The more you know about your risk for cancer, the more you can do to prevent it. That’s why Covenant Cancer Care Center is offering risk assessment and genetic testing services to patients who may be at a higher risk for cancer.
PATIENTS CONSIDERED AT HIGH RISK MAY HAVE:
• More than one family member with the same or a related cancer
• A cancer diagnosis at an earlier than average age
• A personal history of multiple cancer diagnoses
• A diagnosis of a rare or unusual cancer
Terese Cook, ACNP-BC, ACGN, is a credentialed Advanced Clinical Genomics Nurse Practitioner. She specializes in evaluating both patients who have cancer or are at an increased risk for developing a future cancer. In addition to assessing cancer risk by evaluating a patient’s medical history and providing genetic testing, she also gives patients recommendations and resources for reducing their cancer risk.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
• Evaluation
• Risk assessment
• Education
• Genetic testing
• Care planning
• Monitoring and follow-up
This risk assessment is another advanced tool that Covenant has to offer patients in the fight against all cancers. With the knowledge gained in this process, patients and their doctors can determine a strong plan of action for cancer prevention and early detection.
The Covenant Cancer Care Center treats more cancer cases than any other hospital in the region. Should you need cancer care, you can count on the experts at Covenant HealthCare. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Terese Cook (in person or virtual), please call 989.583.5060, Option 2.
President Tiffany K. Kim MD
President-Elect Mark G. Greenwell MD
Past President Anthony M. Zacharek MD
Secretary Caroline G.M. Scott MD
Treasurer Miriam T. Schteingart MD
Board of Directors
Christopher J. Allen MD
Furhut R. Janssen DO
Mary J. McKuen MD
Kai Anderson MD
Jennifer M. Romeu MD
Elizabeth M. Marshall MD
Bulletin Editor Louis L. Constan MD
Retiree Representative
Caroline G.M. Scott MD
Resident Representatives
Jessica H. Faris MD (OB)
Mohammed A. Saiyed MD (FM)
Yuri J. Kim MD (IM)
Medical Student Representatives
Ann Sobell, MD Candidate, Class of 2023
Mary Galuska MA, MD Candidate, Class of 2024
MSMS Delegates
Elvira M. Dawis MD
Anthony M. Zacharek MD
Christopher J. Allen MD
Miriam T. Schteingart MD
Kala K. Ramasamy MD
Jennifer M. Romeu MD
Karensa L. Franklin MD
Judy V. Blebea MD
Elizabeth M. Marshall MD
MSMS Alternate Delegates
Caroline G.M. Scott MD
Waheed Akbar MD
Mohammad Yahya Khan MD
Nicholas E. Haddad MD
Mary J. McKuen MD
Kai Anderson MD
Claudia C. Zacharek MD
Cecilia E. Kraus-Horbal DO
Peer Review Ethics Committee
Waheed Akbar MD, Chair
Caroline G.M. Scott MD
James R. Hines MD
MSMS Region 7 Representative
Mildred J. Willy MD
MSMS President
Thomas J. Veverka MD
Executive Director
Joan M. Cramer
Administrative Assistant
Keri L. Benkert
MSMS
EDITOR
Louis L. Constan, MD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Joan M. Cramer
DESIGNER
Lori Krygier
PUBLISHER
Saginaw County Medical Society
350 St. Andrews Rd., Ste. 242, Saginaw, MI 48638-5988
Telephone (989) 790-3590 | Fax (989) 331-6720
Cell (989) 284-8884 | jmcramer@sbcglobal.net
Hours By Appointment | SaginawCountyMS.com
All statements or comments in the Bulletin are those of the writers, and not necessarily the opinion of the Saginaw County Medical Society. Contributions are welcome. We publish committee reports, letters to the editor, Alliance reports, public health activities of the members, and some personal items (birthdays, weddings, graduations and like events). The Editor determines which are accepted. Advertisements are accepted as space is available at our going rates. Members may advertise office information, professional services, skills, and procedures, also at our going rates. We do not accept advertisements from nonmembers, or non-Saginaw hospitals.
The Bulletin is mailed free of charge to SCMS members as part of their membership. Complimentary copies are sent to various other parties. Others may subscribe at the rate of $50 per year.
