SUMMER 2022 Annual Membership Celebration Photos • National Physician Suicide Awareness Day State Assembly Candidate Endorsements
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4 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022 Help your patients enjoy life with less pain. Patients with hip pain can miss out on the movement of life. The orthopedic team at Tenet Health Central Coast is here to help with osteoarthritis, injuries or other orthopedic Ourconditions.comprehensive services include ■ 24/7 operating room coverage ■ 24/7 RN for inhouse recovery ■ Comprehensive rehabilitation services Refer with confidence. We are a Blue Distinction® Center+ for Hip & Knee Replacement. TenetHealthCentralCoast.com/Ortho
Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 5 VOLUME 7, NUMBER 3 • SUMMER 2022 {FEATURES} {DEPARTMENTS} 7 RISK TIP 26 PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATE 30 CENCAL HEALTH NEWS 32 CLASSIFIEDS 35 IN MEMORIAM 38 NEW MEMBERS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP CELEBRATION CCMA MEMBERS 2021 PHYSICIANS OF THE YEAR CANCER WAYSCANDIDATEPHYSICIANDETECTIONSUICIDEAWARENESSENDORSEMENTSTOBEAPHYSICIANADVOCATE14402242282410
PRESIDENT Samira Kayumi-Rashti, MD PRESIDENT ELECT Julie Fallon, MD
6 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022 SIGN UP www.cmadocs.org/joinAT
SECRETARY Todd Engstrom, MD
CMA DISTRICT V TRUSTEE Rene’ Bravo, MD
CMA HOUSE OF DELEGATES REPRESENTATIVES Sharon Basham, MD; Edward Bentley, MD; Kevin Casey, MD; David Dodson, MD; Julie Fallon, MD; Priti Gagneja, MD; Jennifer Hone, MD; Samira Kayumi-Rashti, MD; Christopher Lumsdaine, MD; Douglas Murphy, MD; Grace Park, MD; Joseph Schwartz, MD
In this issue of our magazine, we recognize our 2021 Physicians of the Year, who were honored at our Annual Membership Celebrations earlier this year. Drs. Tom Hale and Alex Koper are both outstanding physicians and human beings who are well deserving of their awards. We included some photos from the events, and we look forward to seeing everyone this September when we honor our 2022 Physicians of the Year. We also thank physicians who understand the importance of organized medicine. We included a list of local physicians who are members to recognize them for understanding we are stronger together. We also highlighted those who are donors to California Medical Association Political Action Committee (CALPAC). CALPAC supports candidates for state and federal office who share our philosophy and vision of the future of health care and medical practice, which includes our local Assembly District candidates, Dawn Addis and Gregg Hart. If you are not a member of CCMA/CMA, you can join at www.cmanet. org/join or by calling 800.786.4262. If you want to support candidates and legislators that understand health care, make a donation to CALPAC at
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Priti Gagneja, MD
DIRECTORS Eric Amador, MD; Kevin Casey, MD; Michael DiBiase, MD; Jeffrey Gauvin, MD; Jennifer Hone, MD; Bindu Kamal, MD; Rachel May, MD; Rahim Raoufi, MD
MANAGING EDITOR Dana Goba, MBA CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sherry Lavone Design
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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dana Goba, MBA
EDITOR Samira Kayumi-Rashti, MD
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS California Medical Association; CenCal Health; The Physicians Foundation; Marco Spadacenta; Rick Rosen, MD, MMM, MPH; Tenet Health
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS California Medical Association, CenCal Health, Tenet Health Central Coast SUGGESTIONS, story ideas, or completed stories written by current Central Coast Medical Association members are welcome. Opinions expressed by authors are their own and not necessarily those of the CCMA. CCMA reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length as well as to reject any material submitted.
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Trial Delays, Social Inflation
Under “normal” circumstances, when a healthcare provider is sued for alleged medical malpractice, it begins an emotional journey the provider wants to end as quickly and favorably as possible. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical malpractice suit challenges have been exacerbated by delays in proceedings, resulting in many more months or years on this emotional roller coaster to resolution.
More than one in three U.S. physicians will face a medical malpractice lawsuit in their careers. The evidence also suggests that advanced practice clinicians, such as nurse practitioners, whose role is growing within the U.S. primary care workforce, may face an increase in medical malpractice claims. Therefore, healthcare providers may benefit from staying versed in the following key shifts in medical malpractice litigation.
Malpractice Litigation Strategies in a Pandemic World: Jurors,
Tackling Skeptical
Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 7
In addition, those providers who seek their day in court may encounter social shifts in jury predisposition. We are witnessing the politicization of medicine being played out on social media platforms and in the debates on vaccination/mask mandates, potentially eroding trust in medical science in general, a collateral consequence of which may be jurors who are predisposed to skepticism of healthcare providers and medical experts in the civil court setting.
The volume of backlogged cases is staggering. Studies indicate state and local courts across the U.S. saw their already difficult-to-manage case backlog increase by approximately one-third as a result of the global pandemic.
With the public mistrust of medical science surging, the paradigm may have shifted. We no longer see the “halo effect” (a type of cognitive bias in which our overall impression of a person positively influences how we feel and think about their character) that we witnessed during the latter half of 2020, stemming from our admiration for healthcare providers battling COVID-19. To the contrary, the current public mistrust may be manifesting itself at trial in a “horn effect” (a type of cognitive bias in which our overall impression of a person negatively influences how we feel and think about their Jurorcharacter).mistrust of medical science may manifest itself via “jury nullification,” defined by the Legal Information Institute as “a jury’s knowing and deliberate rejection of the evidence or refusal to apply the law either because the jury wants to send a message about some social issue that is larger than the case itself, or because the result dictated by law is contrary to the jury’s sense of justice, morality, or fairness.”
The “Great Resignation,” a.k.a. the “Big Quit,” has also impacted the civil litigation field. Continued departures of seasoned trial attorneys, judges, claims professionals, and others reaching retirement age and/or making new life choices after some pandemic-inspired reflection have also added to the challenges of defending a medical malpractice suit. Given these challenges, there is a growing movement for alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation, when warranted by the facts and circumstances of the matter at hand and by the desire of the healthcare provider to bring resolution to a lingering claim, allowing them to return to caring for patients free from the burden of an unresolved claim.
To find out more about what differentiates The Doctors Company from other medical malpractice insurance carriers as a physician-first insurer, contact Matt Lawrence at 310.492.4845 additionalCCMAmlawrence@thedoctors.comor.membersreceivesavings!
Trial Delays Turn Attention to Alternative Dispute Resolution
ADR presents certain advantages. It is confidential, less expensive, can be scheduled far more quickly, and is less time consuming. It also spares the parties at least some of the upsets and disruptions a trial
Medical Mistrust Meets MisinformationInspired Mistrust
8 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022
Demographic Shifts Change Courtroom Dynamics As the U.S. population ages, we see a seismic shift in the profile of the typical jury. More than half of Americans are now Millennials or younger (Gen Z). Members of the Silent Generation, those born between 1925 and 1945, and raised during a period of economic depression and war, are diminishing dramatically. No longer are juries populated with people from a generation that was confronted with and overcame such arduous circumstances. As the population shifts toward these younger generations, so must the litigation strategy shift to account for their views. In the context of preparing to defend a medical malpractice action, the defense team must evaluate whether juries will not only consider the healthcare provider, attorney, and medical experts to be skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable, but also whether these participants are reflective of the community, relatable, and not appearing out of touch with the modern-day juror. In other words, will these members of the defense team present in a trustworthy and credible way to today’s juries? All these factors must be considered when assembling the defense team and preparing a defense strategy.
The defense team must take measures to combat jury nullification when preparing their trial strategy and focus the jury back on the reliable science of medicine as it applies to the matter before them.
Whether derived from actual historic experiences or swayed by social media opinions, distrust of healthcare providers by some members of the public has grown significantly during the pandemic. For better or worse, jurors will bring their prior experiences and perceptions with them into the courtroom.
