjoys closely following Husker athletics and musicals. Dr. Humphries moved to the Omaha area after three decades as a professor of psychiatry at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Her relocation has given her the glorious opportunity to see her granddaughter grow up. Favorite moments with her granddaughter include stroller rides through the neighborhood while fielding questions like, “Do trees pooh?” She also enjoys scanning the Wall Street Journal, Omaha World-Herald and USA Today each morning. For a complete list of membership benefits, visit www.OmahaMedical.com. Contact Laura Polak at the Metro Omaha Medical Society if you have any questions – phone: (402) 393-1415 or email: [email protected] NEW MEMBERS Katie Hoppes, M.D. Niyati Nadkarni, M.D. Internal Medicine Hospitalist Gynecological Oncology Interested in becoming a MOMS Member? Call 402-393-1415, apply online at www.OmahaMedical.com or complete the application on page 36. May/June 2013 Physicians Bulletin 37 Your home...your builder. Exceptional. Selecting a builder is as much an expression of taste as it is a statement of conﬁdence. No one understands this better than Curt Hofer & Associates. As one of the area’s most respected custom homebuilders, we provide a one-of-a-kind experience in creating your once-in-a-lifetime home. Your wants, your needs, your style, your preferences – everything we do at Curt Hofer & Associates is advanced with the thought of you in mind. That means spending time with you, from the very beginning and at every step along the way. CURT HOFER & ASSOCIATES From individual rooms, to how these rooms come together to create a home, to the landscape and exteriors that immediately bid you welcome, the team at Curt Hofer & Associates knows how to bring the best ideas to life – yours. The result? Your home...your builder. Exceptional. Your home...your builder. Exceptional. 2332 Bob Boozer Drive Omaha, NE 68130 Phone: 402.758.0440 Q www.cur thofer.com 38 Physicians Bulletin May/June 2013 Metropolitan Omaha Medical Society 7906 Davenport Street Omaha, NE 68114 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 838 OMAHA, NE ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Heart Transplantation? Yes. Your 24-hour link to comprehensive cardiac diagnostics and treatments, physician-to-physician consults, referrals, admissions and transport service. PHYSICIANS’ PRIORITY LINE: 1.855.850.KIDS (5437) ChildrensOmaha.org