Lately, I have been reflecting on why I became a member of the SCMS and what benefits I receive…to be honest, I started my membership as a resident and didn’t know why I belonged! I showed up to a meeting when I could and had a meal. As I have matured in my practice of medicine, I have realized the benefits of belonging to our Medical Society. I will list a few…
1. Honor – It reminds me what a privilege it is to be part of such an amazing community. The medical community, as a whole, is something to be proud of. Saginaw County has such a diverse, smart, dedicated medical community that we need to remember how special it is.
2. Camaraderie – Attending dinner meetings is a way to socialize with our colleagues, obtain CME and maybe
learn something new! Being able to meet with physicians we interact with via EMR or through mutual patients is a great way to network, but also a way to remember that there is a human being on the other side of the note or order. Hopefully that relationship will enable us to treat each other with dignity and respect.
3. Advocacy – Our Medical Society is a place to come to find help with issues or to participate in building a solution to a problem. This can be done by proposing and writing new resolutions for the House of Delegates, or attending our candidates’ forum to learn and discuss policies that are being voted on and educating the potential lawmakers.
4. Information – We get new information thrown at us from all directions but through our Medical Society,
we provide updates on licensure requirements and how to obtain the CME, we keep our eye on the political environment and new bills coming down the pipeline and help with ways to support or contest these potential changes. We maintain a relationship with our local lawmakers and help them see the physician side of a topic or issue.
Membership across the board (local, state, national levels) have decreased likely because of cost and possibly the feeling that participation is unnecessary or that there is no benefit. Hopefully, as a Medical Society, we can provide great rewards and encourage new physicians to participate and reap the benefits of being a part of such a great group of colleagues. Please contact me with ways we can continue to grow and benefit our members, I would love to hear from you!
“Saginaw County has such a diverse, smart, dedicated medical community that we need to remember how special it is."
• Bringing physicians together for the common good
VISION STATEMENT
• We aim to improve the lives of physicians and the patients we serve
Service
Advocacy
Genuine Health
Inclusive
Networking
Always Learning
We Lead
Anew service to support and assist frontline healthcare workers with behavioral health services is now available from the Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority.
Free, confidential counseling services are available to hospital employees, first responders, healthcare professionals and their immediate family members to provide help coping with additional stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professional counselors will provide primary care screening, assessment and monitoring of key health indicators. Immediate appointments are available and can be made by calling the Saginaw Community Care HUB at 989-498-2266 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Our frontline healthcare heroes and first responders are feeling the brunt of the stress and anxiety of caring for those infected with COVID-19. These fearless individuals are oftentimes the last to ask for help. They need to know we are here for them, and that they are not considered weak for seeking assistance during these trying times.
SANDRA LINDSEY, SCCMHA CEORetired physicians meet for lunch every Wednesday at 12 noon at IHOP, 2255 Tittabawassee Road in Saginaw. Those attending are responsible for their own lunch, and the informal gathering lasts about an hour. Join your retired colleagues whenever you like!
THE GROUP ALWAYS MEETS IN THE BACK ROOM. If you are told no one from the group is there, please go directly to the back room and check for yourself!
If you have questions, please contact Joan Cramer at (989) 284-8884 or Dr. Caroline Scott at (989) 295-2721.
If you would like to write an article of interest to your colleagues for publication in a future issue of The Bulletin, please contact Joan Cramer at jmcramer@sbcglobal.net for further information.
Articles are not designed for self-promotion, but rather as information for members.
These services are available to those that need extra help coping during this extremely stressful time. There is no shame in talking, in person or virtually, with someone.
Frontline workers and their families may call the Saginaw Community Care HUB at 989.498.2266 for an immediate appointment.
The Norway Lemming (Lemmus lemmus), is a small rodent prone to population surges. When its population peaks, they frantically migrate seeking new sources of food; which can lead them to run off of cliffs in large numbers—to their deaths. This has led to the expression “following the crowd over the cliff.”
Such behavior certainly occurs in another species we are familiar with: Homo sapiens, also known as patients. They don’t exactly run over cliffs, but they are prone to beliefs and behaviors that can and do lead to huge spikes in their morbidity and mortality. We must recognize when we need to challenge such beliefs and behaviors. Here are some common ones that can lead to “lemming-scale” increases in morbidity and mortality.
I’m going to do my own research on that. We’ve heard this line over the COVID vaccine. But it also pops up when we prescribe a new medication and the patient won’t fill it until checking various websites to make their own judgment as to whether the benefits outweigh the risks. Try this: Type in the name of your new prescription into your browser, followed by “side effects.” You’ll be inundated with sites listing a frightening litany of reasons not to take that drug.