The guidelines suggested here are not rules, do not constitute legal advice, and do not ensure a successful outcome. The ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of any treatment must be made by each healthcare provider considering the circumstances of the individual situation and in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the care is rendered.
• If you prefer not to go to trial, consider methods of ADR, such as mediation, when warranted by the facts and circumstances of the matter at issue, to facilitate a speedier and perhaps more favorable claim resolution.
The average cost to resolve a claim (severity) has been rising for decades. In 2021, the average cost to resolve a claim handled by The Doctors Company increased 61 percent to $115,000, compared with $70,000 in 2007. Some of the major factors driving social inflation in the U.S. today include the erosion of tort reform, litigation funding by plaintiffs, distrust of corporations, and large verdicts.
Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 9 may impose. Nonetheless, since no agreement can be made without the express consent of the parties, mediation outcomes are completely controlled by the participants, not by a judge or jury. The major disadvantage to resolution at mediation is that regardless of the merits of their case, the parties relinquish their day in court. However, since resolution at mediation is voluntary, the healthcare provider does not surrender anything by simply agreeing to participate. Unless court-ordered, pursuing resolution through ADR, such as mediation, should ultimately be the healthcare provider’s decision in consultation with their counsel and carrier. A good medical malpractice carrier will support the healthcare provider’s desire to vigorously defend the care they provided their patient, provide a strong defense, and effectively prepare the provider for trial.
. The average American has been desensitized to the value of the dollar. Because the public has become accustomed to these astronomical dollar amounts, jurors may not be offended when the plaintiff demands exorbitant figures at trial, and in fact are more willing than ever to award excessive amounts.
While social inflation isn’t new, recent accelerations mean we’re now seeing larger jury verdicts as well as larger settlement demands. Whether this trend will dissipate remains to be seen, but it is a factor for healthcare providers to consider when they weigh their legal options. The defense team must form a comprehensive counter to plaintiff’s damage allegations and educate the jury on the true value of a dollar.
The multitrillion dollar deficit, the internet billionaire, the $500 million athlete’s salary, the $7 million price tag for a 30-second Super Bowl ad . .
Social Inflation Impacts Jury Awards
Over the past decade-plus, we have witnessed, successful attacks on tort reform measures previously passed by various states. This particularly impacts medical malpractice, as many of these measures were specific to these types of claims. These attacks on tort reform continue in some states to this Additionally,day.lawsuits are expensive. Plaintiffs are much better funded and more willing to spend greater amounts to “work up” their cases than ever before. This results in the need for greater expenditures by the defendants to counter plaintiff spending. Like it or not, large healthcare provider groups or corporations are often portrayed as having “deep pockets” and as prioritizing “profits over people.” This negative portrayal may lead juries to ignore the care given by individual healthcare professionals and award large sums to plaintiffs because “the corporation has plenty of money” or to “send a message” to the corporation. The defense team must not only be aware of this risk but must develop strategies to counter it.
• Select a medical malpractice insurer with a proven track record of defending the practice of good medicine rather than turning toward the least expensive route to resolution.
What can be done to mitigate the circumstances in this new era of delayed trials, juror mistrust, and social inflation? The following are some strategies to consider:
Strategies for Combating These Challenges
• Take advantage of pretrial preparation. The Doctors Company, for example, offers Surviving Litigation Seminars to its members as well as peer support throughout the litigation process.
• Retain an attorney who understands juror predispositions, is on board with selecting experts with whom jurors can identify, and reduces the risk of social inflation by presenting a comprehensive damages defense.
Thank you to our sponsor Annual MembershipCelebration
On April 4, after several years of not being able to host this event in person, the CCMA was delighted to offer the opportunity for physicians to gather once again to reconnect, network, and congratulate our honoree. At the event, Dr. Kurt Ransohoff presented Dr. Alex Koper with our 2021 Physician of the Year award for Santa Barbara County.
We look forward to seeing you this fall when we honor our 2022 Physician of the Year. SEPTEMBERTHURSDAY,29,20226:00PM Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort’s Rotunda RSVP at www.ccmahealth.org/events
On April 7, after several years of not being able to host this event in person, the CCMA was delighted to offer the opportunity for physicians to gather once again to reconnect, network, and congratulate our honoree. At the event, Dr. Paul Georghiou and Dr. Brian Roberts presented Dr. Thomas Hale with our 2021 Physician of the Year award for San Luis Obispo County. Thank you to sponsorour
Annual MembershipCelebration
We look forward to seeing you this fall when we honor our 2022 Physician of the Year. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30,6:002022PM Madonna Inn’s Secret Garden RSVP at www.ccmahealth.org/events
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More than ever, health care in California is highly regulated and legislated, with constant threats to your clinical autonomy. Successful advocacy depends upon an integrated approach utilizing lobbying, grassroots activism and political action through CALPAC. If you want to support candidates and legislators who understand health care, make a donation at www.calpac.org Together We Are Stronger The Central Coast Medical Association and California Medical Association thank the following physicians for membership and support to protect physicians’ profession and patients. If your name is not on this list, join your colleagues at www.cmadocs.org/join or by contacting us at memberservice@cmadocs.org or 800.786.4262. Membership list as of July 15, 2022. Every attempt was made to ensure accuracy. If your information is incorrect, please contact us at 805.683.5333 or ccma@ccmahealth.org
Edward
14 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022 Thank you to CCMA members who have donated to the California Medical Association Political Action Committee (CALPAC)
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Amador Andrew
Eric Rey Martin Anthony Rollin Bailey Basham Bentley Jeffrey Martin Bloom Henry Bravo Kevin Michael Casey David Charles Dodson Douglas Barrie Duncan Douglas Joseph Frawley Charles Paveloff ChristopherPoulinBernal Michael Alan StevenRobertStites-HallettSimpsonWrightZelko
