Knoxville Medicine Magazine Winter 2022 Issue

ACADEMY OF MEDICINE

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE KNOXVILLEMEDICINE.ORG

Academy Officers

Brian Daley, MD

PRESIDENT

David Harris, MD

PRESIDENT ELECT

Melissa Chiles, MD

SECRETARY

Daniel Bustamante, MD

TREASURER

Jeff Ollis, MD

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Kimberly Weaver, PhD

CEO

Board of Trustees

Greg Curtin, MD

Matt Doppelt, DO

Carley Fowler, MD

Jeff Gilbert, MD

Patrick McConville, MD

Darinka Mileusnic-Polchan, MD

Ex- Officio Board Members

Mark Browne, MD

Richard Briggs, MD

Debbie Christiansen, MD

Randal Dabbs, MD

Richard DePersio, MD

Keith Gray, MD

Robert Page, MD

Donna Brunson -KAMA

Patient Satisfaction

I just filled out my umpteenth survey this month on a recent store purchase. We get asked about everything these days from hotel stays, plane flights, to how our restaurant meal was. In academia, this is the new research tool that is easy, convenient, and low-cost. We all have a feeling that we are affecting a beneficial change when we respond, and having our voices heard. IS this really the case?

Everyone should read the Viewpoint in the December 13th issue of JAMA about Patient Satisfaction Instruments. (JAMA 328(22): 2209-10). In brief, it spells out the exact reasons such surveys are not only not efficacious in determining or improving care but detrimental to physicians. Quoting Edward Demming himself – such ratings “build fear, demolishes teamwork and nourishes rivalry and politics “(ibid).

It’s not so much the asking patients for their opinions, but rather the way it is asked, and more importantly, the way it is used by our hos-

pitals and the government. Such ratings, and the folks who use the ratings, are not face to face with the patient. The surveys are not timely, and they are often used to decide remuneration. We feel powerless because many of the things that impact our patients, and their responses, are system-related and beyond our ability to change.

We all agree communication is the key and could be improved by all practitioners. A former mayor of New York City, Ed Koch, was known for walking the streets and asking “How’m I doin’?” It was personal, actionable, and very much point of care. It encourages communication and conversation at the person level. For the sake of our patients, and for our sake, let’s not worry about the surveys, but rather how we’re seen in that moment by that patient. We need to act to make changes at the individual level and ask “How’m I doin’?

- Brian J. Daley, MD, MBA, FACS

ADVERTISING: For advertising information, call the Academy offices at (865) 531-2766. The magazine is published four times per year by the Knoxville Academy of Medicine (KAM). All rights reserved. This publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the KAM. The appearance of advertising in KAM publications is not a KAM guarantee/endorsement of the product or the claims made for the product by the manufacturer. The fact that an advertisement for a product, service, or company has appeared in a KAM publication shall not be referred to in collateral advertising. The KAM reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising in the publication.

Publisher Kim Weaver, PhD

Editor Jonathan Weaver Production/Advertising

David Caudill

New Members

A big welcome to our newest members! We are excited that you have decided to join the Knoxville Academy of Medicine.

SHELLY M. LEWIS, MD

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Fort Sanders Women's Specialists 501 19th St., Ste 401 Knoxville, TN 37916

TRACY PESUT, MD

ORTHOPAEDICS

Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics 9430 Park West Blvd., Ste 130 Knoxville, TN 37923

SHULER TY PHILLIPS, DO RADIOLOGY

Vista Radiology 2001 Laurel Ave., Ste N-304 Knoxville, TN 37916

TARA RHEE RING, DO INTERNAL MEDICINE

Summit Medical Group - Parkwest 9333 Park West Blvd., Ste 200 Knoxville, TN 37923

VICTORIA L. WOLFGRAMM, MD FAMILY MEDICINE

Trinity Medical Associates 280 Fort Sanders West Blvd., Ste 101 Knoxville, TN 37922

SNEHA THAKUR, MD RADIOLOGY

Vista Radiology 2001 Laurel Ave., Ste N-304 Knoxville, TN 37916

CHRISTIAN WISHKA, DO RADIOLOGY

Vista Radiology

2001 Laurel Ave., Ste N-304 Knoxville, TN 37916

First Column: Shelly M. Lewis, MD; Tracy Pesut, MD; Shuler Ty Phillips, DO.

Second Column: Tara Rhee Ring, DO; Victoria L. Wolfgramm, MD; Sneha Thakur, MD.

Third Column: Christian Wishka, DO.

ACADEMY NEWS

KAM's Cocktails & Candy Canes

On December 9, KAM held its first-ever, Cocktails and Candy Canes, a Holiday Celebration for our membership. It was an opportunity for the membership to not only share some time with their colleagues but since it was held in the KAM’s new conference center located at 9032 Cross Park Drive, it was an chance for many to tour the new facility for the first time. The festive event consisted of

a wonderful hors d’oeuvre buffet along with custom coffee and seasonal drinks provided by Pedal Java and Ole Smokey Moonshine. Over $8,000 was raised that evening to benefit the programs of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Foundation. A great time was had by all and there are plans to make this an annual event. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the KAM Foundation!

KAMA Corner

By: Donna Brunson, KAMA President

Fall is always a busy season for KAMA members and this year is no exception. Members attended a Flowers After Hours event where we helped local non-profit organization, Random Acts of Flowers, make floral arrangements for patients in local area healthcare facilities. Thank you to Random Acts of Flowers employees and KAMA members Mick Reed and Jacqlyn Schmitt Booth for arranging this wonderful evening. Members and potential members enjoyed a tour of JTV followed by a special reception at the Gemstore featuring a trunk show by incredible jewelry designer Georgios Sotiropolous. Thank you to JTV for their amazing hospitality and to KAMA member Nancy Dudrick for coordinating this special night.

Member, Jen Ollis, owner of Jen Ollis Luxury Travel, spoke to members on travel in a post COVID world at our November meeting. She answered questions and discussed exciting new trends in the travel industry.

KAMA completed another successful Patron Fund Campaign. This fundraiser is completely supported by contributions from the KAMA membership for the benefit of the KAMA Philanthropic Fund. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Carolyn Cates and Cynthia Gash for leading this important campaign this year.

At our December meeting we will gather to vote on our Nominating Committee to secure and present a slate of names of eligible members as nominees for each office and directorship for the 2023-2024 KAMA year. The meeting at the home of Lyn Overholt will feature KAMA member and chef, Tom Walker, who will share her tips for holiday fare. December also features our Holiday Cookie Exchange hosted by Ellen Evancho. This evening is always a great opportunity for fun and fellowship.

Finally, I would like to extend a huge thank you to all who gave the gift of scholarship by participating in the Holiday Sharing Card which funds KAMA scholarship endowments. This year’s card featured original artwork by longtime KAMA member Sandy Ange. KAMA is committed to improving healthcare in Knoxville and the surrounding areas. Providing medical and nursing scholarship awards in perpetuity through endowments, is part of that mission.

As the year comes to a close, KAMA reflects on the adventures we’ve had and looks forward to exploring all that 2023 has in store.

Brunson

Donna

Together, we go further.

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