Does it make sense for a patient who cannot define the word “statistics,” or “virus,” or “vaccine,” much less the relationships between all these, to make life-or-death decisions based on what he regards as “research?”
I don’t like the taste of… This line is often used when a patient is admonished to change his dietary habits. He “likes” the taste of sugared pop, salty and fatty foods; therefore, cannot stop ingesting foods that put him at risk of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Patients in this case fail to understand that the senses of taste and smell are often relative senses. They vary with time and exposure. What tastes and smells one way today may well change tomorrow. The trick is to make the change and benefit from the new reality; trusting that he will learn to love more healthful foods.
I like the flavor of tobacco (or alcohol). This misconception reflects an immense misunderstanding of the nature of addiction. Tobacco and alcohol “taste” good because humans are conditioned to anticipate the addictive and endorphicenhancing effects of such substances. Because I like something that is harmful is no more a good criteria for ingesting it…than not ingesting something that is healthful.
I don’t have the willpower to stop “x” behavior. Patients, here, misunderstand the very nature of being a human with
behaviors. Sure, changing a bad habit can be difficult…but is it any more difficult than any of the myriad difficult things we do all our lives: Going to school, going to work, keeping up a home, balancing a budget? We summon up the will to do many activities because we must do so in order to survive. In a very real sense, changing bad health behaviors is essential because we must do so in order to be a success in life.
Vaccines are dangerous. This is such a ridiculous statement that we may struggle to respond to it. Vaccines, as we know, have saved countless millions of lives. Smallpox alone killed 300,000,000 people in the 1900’s. Imagine where civilization would be without the smallpox vaccine. Ann Landers, the advice columnist, offered a simple retort to ridiculous statements such as the above. She suggested that you just throw up your hands and exclaim: “Now where in the world did you get that idea?” Put the onus on the believer of the lie to justify it. It is important to not expect them to see the light right then and there.
There are doubtless a variety of additional misunderstandings, misconceptions and outright lies out there which prevent our patients from doing what they critically need to do. The power of these falsehoods
continued on page 7
Because I like something that is harmful is no more a good criteria for ingesting it…than not ingesting something that is healthful.
continued from page 6
often rests in the fact that they pop up so very often. They’re accepted because “everybody believes that,” or “everybody else is doing that.” Well, we don’t believe or accept that, because we know better. And we must say so to our patients, challenging such faulty logic whenever and wherever we witness it. The lemmings run off that cliff because they’re watching and mimicking what the other lemmings are doing; rather than watching what they themselves need to do in order to survive and thrive.
Refuse to stand by and allow your patients to make the same mistakes. If nothing else, make copies of this article to give to misinformed patients…and keep them from going off that cliff.
If you find it difficult to communicate with your doctor; if you find it hard to get personal attention from an 'impersonal healthcare industry'; if you don't understand all those insurance-company rules; if you don't know how to change your bad health habits; if you think you may be on unnecessary medications; if you are perplexed by those annoying health-product advertisements; and if you'd like to know which are your greatest health risks - you'll appreciate this Family Doctor's advice, gleaned from 44 years of practice.
Each chapter is illustrated with real-life examples from his and other doctors' practices. Each chapter ends with 'bonus' essays written by the author and published in newspapers and magazines giving the doctor's viewpoint. This will give you a unique perspective and allow you to 'get into the mind' of a doctor. Sweet!
Available on Kindle (different cover but same book) and paperback.
Available on Amazon by clicking HERE 1
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State Street, Saginaw Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
Annual SCMS and SCMS Foundation Membership Meetings Social (cash bar) at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, meetings and program at 7 p.m.
• SCMS Annual Meeting:
o Election of Officers and Directors for 2023-24
• SCMS Foundation Annual Meeting:
o Annual Report
o Election of Officers and Trustees for 2023-24
o Essay Contest Awards (High School Juniors/Seniors)Why I Want To Be a Physician in Saginaw County
• Presentation of Health Angel Award
• Update on CMU College of MedicineDean George E. Kikano, MD
• Update on CMU Medical Education PartnersSamuel Shaheen, MD
Online reservations are required CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION or scan the QR Code
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - CMU College of Medicine, 1632 Stone Street, Saginaw Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
There is no Membership Meeting in June
There are no Board or Membership Meetings in July or August
12th Annual SCMS Foundation Golf Outing – date TBD
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 - Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State Street, Saginaw Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
Membership Meeting Joint with the Saginaw County Dental Society and Saginaw Valley Osteopathic Society –Social (cash bar) at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, meeting and program at 7 p.m.