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Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 15 Mark Steven Abate David StephenAbbottLee Abbott Shields Brewster Abernathy Thomas Aguirre Hosam Ahmad Daniel Bruce Alfson Hamid JosephAndrewHenningJohnThomasThomasSethGilbertDelaEricSamuelRichardAlipourIraAltesmanRobertAlthauserReyAmadorAmoussouOAndersenEliAndersonJr.GeraldAndersonRobertAndersonOnssyAnisAnsorgMartinAnthonyRaymondAragon Jr. Hiwot Hagos Araya Felipe De Jesus Arce Roxana Ardebili Aria BentonAshirTurner Ashlock Michelle Renee Auran Timothy Leonard Auran Robert Logan Avery Keith Alan Ayrons Wei Bai Bruce R Bailey Rollin C Bailey Dennis DavidMicaDanielJamesEdwardJeoffreyJeremyRichardChristelMichaelJAndrewDavidThomasJohnRobertSharonHJohnCharishMariaVidaStevenJamesEricHelenClaudiaBakerBalderramaBanhMichaelBankPaulBarbabellaColinBarkleyBaronIrmgardBarrowsLeannBarryMBarryRichardBarthelLBashamKBaumABaumannLBeamerLBearmanDuaneBecklerKevinBeckmenJamisonBehrmanBejenkeABelkinStephenBennettPBensonBentleyBenzianNathanBergerBergmanABernhardt Michael Lewis Bernstein Ryan Scott Berry Tamara Marie Berry Julia Ann Billington Andrew Binder David L Birken Scott Edward Bisheff Jerold Adrian Black Cindy Blifeld Laurel Athena Bliss Jeffrey Martin Bloom Gary M Blum Mark C JamesThomasKristinAlessandroKevinDavidWilliamMarkChadlerDarylLeanneRoyBrittanyWilliamJamesDanielReneStuartBlaineJoelSushilaRabindraJasonPennyMichaelBocchicchioBordofskyBorensteinEdwardBoyattAlfredBraganzaLindaBraganzaHershelBrandtBraniffBravermanHenryBravoRussellBrennanGerardBrewerKBrokkenAliceBryanGordonBryanIIReneeBucknerBurgessRyanBurgoyneEBurnettEBuysAlanCanvasserMichaelCaseyAttilioCastellarinNicoleCastorinoClarenceCavesCavins
16 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022 Gayle Susan Cekada Julie Adele Chacko Jinny Ei Chang Linda Sian Chen Tyler Chi-Han Cheung Dugald Donald Chisholm Rosa Sung Eun Choi Bernard DavidDanielDavidStephaniePDanielCarinStephenBarryCaryWilliamKevinCatherineViktoriaJessicaGregorySteveEduardoDavidWendyRichardKatherineChowChungYungChungAnneCiovaccoThomasClarkEnriqueClarkRussellClarkeAlexanderCogertAnnCohen-BrownRCollatzAnnCollingsFrancisColtonCharlesConwayIIConyersCoughlinSCouvillionLynnCraigFCraviottoJr.KentCullenJr.AnneCulverMichaelCumesJayCurhand'Ablaing Gustavo Dascanio Kenneth Daughters Thomas Daughters Jr. Bret E CharityDavisAnne Dean Philip PatriciaDuardToddKeithJohnJamesMargaretJamesWilliamBernardKStevenNoemiCharlesAlexanderDavidRobertBenjaminRobertMichaelScottArpanVincentJaclynDelioDeRieuxPopeDerosaJitendraDesaiMichaelDewhirstJosephDiBiaseDichmannGodfreyDienerGDionisioCharlesDodsonDonaldChristopherDonnerCarolineDoohanEricDoschCharmianDresel-VelasquezJDruryHenryDunbarTimothyDunnLEchtVEganGlenElderAllenEmmonsWilliamEngstromEnochIIILErbe Douglas W Erickson Douglas Etsell Julie Cecilia Fallon Ryan James Fante Donald Omar Fareed Todd DavidDonaldBrettAndrewMaryConnorJeffreyWilliamBryanWilliamJohnJohnPritiRichardGregoryJeffreyGeorgeJosephPGarrettAdamPeterKristinChristopherDonaldLynnCaryDavidRobertMaryKevinCharlesFearerCFenziLFergusonElinaFerrisIFishburnThomasFiskJFitchmunNisbetFitzgibbonsJosephFlaniganFlynnElizabethFontesGFordJamesForrestEdwinFoulkeJosephFrawleyDreyfussFreemanOFrenchCharlesFriedJohnFryeFultonGagnejaWGainorGregoryGaitanLouisGanskeJoshuaGarberHGausmanJr.MGauvinCGemmellSteffyGenevieveScottGersoffAGidneyGilliesSGillon
Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 17 Duane Ivan Gillum Rebecca D Golgert William Alan Golgert Robert Lawrence Gong Alicia Mikolaycik Gonzalez Liana PeterRobertStevenLawrenceJacobAnnaMarvinCristinaRobertKathrynBilalMuhammadStephenLaurelJeffreyRichardSaidaThomasSawyerWilliamJeffreyGloriaCoryMukulKhawarMaryamElizabethHowardJustinJohnGregoryRichardGonzalezAustinGrantClayGreaneyCGreenLeeGreeneGrossMyersGrossmanGuiahiGulGuptaGuslandHadsallMatthewHadsallVictorHahnBaileyHaigWalterHaleHamdaniEHammondHankoffHanschLHansenSalmanUlHaqHarakeClaireHaranDHarbaughReneeHarnsbergerHarrahHarterLHarterPhillipHarterHartzmanAHarwayLeeHasler Robert FrederickHawkinsCHeidner II Carl W Hein William J Heringer David Hernandez Jeff AmieMattiWRobertLaurenDouglasDouglasJamesLauraHeidiGrahamRobertPierre-AlainCharlesAngelaBarbaraBruceBenjaminStephenKarenJenniferTaylorStephenGlennBryceWalterJohnDavidJohnDanielStephenFredericHertenLHewesAHiltyEvansHindsHansHirschbergHirtDavidHobsonLHoganJr.RichardHoldernessWilliamHollingsheadRaymondHoltzmanJamesHolveHoneLynneHordHoseaMichaelHowardHowardAHrachAHsuMichaelHubenyHueberMichaelHullanderRHurvitzAnneHutchisonLouiseHutchisonPIngersollRJacksonWJacobsonElaineJacobsonJacobyBlakeJamisonRoseJansenLlerenaJimenez Karen Jensen Johnson James Paul Jones Jr. Thomas Harlow Jones Darol D Joseff Mark Christopher Juretic Bindu M Kamal Francis J Kanofsky Karl BrentDanielKennethJenniferHannahTatyanaAlexErnestKarenGarryRobertRogerBrianOmaBradleyArthurRobinPhillipLaszloCDaleSylviaJohnCaseTamirRobertRachelRyanKyleSamiraKassityKayumi-RashtiRichardKelsonFrancisKendleKernoffJeffreyKershawHKeshenHKettingKhan-VaribaKimWKingSeybertKinsellJosephKiralyKisselPKnaussLawKnightCKnoxChristineKnoxKochKohnAKolarczykRichardKolbSKolbaThomasKolendrianosKoperIIKopilovaWilksKornfeldBKosekSKosikJonKostalnickKovacs
18 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022 Elizabeth Ingrid Krenz Kenneth Dale Krone Bradley Shawn Kurgis Jeffrey Steven Kurz Christopher Kuzminski Anh Tuan RobertMorganKeithAnneStevenGraceMyronDannyWalterWinifredDavidSusanStephenKyleWonukEuniceArthurAnnRonaldJeremyDavidRogerStefanChristopherLamVLambertMartinLampeILaneLaPatkaWilliamLashLatimerMiehyungLeeLeeSuejinLeeLeeWorthingtonLemonLemonLemonRossLernerKLeungMLewisLeroyLicknessIsraelLiebhaberXiao'enLimSethLipmanELittleLlewellynLloydGLogan Thomas S Lossing Laurence Hamilton Lotz Adam D Lowenstein Miguel Angel Loya Gary Michael Lucchesi Bryant Jay Lum George Philip Lum Christopher George Lumsdaine Kurt Franklin Lundquist Tomas Manuel Machin Richard Joseph Macias Robert Christian Maciel Cory Anderson Malone Robin Elizabeth MaloneArnoldDavidJamesLowellStanleyTerranceEdwardJamesJohnDavidRachelKariKaterynaDavidLaurenceCunnisonMamletAdamMandelMarkovaKMathisonMayLMcAninchIIIMcCafferyMichaelMccullaghJMcGinnRonaldMcGovernEugeneMclainJr.McLellanMcNamaraMedinaMedved Anthony Mendesh Marilyn Mendoza Andrew Francis Mester Toni Takiko Meyers Randall G Michel Monica Micon Kelli Jean Miller Richard Miller James F Mitchell Jr. N Nicole Moayeri James Allen Moghtader Arthur AlexanderMorelEduard Morf Peter Morris Billy W Mounts Karen Moyes Ralph Mozingo Jamil Suheil Muasher Douglas Peter Murphy Robert M Nagy Ma'an Aziz Nasir Gregg Charles Newman Ted B Newman Joann Dung-HoaNg Thi Nguyen Charles H Nicholson Sara Taylor Nimmons Pierre GeorgeNizetTerry Northrop Mead Fredrick Northrop Joseph A Nunez David Ernest Nunnelly Dina WilliamObedKiernan O'callaghan Thomas Ochsner Arbi George Ohanian Robert W Olson Michael Jon Omlid
Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 19 James F Oroark Kevin C Osburn Stanley Ostern Robert J Ottoboni William Michael Pace Alicia Guevara Page Grace Eunmi Park David BeverlyAnitaBruceWilliamRalphChristopherJasonGeorgeRobertLizaElliotChristianRobertAbrahamArashdeepRichardMarkTheodoreMichaelLauraPaulDavidDanteDavidMonicaTimothyMeredithStevenNancyMichaelPaulPaveloffAPawlikPearsonAnnPerrinJPerrinReneePhillipsLockardPhreanerJosephPieramiciCPiresHPoborElizabethPolitoIsidroPoloPolosFordPomerantzSPonceSinghPooniaIsaacPotolskyPoulinHarringtonPowellPragerPresserBelkinHoustonPricePrimbsJPrystowskyBernalQuijanoQuijanoRackDRagsdaleRaiJoySansonRamos Susanne Lucille Ramos Kurt N Ransohoff Rahim Ali Raoufi David Aaron Raphael Karim CinnamonThomasPedramRasheedRashtiReaperHampikian Redd Jason M Redd Graham Neilson Reimer Robert Julius Reiner Juan RobertAndriaRebeccaLynnLewisStephanieBarryAndrewDanielJoaquinFrederickMargotThomasHectorAnneTimothyJosephJamesGeneHBrianCaseySylviaJonathanMarkDonaldReynosoRhodesGRichmondLeeRieglerCristinaRiveraNicoleRivesMichaelRobertsDouglasRobertsARobinsonJohlinRobinsonAndrewRobinsonLeighRodgersO'mearaRodriguezPedroRodriguezGeorgeRonayRosemanSemenovRosenRosesRoshanGregoryRossJRossJoyRothmanRubinARudmanLynnRuebsamenRuthMerrillRuth Paul JeffreyRyackSeymour Sager Dustin Gabriel Sanchez Karl BrianSandinDavid Santacrose Mananya Satayaprasert River Liuyuan Saul John Michael Sawyer Matthew Bennett Scales Philip Scheinberg Carl DonaldMareeniCameronTimothyMartaMarkSeanMargauxGilbertClintonManuJohnMarkVirginiaAnthonyMichaelWilliamWilliamAyeshaColinRobertaStuartMary-LouiseJosephHelenWesleyBrianSchlosserRSchnierGSchoolerCSchulzAlanSchwartzScullyDouglasSegalDSengelmannDavidShaferShaikhAShapiroSheehanMouradShenodaWSheplayAnnSiegfriedLewisSilverbergSimKushSinghAndrewSlaughterSlutzkyKellySniderSnodgressIanSollSoviljMSpiegelJamesStHilaireTStanislausLarryStanton
20 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022 Kenneth Glenn Starr Nathan Christopher Steinle Nicole Gaye Stern Dustin Erin Stevenson Noah RachelMichaelEmmaMandanaCaseyScottChristopherAshleyHeatherStefanDominicSaraReynaJulieVictorSashaPaulGeraldMarkCamillaWonsukDavidCathyGaryMonicaStites-HallettLeighStraatmannStrachanAnneStraitsStrumpfWarrenSuhRobinsonSulakWayneSurreySvedlowJohnSwedbergLynnSzytelAndrewTacconelliATaguchiMariaTalanianTaroumianJohnTedescoRobertTeitgeIreneTerbellAnnThorsellJohnThrashBaringerTobisJohnTooleATooleTowsleeTrambertElisabethTrautwein Pansy NedeljkoDaleVincentKenyonTsangTsaoCTubioloAmandaTylorJakovUncanin Jr. Ronald G Ungerer Jon R Uyesaka Gary Van Deventer Thomas Van Meter Nicholas Vasiloff Fred Steve Vernacchia Rafael Sollesa Victoria Jr. Elyor MeghanMartinBruceJohnJustinJohnRobertVidalJVittHKVogelCraigVoogVowelsJWalkerWalkerMaureen Wallman Philip Ka Chun Wan Sharon Evelyn Watson Alex J Weinstein Marc W Weise Thomas AnneGregoryJMaryBrandonWeisenburgerMarshallWelbournElizabethWelchPatrickWheelockHammondWhitcherWhite Gilbert L White Richard Wikholm Barry Williams Carl MatthewWilliamsAkira Williams Richard C Williams Judith Willis Paul AveryWillisMay Kenyon Wilmanns Brett Wilson II George Garland Wilson Jay Michael Winner Stuart Robert Winthrop John D Wrench Robert Simpson Wright Edmund M Wroblewski Michael L Wyatt Steven Yao Jeffrey Bernard Yim John HsienYoonCheng Young Steven H Young Eddy StephanieYu Patricia Zamora Steven Zelko Marc DavidZereyAbram Zisman James Conard Zmolek
Dr. Kurt Ransohoff (left) and Dr. Alex Koper (right)
Dr. Paul Georghiou (left), Dr. Tom Hale (center), and Dr. Brian Roberts (right)
Thomas W. Hale, MD
The Central Coast Medical Association honored Thomas W. Hale, MD, as the 2021 Physician of the Year for San Luis Obispo County at the Annual Membership Celebration in April at the Madonna Inn. Those who nominated Dr. Hale stated his dedication, leadership, and compassion made him an exemplary candidate for Physician of the Year. Dr. Hale worked in San Luis Obispo County for nearly 40 years as an emergency medicine physician with Central Coast Emergency Physicians until his retirement at the end of 2021. During this time, Dr. Hale served as Chief of Staff at Twin Cities Community Hospital, committee member for the San Luis Obispo EMSA Emergency Medical Care Committee, member of the County Health Commission, and director with the San Luis Obispo County Medical Association and Central Coast Medical Association. He volunteered as a community physician for countless events such as school physical exams, anti-drunk driving campaigns, and community health fairs. One of his longest volunteer leadership roles has been as the physician director of the medical tent for the Wildflower Triathlon since 1994.
Join us when we honor our 2022 Physicians of the Year.
Santa Barbara County Alex Koper II, MD
Thursday, September 29 in Santa Barbara
The Central Coast Medical Association honors physicians who have worked to improve the quality of health care, contributed to the education of other physicians, and engaged in community service and other activities outside of medicine.
During their animated presentation, Drs. Paul Georghiou and Brian Roberts spoke about Dr. Hale's contributions as a mentor in emergency medicine. His level-headedness, work ethic, compassion, and integrity helped guide his colleagues, and the dividends of his leadership and influence are now spread far and wide. When accepting his award, Dr. Hale stated he was honored and humbled. He expressed his gratitude for being surrounded by incredible doctors, nurses, administrators, and other medical professionals, and he felt blessed for spending his career in one place. Now that he is retired, he looks forward to spending time with his family, especially his grandsons.
San Luis Obispo County
The Central Coast Medical Association honored Alex Koper II, MD, as the 2021 Physician of the Year for Santa Barbara County at the Annual Membership Celebration in April at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Dr. Koper graduated medical school and completed his residency in urology at the University of California, Los Angeles. He then went on to an internship in general surgery at Stanford University Medical Center, followed by a followship in urology at the London Hospital Medical College in England. Dr. Koper was nominated by his colleagues for being an outstanding individual, for serving his community and patients with enthusiasm, pride, and commitment, and for his leadership and mentorship for the next generation of urologists. Those who nominated Dr. Koper stated he provides outstanding care to patients of all ages, and multiple physicians specifically mentioned his work with pediatric patients, even when he’s not on call, and how he carries stickers in his pockets for them. Sansum Clinic physicians shared he was very welcoming when they joined the group, and how he took time to get to know them on a personal level. A fellow urologist stated, “He has worked throughout his career, and especially the last year, to improve the quality of care in our region, and I can think of no better candidate deserving of this award!”
Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 23
The specialty of emergency medicine was in its early years when Dr. Hale and a few other physicians created the first group of residency-trained, board-certified emergency doctors in San Luis Obispo County. After moving from Nebraska, Dr. Hale helped create unprecedented standard of care in this young field of emergency medicine, which included recruiting and retaining many new physicians to the area, and directly caring for approximately 100,000 emergency patients. Most significantly, Dr. Hale is credited with helping to develop a coordinated trauma system for San Luis Obispo County. One of his colleagues wrote, “Dr. Hale has not only bettered the lives of many San Luis Obispo residents since starting his career in our community over 35 years ago, but he has bettered the local health care system as well.”