Speakers – Monica Lamble DDS and Nishtha Sareen MD
Topic – "The Link Between Oral, Cardiac and Systemic Health" Online reservations are required
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State Street, Saginaw Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
Membership Meeting – Social (cash bar) at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, meeting and program at 7 p.m.
Speakers – TBD
Topic – TBD
Online reservations are required
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 - CMU College of Medicine, 1632 Stone Street, Saginaw Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
There is no Membership Meeting in November
There is no Board or Membership Meeting in December
Mission: To prevent suicide through education, connection to resources, and support for those impacted by suicide.
Mark your calendar now to join us for our 21st Annual Walk for Hope…Depression and Suicide Awareness Event on Sunday, August 6th at Saginaw Valley State University. There will be over 25 resource/activity booths, raffles, live music and guest speakers. The 5K walk/run or one mile walk will be untimed on paved walks throughout the SVSU campus. Support this event by:
• Starting or joining a team in memory of someone who has died by suicide or in honor of someone who struggles with their mental health
• Walking individually
• Financial support
• Volunteering
• Sharing your message along with photos on social media to help bring awareness to this event For more information, to start a team or donate, click HERE.
recognizing signs, providing a skilled intervention and developing a safety plan to keep individuals safe from suicide.
• 4 Yellow Ribbon Trainings - Yellow Ribbon’s Core Concept is to provide programs that empower youth/young people, their parents and adults who work with youth (teachers, counselors, first responders and faith leaders) in learning how to confront the issues of suicide and suicide prevention, and to be engaged in suicide prevention effectively at their own comfort level. Having a community with basically trained gatekeepers that can help people in need reach advanced trained gatekeepers/professional help is key to empowering entire communities.
• 2 safeTALK Trainings - Suicide Alertness Trainings prepare anyone, regardless of their experience or training, to become suicide alert. In this half day training, you will learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging someone, and connecting them to an intervention resource for support.
If you are interested in scheduling or attending a training, please email info@srrn.net or call (989) 781-5260 for information.
Suicide is a major contributor to premature death in the United States, especially among people aged 10–34, for whom it is the second leading cause of death. In the United States, suicide increased 35% from 1999 to 2018 before declining by 5% through 2020. Despite the overall recent decline, rates continued to increase among females aged 10–24 and among males aged 10–44 and 75 and over.
In March 2023, the Network trained 1,417 individuals!
• 8 Awareness Trainings - Awareness and educational trainings are tailored to your group and time allotted. These presentations are best suited for the workplace, first responders, civic groups, place of worship, middle or high schools, or anyone willing to learn these life-saving tools. Participants will learn how to recognize when there is a concern for suicide, how to respond in a safe and lifesaving way, and then connect the person to additional support.
• 2 ASIST Trainings - Two-day interactive workshop. In this training, you will learn how to prevent suicide by
Provisional suicide counts in 2021 totaled 47,646, 4% higher than in 2020 (45,979). By month, the provisional number of suicides was lower in 2021 than in 2020 for January, February, and July, and higher for all other months. The largest percentage difference in monthly numbers occurred in October, where the number in 2021 (4,211) was 11% higher than in 2020 (3,781). August had the highest number of suicides in 2021 (4,328), while February had the fewest (3,552).
The age-adjusted suicide rate was 3% higher in 2021 than in 2020 for males (22.7 compared with 22.0). The 2% increase in the age-adjusted suicide rate for females (5.6 in 2021 compared with 5.5 in 2020) was not statistically significant. Suicide rates increased for males aged 15–24, 25–34, 35–44, and 65–74. For females, all age-specific rates were statistically unchanged between 2020 and 2021.
To read the report, CLICK HERE.
Match Day is one of the most anticipated and exciting days of a medical student’s academic career. Match Day 2023 has officially happened, and it is very exciting to get the first glimpses of the new names and faces entering CMU Health residency programs. It is thrilling to see all the talent and energy coming our way this July!
With the arrival of a new class of residents also comes the level up from intern year to PGY-2 for those of us interns already here in Saginaw. Of course, there will be increased responsibilities in the hospitals and clinics, but there will also be a duty to mentor the new group of junior physicians. The mentorship and encouragement that we can provide these incoming residents will shape the future generation of clinicians at a pivotal time in their clinical career. As new PGY2s, we are the closest in training to the new interns and have a special opportunity to be invaluable resources.