Dr. Koper has served on the board of directors with Sansum Santa Barbara Medical Clinic, Cottage Health, and Santa Barbara County Medical Society. He is currently practicing with Sansum Clinic, where he’s been a physician for 41 years. During his presentation, Dr. Kurt Ransohoff spoke about Dr. Koper’s humility and desire to give back to the community, which includes 40 years at the county clinic.
Dr. Koper said he felt lucky to be a doctor in this community, as he accepted his award, and he was deeply honored. He thanked multiple physicians, including a mentor, Morgan Lloyd, MD, who was in the audience. Dr. Koper also recognized his family, especially his wife, Judi, in which he stated the best decision of his life was to marry her.
Friday, September 30 in San Luis Obispo RSVP AT WWW.CCMAHEALTH.ORG/EVENTS
The impact of the pandemic has delayed doctor visits, which has led to a decrease in screenings and a large impact on cancer screenings and treatment in particular. Unfortunately, that delay in screening and diagnosis means that cancers have advanced further and there is more difficulty in treating them. That is why Blue Light Cystoscopy is so important to help detect cancer accurately and early. At Tenet Health Central Coast, our physician teams using innovative technology are here to help.
However, as the name suggests, with Blue Light Cystoscopy, doctors use a cystoscope equipped with both white and blue light. Before the procedure, a special contrast solution – not a dye – is inserted into the bladder. This makes the cancer cells glow bright fluorescent pink in blue light and stand out against the blue of the healthy tissue. This creates a dramatically more precise improvement of the visualization and detection of the cancer lesions. A biopsy of any abnormal areas is taken to confirm if there is cancer in those spots.
24 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022
Typically, when symptoms and blood tests suggest bladder cancer, doctors perform a visual inspection of the interior wall of the bladder using a cystoscope — a thin tube with a light and video camera on the end — in a procedure called a cystoscopy that uses white light.
Using this advanced technology helps physicians find instances of bladder cancer, especially small or flat tumors, more quickly and efficiently than before. Importantly, it also offers enhanced removal of bladder tumors when they are discovered. Cancer cells that may have not been detected may be identified. Additionally, the cancerous lesions that are found can be more thoroughly removed to try to prevent spreading in the future.Infact, the specialized team of physicians that can provide the procedure at Tenet Health Central Coast’s Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center discovered a previously-undetected lesion in one of the first procedures performed in the county. Being able to detect and resect for biopsy leads to fewer recurrences of bladder cancer and has the added benefit of improved information to use to create a care plan goingTheforward.importance of this cutting-edge technology was confirmed late last year, by Dr. Patrick Lewicki of Cornell University, which found that the BLC is underutilized, despite the procedure being a recommended guideline to reduce recurrence of cancer.
TENET HEALTH CENTRAL COAST IS THE FIRST IN SLO COUNTY TO OFFER BLUE LIGHT CYSTOSCOPY
Tenet Health Central Coast is proud to announce that it is the only healthcare organization in San Luis Obispo County to offer Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview, a proven and innovative approach to treating bladder cancer. While other cancers, such as lung, prostate, pancreatic and breast cancers are more well known, because of their higher incidence rate, bladder cancer is a significant concern in the United States as it is at a higher rate than the world average. Not only is bladder cancer over four times more common in men than women, and is the third most common cancer in men in the United States, it is one of the top ten causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Moreover, bladder cancer is a costly, potentially progressive disease for which patients often have to undergo multiple cystoscopies due to the high risk of recurrence. The recurrence issue created an urgent need to improve the existing diagnostic procedures.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SHINES A NEW LIGHT IN CANCER DETECTION
Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 25
For the first time, we have wide access to lifesaving vaccines for all age groups as young as six months. We have a robust supply of treatment that, when started early, is remarkably effective at preventing severe illness and death. We have easily available rapid testing and a strong supply chain for PPE.
Unfortunately, we can also say with confidence that we will see the impact of deferred care and post-COVID conditions for years to Thecome.way we address these realities will shape our practice and our community’s health well into the next chapter of our pandemic response and recovery. Preventing severe illness and death We now have an opportunity to help patients avail themselves of excellent tools to prevent severe COVID-19 disease and death.
Public UpdateHealth
Integrating the Reality of COVID-19 Into Routine Care
CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022
by Rick Rosen, MD, MPH, Deputy Health Officer, County of San Luis Obispo
More than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, we can finally say with confidence that we have the tools to prevent the overwhelming majority of COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in our community.
Staying informed
providers locally and nationwide also continue to face the impact of care deferred during the pandemic. Our Public Health team is providing resources and education to address deferred childhood vaccinations, and providers play a key role in checking in about whether it’s time for patients (of any age, but especially children and teens) to catch up on routine vaccines.
For those who cannot take Paxlovid, monoclonal antibodies remain in good supply and remain effective against current variants. You can find information about providers and how to refer patients at slopublichealth.org/treatment.
Paxlovid prescription requires careful review of patients’ other health conditions and medications, and must be started within five days of first symptoms. For these reasons, it may be helpful to discuss it as an option with older or higher-risk patients when you see them for other routine care, so they know to test early and call you if they become sick.
In this context, it is important to routinely assess patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection for new or worsening symptoms or conditions related to the infection, especially adults 65 years and Locally,older.
CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 27
the Public Health Department is gathering input on residents’ health after infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. A strong public response (with more than 3,500 responses in the first week) has documented the experiences of those whose health has changed after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with consistent reports of increased fatigue and decreased ability to do daily activities. More robust findings will be available, along with links to state and national resources, at slopublichealth.org/ Healthlongcovid.care
Taking a moment to encourage vaccination, even among those who have declined the option in the past, can very directly save lives. Conversely, not having this conversation may be interpreted as a tacit endorsement of forgoing this lifesaving option. Research continues to document that individual health care providers (though not health care or public health organizations) are the most trusted source of vaccine information for Americans. It is also crucial that patients, particularly those at high risk for serious disease, understand how widely available and effective COVID-19 therapeutics are today. Paxlovid, in particular, is a welcome option for many patients. It is in good supply and can be dispensed by approximately 25 pharmacies across SLO County. It’s also available at a dozen Test to Treat sites, including no-cost community testing sites.
While research on Long COVID is still emerging, several large studies have already indicated that post-COVID conditions occur in 20%–30% of patients. A recent MMWR found COVID-19 survivors had twice the risk for developing pulmonary embolism or respiratory conditions; survivors aged 65 and older were at increased risk for neurologic conditions, as well as for mood disorders, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Increased rates of cardiac dysrhythmia, myocardial infarction, heart failure, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, musculoskeletal pain, renal failure, thromboembolic events, cerebrovascular disease, GI and esophageal conditions, and type 2 diabetes were also reported.
Addressing long-term impacts
Please take a moment to remind patients they can find community transmission information from local, state, and national public health teams. In SLO County, this data is available at slopublichealth.org/covidstats.
For adults, and particularly for those who have been through COVID-19 infection, catching up on any routine screenings is more important than ever.
Paxlovid eligibility has expanded to include all those at high risk for severe disease and death from COVID-19, including those age 65 and older and those who have a health condition that increases their risk of severe disease.
For all of us, it’s a good idea to be aware of community transmission levels. While the data is imperfect, the big-picture trends can help inform common-sense precautions, such as masking indoors and avoiding large gatherings when COVID-19 transmission is elevated.
September
WHAT National Physician Suicide Awareness Day WHEN September 17 WHO Physicians, their colleagues and their loved ones WHERE Online and in person WHY Taking action on NPSA Day may save a life VISIT
It’s these physicians who are more likely to leave medicine, or worse, die by a preventable suicide death.
Guide for Individuals Take action with Vital Signs: The Campaign to Prevent Physician Suicide17
–Educate on Mental Health Care: Share the resources available at NPSADay.org with physicians to arm them with the information and tools they may need to access mental health care services.
Left untreated, burnout could cause more cases of depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use and suicidal thoughts in physicians.
National Physician Suicide Awareness Day (#NPSADay) is here to help everyone prevent physician suicide –including physicians, their colleagues and their loved ones. We need to come together and break down the culture of silence around physician mental health. It’s a time to talk – and to act – so physicians’ struggles don’t become mental health emergencies. Together, we can shift the paradigm from a system where physicians think that burnout, depression or suicidal thoughts are something they must overcome by themselves to one where they see the support system around them willing to help them seek mental health care. This can start today. Reach out and engage physicians, their colleagues, their loved ones or others in your network to join in recognizing #NPSADay.
–Amplify on Social Media: Utilize the NPSADay.org Toolkit to spread the word far and wide by talking about the increasing rates of physician suicide across social media channels and use #NPSADay in your posts.
Background Physician suicide was a crisis long before COVID-19. More than half of physicians know a physician who has either considered, attempted or died by suicide in their career. Now physicians have been in a non-stop crisis for more than a year, with COVID-19 inflicting serious psychological wounds upon them.
National Physician Suicide Awareness Day
How to Engage Others
28 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022
NPSAday.org
–Share Your Story: Talking about your own experience is a great way to begin a conversation with others about mental health, while also breaking down stigma and creating a safe space.
Do not assume that accomplished peers have it together and never struggle (i.e., check in on strong friends).
can encourage – to help
guidance or are
Learn how to have caring conversations, colleague to colleague, that invite deeper disclosure. When dialoguing with a distressed colleague, remember that with distress comes negative cognitive distortions, so it is critically important to state the obvious—that you respect them, think well of them for getting help, are willing to help them connect with treatment, and will continue to be there for them. If you have struggled previously, you may have special empathy that you can marshal to help them understand they are not do – and their loved ones and colleagues prevent suicide. This If need further in call
Realize that mental health is a dynamic part of human health, which means individuals can have some influence over their own mental health outcomes (e.g., staying on effective treatment for a recurrent pattern of depression or anxiety to positively affect mental health).
a crisis,
Guidealone.for Individuals Take action with Vital Signs: The Campaign to Prevent Physician SuicideSeptember 17 What You Can Do The following are 5 evidence-based actions1 physicians can
Spring 2022
Cultivate daily self-care habits by being curious about “how you tick” (i.e., take note of and practice the activities that lead to positive outcomes).
1 6 2 3 4 5 Brought to you by:
document is intended for awarenessbuilding and informational purposes only.
you
the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free 24/7 support. 1 Moutier, Christine Yu MD; Myers, Michael F. MD; Feist, Jennifer Breen JD; Feist, J. Corey JD, MBA; Zisook, Sidney MD Preventing Clinician Suicide: A Call to Action During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond, Academic Medicine: May 2021 - Volume 96 - Issue 5 - p 624-628. Accessed at https://journals.lww.com/academicmedicine/Fulltext/2021/05000/Preventing_Clinician_Suicide__A_Call_to_Action.24.aspx.
Look out for colleagues. Realize that subtle changes in behavior can be the “tip of the iceberg” indicating more significant struggles.
30 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022
NEWS HUB:
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD FOR SUPPORTING THE SAFETY NET
The network of community health clinics was nominated by local health plan CenCal Health
Earlier this summer, Community Health Centers of the Central Coast (CHC) received the 17th Annual Supporting the Safety Net Award and a $1,000 donation from the Association for Community Affiliated Health Plans (ACAP). This prestigious national award honors a community organization or individual that exceeds expectations in implementing health programs to benefit underserved populations. ACAP member CenCal Health nominated CHC for this recognition due to CHC’s vital role in serving the vulnerable and disenfranchised on the Central Coast during the COVID-19 pandemic, most notably supporting Hispanic and Latinx/e workers employed in food production andExportingagriculture.toover 30 countries and rendering more than $1.8 billion in production value, agriculture is one of the largest industries in Santa Barbara County, according to a 2020 agricultural report published by Santa Barbara County. Though designated as critical members of the workforce, being a farmworker often comes at a dangerous price. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
CenCal Health
Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 31
Fonda was previously the CMO at CalOptima, a public health plan in Orange County, California, where she served since 2013 starting as a Medical Director. Fonda was instrumental in leading the agency’s COVID-related medical activities for members and staff, including overseeing, and expanding the Orange County Nursing Home COVID Infection Prevention Program that provided intense training for healthcare staff to protect themselves and long-term care members during the pandemic.
CenCal Health Appoints New Chief Medical Officer Emily Fonda, MD, MMM, CHCQM has been named Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at CenCal Health. Dr. Fonda will provide medical leadership to the organization by ensuring quality and adherence to professional and ethical medical standards by the health plan and its network of providers. She assumed the role on June 13.
“The CenCal Health Board of Directors join me in wholeheartedly welcoming Dr. Fonda, who brings tremendous experience and expertise with her to our organization,” said Marina Owen, CenCal Health CEO.
CHC Medical Director Steve Clarke, MD accepted the ACAP Supporting the Safety Net Award from CenCal Health CEO Marina Owen at the ACAP CEO Summit in Washington, DC. “CHC was created to serve vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Clarke. “We treat more than 110,400 patients, 35% of which are low-income. Of the total patients, nearly 32% are children, 8% are homeless adults and 13% are uninsured. A significant portion of CHC’s patients identify as Hispanic/Latino, therefore 68% of our clinic employees are of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity. On behalf of all of us at Community Health Centers, we humbly accept this award and are immensely grateful for the recognition.”
Emily Fonda, MD, MMM, CHCQM
“Emily’s background in internal medicine, private practice and hospital health care is an exceptional asset for collaborating with our local provider partners.”
Fonda’s formal education includes the following degrees: Bachelor of Science at the University of Southern California (USC); Doctor of Medicine from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine; and Master of Medical Management at the Marshall School of Business at USC, where she was also a Dean’s Scholar.
Hispanic and Latinx/e workers employed in food production or agriculture have a substantially higher risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death compared to nonHispanic workers in those industries. Eager to provide local farmworkers resources that could potentially safeguard them and their families from infection, CHC collaborated with numerous agricultural support organizations, including the Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation. As a result of the cross-agency collaboration, farmworkers were afforded personalized support during CHC visits to agriculture fields, and migrant and public housing sites throughout northern Santa Barbara County. Services included COVID-19 education in the farmworkers’ native languages; medical treatment; distribution of more than 5,350 free “COVID Care Kits”; and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), including over 20,000 face masks. Likely, the outreach also rendered a significant secondary effect –avoiding a serious disruption of the local food supply chain and potential food shortage crisis worldwide.
If you would like to submit a listing to our Classifieds, contact ccma@ccmahealth.org. Listings are free for members with reasonable rates for nonmembers.
CENCAL HEALTH is a community-accountable health plan that partners with over 1,500 local physicians, hospitals, and other providers in delivering patient care to more than 200,000 members in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Opportunities can be found www.cencalhealth.org/workwithus.at
POSITIONS
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS OF THE CENTRAL COAST is now hiring. CHC is a nonprofit organization operating federally qualified health centers that provide comprehensive care. Since 1978, CHC has grown to over 30 locations serving over 120,000 unique patients annually across San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara counties. We are always looking for skilled, compassionate providers of all levels. See our list of current openings online at: chccares.link/careers - for more details, email mmasatani@chccc.org
The COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO is committed to serving the community with pride to enhance the economic, environmental, and social quality of life in San Luis Obispo County. Opportunities can be found at www.slocounty.ca.gov.
TENET HEALTH most likely has an opportunity that’s right for you. Opportunities can be found www.tenethealth.com/for-physicians/physician-careers.at
The COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA delivers exceptional services so Santa Barbara County’s communities can enjoy a safe, healthy, and prosperous life. Opportunities can be found at www.sbcountyjobs.com.
32 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022
CLASSIFIEDS
Coast is a dynamic and fulfilling place to work. Our staff is caring, knowledgeable, dedicated and we are committed to a diverse workplace and encourage you to apply. Opportunities can be found at https://jobs.lever.co/ppcentralcoast.
AVAILABLE Whether you are a seasoned physician or just out of residency, the CALIFORNIA PHYSICIAN CAREER CENTER offers the opportunities and resources you need to advance your career. This benefit includes tips on resume writing, interviews, and networking, as well as hundreds of current job openings in California. Opportunities can be found at https://careers.cmadocs.org.
DIGNITY HEALTH is a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization of more than 40 hospitals and care centers across California, Arizona, and Nevada. Opportunities can be found at Plannedwww.dignityphysiciancareers.orgParenthoodCaliforniaCentral
SANSUM CLINIC is the largest and oldest multi-specialty group between San Francisco and Los Angeles with over 180 physicians and surgeons and a staff of healthcare professionals in over 30 specialized areas of medicine. Opportunities can be found at practiWhetherwww.sansumclinic.org/physician-provider-job-opportunities.youareinterestedinemployment,relocatingyourceorjoiningthestaffofoneofoururgentcarecenters,
Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 33 JOIN NOW AND RECEIVE *Starting September 1, new members who join and pay in-full for the next year will receive the remaining months of this year for free. 16 MONTHS OF MEMBERSHIP FOR THE PRICE OF 12* JOIN TODAY TO START RECEIVING YOUR BENEFITS! SIGN UP AT: WEB: cmadocs.org/join • PHONE: (800) 786-4262 16 FOR 12 When you join the California Medical Association and Central Coast Medical Association, you join nearly 50,000 members statewide who are actively protecting the practice of medicine and defending public health.
In 1957, Dr. Carswell joined the practice of Dr. Bill Sheehan in Santa Barbara. After Dr. Sheehan’s retirement, Dr. Carswell continued to practice there until he retired in March 1996 at age Dr.70.
Dr. Bowdre Lucian Carswell died of natural causes in the early hours of June 13, 2022, at his apartment in the Vista del Monte retirement complex in Santa Barbara. Dr. Carswell was born January 18, 1926, in Sardis, Georgia into a family with four older brothers and one younger sister. His father, Alex Carswell, was a Southern Baptist minister, CPA, small-town lawyer and educator, and his mother, Marjorie Norris Carswell, was a homemaker who every day read a page of the Bible and a page in the dictionary.
Survivors include Bowdre’s sister and brother-in-law Marjorie and Jim Brandt of Santa Barbara, brother-in-law Bill Young (Rose) of Youngsville, PA and many nieces and nephews for whom “Uncle Bo” was really a second father throughout their lives.
Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 35
Dr. Carswell served as a Naval officer with the U.S. Air Force and was deployed to Japan and Korea. Returning from the Korean War in 1952, Dr. Carswell began a surgical residency followed by a pathology residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. Dr. Carswell met Betty Jean Boyles while doing his surgical residency. Ms. Boyles was a registered nurse, and after relocating to Santa Barbara, she worked at Cottage Hospital and Sansum Clinic. They married on March 26, 1958, at the First Baptist Church. Theirs was a long and loving marriage and they served together in many worthwhile capacities in the Santa Barbara medical and Christian communities until Betty’s death in 2017.
BOWDRE LUCIAN CARSWELL, MD 1926-2022 Memoriam
Adapted from the Santa Barbara Independent
Carswell served in many capacities in all of the local hospitals, and one of his most cherished honors was to be chosen Physician of the Year in 1994 as the first recipient. He was selected by his peers from both St. Francis Hospital and Cottage DefinitelyHospital.noteworthy is the unusual fact that Dr. Carswell had three brothers who also practiced medicine: Dr. Gus Carswell, orthopedic surgeon in Augusta, GA; Dr. John Carswell, anesthesiologist, and Dr. Harold (“Bud”) Carswell, colorectal surgeon in Santa Barbara. It was not unusual for Dr. Bo and Dr. Bud to be doing surgery together while Dr. John administered the Oneanesthetic.ofBowdre’s favorite accomplishments was to have been part of the team (which included his brother Dr. Harold Carswell) that developed the Valle Verde Retirement Community. He was actively involved from the inception in the 1950’s until the doors opened in 1965.
In Memoriam In
Ursula was an elegant bon vivant, witty and clever, intellectually curious and, apropos of her profession, fascinated by human behavior. Throughout her adult life, she was a generous philanthropist and especially supported United Way of Santa Barbara County, the American Heart Association, and Santa Barbara City College Foundation. She served as Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Cottage Hospital and was a member of numerous Boards.
URSULA HENDERSON, MD As1927-2022shewould have put it, Dr. Ursula Henderson “popped off’ at her Valle Verde residence, one week after her 95th birthday, eased out by the very kind and caring staff there, as well as the hospice consultants. Her beloved pup, Rosie, and dear kitty, Cuddles, were by her side.
36 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022 In Memoriam
She is lovingly survived by several godchildren, two stepdaughters, a step niece, a step grandson, and numerous good friends.
In Memoriam
Ursula was born in London, the only child of Scottish parents, and she spent many of her childhood years during WWII in a safer haven, Torquay, Devon. She was one of few women to graduate from London’s Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine in 1950; she subsequently became board certified in Psychiatry/ Neurology and immigrated to the U.S. in 1955 where she eventually became a dual citizen. She had a private psychiatric practice in Manhattan and Princeton before marrying Robert Stevenson (British/ American film director) whom she had met Hollywood style aboard a QE II transatlantic crossing. They ultimately relocated from Burbank to Santa Barbara, where she cared for thousands of patients from 1977 until her retirement in 1998. After Bob’s death, she became the wife of Wallace Drew (Santa Barbara businessman) and sadly was again widowed in 2003. With both husbands, she enjoyed immensely a beautiful home and garden in Montecito and many travels around the world. She never lost her love for her homeland and dear medical school friends and, up until recently, eagerly visited England yearly.
Adapted from the Santa Barbara Independent
Besides her family and friends, her two passions in life were books and animals. She was a voracious reader of both fiction and non-fiction and a frequent patron of Tecolote Book Shop. She adopted many rescue dogs and cats in her lifetime and was an avid advocate for the animal adoption organizations wherever she resided.
JOHN GEORGE HENRY, MD
Originally published in the Atascadero News
In Memoriam
Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 37
Dr. Henry tirelessly dedicated himself to the health and wellbeing of his patients and his loving family. He was a general surgeon in Templeton and San Luis Obispo for over 35 years. He moved to Templeton, CA, to be part of Twin Cities Hospital when it opened in 1977 and retired in 2010. As a dedicated doctor, his business card always included his home phone number for his patients to reach him after hours.
In Memoriam
John graduated from Allegheny College, Meadville, PA, in 1961 and completed Medical School at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, in 1966. Dr. Henry was a proud veteran, having served in the United States Navy and completed his medical training at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. Lieutenant Commander Henry was stationed in Port Hueneme, CA, and deployed with the U.S. Navy Seabees / MASH unit for a combat tour in Vietnam. Dr. Henry and his family have resided in Hidden Valley Ranch in Templeton since 1976. This was his paradise. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Charlotte Henry, daughter Alison Henry of San Francisco, her husband Joseph, and son Rye Custodio, daughter Meredith Henry of Denver, Colorado, her husband Chad, son Colton Humphrey and sister Cindy Lapp and brother-in-law Richard of Dallas, Texas.
1940-2022
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to John George Henry. Dr. John George Henry, 82, of Templeton, California, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2022, in his home of 46 years after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Lawrence, Kansas, on February 21, 1940.
38 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022 19 New & Rejoining The Central Coast Medical Association welcomes the following physicians as members ...and even more on the way. Samuel Althauser, DO 805.681.7517SansumSantaPsychiatryBarbaraClinic Dela Amoussou, MD 805.682.7111VituitySantaNeurologyBarbara Eric Bank, MD Hematology Oncology Santa 805.879.0670SansumBarbaraClinic Tyler Cheung, MD 805.682.7111VituitySantaNeurologyBarbara Noemi Doohan, MD,MPH,PhD Family Medicine Santa Ynez Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic 805.694.2617 Mary Genevieve, MD 805.544.7511CentralSanNeurologyLuisObispoCoastNeurology Daniel Hinds, DO Emergency Medicine Santa Maria 805.739.3000Vituity Amie Jimenez, MD Emergency Medicine Arroyo Grande 805.489.4261Vituity Daniel Kostalnick, MD 925.784.4000PismoPsychiatryBeach David Lerner, DO Cardiovascular Disease Santa 805.681.7500SansumBarbaraClinic New Members
Spring 2022 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS 39 Congratulations to our members who have retired Gilbert Andersen, MD Internal Medicine Lompoc Glenn Hollingshead, MD Family Medicine Santa Barbara N Nicole Moayeri, MD,MS Neurological Surgery Santa 805.682.1912Barbara Christopher Quijano, DO General Surgery Santa AdvancedBarbaraSurgical Associates 805.730.1470 Pedram Rashti, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Santa Barbara Rashti Women’s Care 805.682.7109 Camilla Sulak, MD Emergency Medicine Santa Maria 805.739.3000Vituity Justin Voog, MD,PhD Radiation Oncology Santa Ridley-TreeBarbaraCancer Center 805.879.0670 Bruce Walker, MD General Practice Santa WalkerMariaMedical Wellness 805.364.4412 Meghan Wallman, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Santa 805.681.8911SansumBarbaraClinic Mary Welch, DO Emergency Medicine Santa Maria 805.739.3000Vituity Gregory Whitcher, MD Emergency Medicine Santa Maria 805.739.3000Vituity
Professionally, Dawn has served as a classroom teacher and educational program developer. She has worked for the San Luis Coastal Unified School District, the largest Unified School District in the 30th Assembly District, since 2001. Dawn holds a bachelor’s degree in art education and Spanish and a master’s in special education from San Francisco State University. She also holds four different teaching credentials.
Dawn Addis for State Assembly District 30
40 CENTRAL COAST PHYSICIANS Spring 2022
Dawn was named the 2017 “Woman of the Year” for the 24th Congressional District, as a result of her public advocacy efforts.
Dawn is also an active member of the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club.
Dawn and her husband, Marcus, are the proud parents of two sons. Learn more about Dawn at https://dawnaddis.org.
Dawn Addis is a City Councilmember, teacher, and mom, with a 20-year record of leadership in our Central Coast communities. Dawn is the Democratic Party endorsed candidate in this Assembly race. As a Morro Bay Councilmember, Dawn has worked to promote economic development, improve local infrastructure, and protect the things that make the Central Coast such a special place to live. Her long record of community involvement includes co-founding the Women’s March in San Luis Obispo (WMSLO), which drew a crowd of around 10,000 people in 2017 and has since grown into a successful nonprofit organization.
Candidate Endorsements
Gregg Hart is a Santa Barbara County Supervisor, representing the 2nd Supervisorial District. He grew up in Santa Barbara, attended local public schools, and graduated from SBCC and UCSB. Gregg’s dedication to public service was inspired by his parents, who spent their lives working for the community: His mother worked as an elementary school teacher, and his father was the Library Director for the City and County of Santa Barbara.Gregg Hart began his professional career as a legislative assistant for State Assemblymember Jack O’Connell and went on to become the original manager of the Santa Barbara County Association of Government’s (SBCAG) Traffic Solutions program, promoting local green and sustainable transportation options. Later, Gregg’s expertise in this arena led him to serve as the Deputy Executive Director for SBCAG, supporting regional efforts to widen the 101 freeway and improve bus and passenger rail service throughout Santa Barbara County. For more than twenty years, Gregg Hart owned and operated Transitions Preschool, a local, family business dedicated to earlychildhood education and quality childcare. Starting in 1995, Gregg was elected to four terms on the Santa Barbara City Council. In 2018, he won a seat on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.
Gregg Hart for State Assembly District 37
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Gregg Hart has a deep understanding of local people and local issues. He is proud to have served the Santa Barbara community for more than 30 years – as a Planning Commissioner, City Council Member, California Coastal Commissioner, and presently as the 2nd District County Supervisor. Gregg has a long history of fighting to increase educational opportunities, reduce poverty, prepare for emergencies, and support the health and safety of the people of California’s Central Coast. As an Assemblymember, Gregg Hart will put the needs of Santa Barbara County and southern San Luis Obispo County front and center in Sacramento. Gregg’s top legislative priorities will be to focus on equity, criminal justice reform, environmental protections, education, economic opportunity, and practical initiatives to tackle homelessness and the affordable housing crisis. Learn more about Gregg at https://gregghart.org.
As government and the insurance industry continue their quest to control health care, your clinical autonomy is in jeopardy. Now more than ever, you need to fight and advocate to keep medical decisions in your well-trained hands.Fortunately, you do not have to wage the fight alone. Successful legislative advocacy depends upon an integrated approach, consisting of lobbying, grassroots activity, and political action through the California Medical Association’s (CMA) California Medical Association Political Action Committee (CALPAC).Operated by physicians for physicians, CALPAC supports hundreds of candidates for state and federal office who share CMA’s philosophy and vision of the future of health care and medical practice. of Santa Barbara County and southern San Luis Obispo County will be to focus on equity, criminal justice reform, environmental initiatives to tackle homelessness and the affordable housing Learn more at www.cmadocs.org/ CALPAC.
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Critical issues affecting today’s physicians are being decided in the legislative arena at a fast and furious pace. Health care reform, medical liability, and scope of practice are just a few of the vital issues being debated and voted on by elected officials in TheSacramento.California Medical Association (CMA) has some of the best lobbyists, lawyers, and other advocates in the Capitol, but the most powerful weapon in advancing the cause of physicians and their patients is you. Below are 12 ways that YOU can be a physician advocate.
12 Ways Physician Advocate to be a
6. Be a Resource for Legislators
CMA’s political action committee to benefit state and federal candidates who share CMA's philosophy and vision. Donate to CALPAC at www.cmadocs.org/calpac/donate
Join to receive training, advice, and content to help keep your colleagues and other medical professionals informed, connected and engaged online. Sign up to become a Social Media Ambassador at www.cmadocs.org/social-media-ambassador.
8. Share Your Story
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For more than 165 years, CMA and its county medical societies have represented California’s physicians as the recognized voice of the medical profession. Together, we are stronger. Join today at www.cmadocs.org/join
Follow to receive a summary and the status of CMA-sponsored bills, as well as significant health care legislation. Learn more at www.cmadocs.org/news/legislative-hot-list.
Download the members-only “CMADocs” mobile app to receive push notifications.
Host a candidate fundraiser or volunteer your time to develop a personal relationship – an excellent opportunity to become a legislator’s valued constituent.
CALPAC can help you run for office to shape state and local government health care policy.
12. Join CMA
9. Contribute to CALPAC Support
2. Sign Up for Call-to ActionAlerts
3. Attend CMA’s live and virtual events
4. Follow CMA’s Legislative Hot List
7. Become a Social Media Ambassador
Join your colleagues in Sacramento for our annual Legislative Advocacy Day to educate legislative leaders as champions for patients and the practice of medicine, or get involved with organized medicine at the CMA House of Delegates. Sign up for events at www.cmadocs.org/events.
Hearing from physicians with experience on the front lines of medicine in their community can make all the difference for a legislator contemplating a complicated health care issue.
Receive media training, ghostwriting assistance, and other media resources to share your powerful experiences and expertise with the public. Sign up to become a Media Surrogate at www.cmadocs.org/media-surrogate
5. Get to Know Your Elected Officials
Meet with your elected officials while they are in their home districts or attend town halls/community events to educate them on health care issues.
1. Know Your Power
11. Run for Local Office
Physician Advocate
10. Host a Local Fundraiser for a CMA-Endorsed Candidate
Advocate on behalf of the physician community and your patients by offering your expertise and experience. Learn more at advocate.www.cmadocs.org/grassroots-action-center/physician-
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