There are numerous ways that we can welcome, encourage, and guide new residents in our residency programs. The best advice I received about residency came from the second year class and I am eternally grateful for it. I encourage newly advancing residents to share these pearls with their incoming PGY-1 class to support their success:
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you are thinking it, someone else is probably thinking it too.
2. Develop a good work-life balance early on. Although the hospital or clinic may feel like your home at times, stay connected to people and activities outside of work that bring you joy.
3. Prioritize your health. Choose a primary care physician and a dentist. Make sure to schedule routine medical
and dental appointments. Pick up your prescriptions from the pharmacy. Check in on your mental health.
4. Enjoy the greater Saginaw area! Experience all the cool things to do while you are in training. Whether experiencing Saginaw just during residency, or planning to stay for many years, live it up while you are here. Enjoy a Saginaw Spirit hockey game, sail on the Appledore, or get lunch at SVRC!
5. Treat your co-residents as more than co-workers. They will be some of your lifelong friends!
Current residents, best of luck in advancing to the next step in your residency journey.
The best advice I received about residency came from the second year class and I am eternally grateful for it.
The SCMS Legislative Committee provides its members with direct access to lawmakers. Its members are the face of the SCMS and Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) One of the functions of the SCMS Legislative Committee is to support the advocacy efforts of MSMS. Therefore, we work closely with MSMS and to the extent possible, try to present a unified front when discussing pending legislation with lawmakers. The topics being discussed have already been reviewed and discussed at other committees through MSMS. This does not mean that members of the SCMS Legislative Committee are not allowed to have their own opinions. However, to be effective in promoting legislation for physicians, we want to be unified as a society when we are in a discussion with local lawmakers.
The MSMS Committee on State Legislation and Regulations (comprised of physicians) along with the MSMS Board of Directors (comprised of physicians) determines what legislation MSMS supports or opposes. The SCMS Legislative Committee attempts to support MSMS’ position and when possible, lend physicians voices to the effort in advocating for physicians to local legislators.
If you would like to have more input on which issues MSMS supports or opposes, consider joining the SCMS Legislative Committee. We are planning to start quarterly meetings this summer/early fall, so please contact Joan Cramer at the SCMS at jmcramer@sbcglobal.net no later than June 1, 2023, to be added to the Committee or if you have any questions.
Other avenues to voice opinions on MSMS actions or inactions would be the MSMS House of Delegates or MSMS Quarterly Membership Update Zoom Meetings.
All statements or comments in The Bulletin are those of the writer, and not necessarily the opinion of the Saginaw County Medical Society (SCMS).
The Bulletin is made available electronically for members as an informational service. Reliance on any such information is at the user's own judgment.
The SCMS, its officers and employees, cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, completeness or timeliness of any information, and may not be held liable for any individual’s reliance on our web or print publications. For questions or the latest information, please contact Joan Cramer of the SCMS at (989) 284-8884 or jmcramer@sbcglobal.net.
Following is the Slate of Nominees for 2023-24 approved by the SCMS Board of Directors on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. The Slate will be voted on by the membership at the Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.
President
Tiffany K. Kim MD
President-Elect
Christopher J. Allen MD
(President 24-25)
Past President
Anthony M. Zacharek MD
Secretary
Caroline G.M. Scott MD
Treasurer
Miriam T. Schteingart MD
Board of Directors
(Three year in line for presidency)
Furhut R. Janssen DO (President 25-26)
Mary J. McKuen MD (President 26-27)
Jennifer M. Romeu MD (President 27-28)
Board of Directors
(One year)
Kai Anderson MD
Elizabeth M. Marshall MD
Claudia C. Zacharek MD
MSMS Delegates
Elvira M. Dawis MD
Anthony M. Zacharek MD
Christopher J. Allen MD
Miriam T. Schteingart MD
Kala K. Ramasamy MD
Jennifer M. Romeu MD
Karensa L. Franklin MD
Judy V. Blebea MD
Elizabeth M. Marshall MD
MSMS Alternate Delegates
Caroline G.M. Scott MD
Waheed Akbar MD
Mohammad Yahya Khan MD
Mary J. McKuen MD
Kai Anderson MD
Claudia C. Zacharek MD
Cecilia E. Kraus-Horbal DO
Furhut Janssen DO
Abishek Bala MD
Peer Review Ethics Committee
Danielle C. Duncan MD (election)
Caroline G.M. Scott MD, Chair
James R. Hines MD
Annual event was held at Dow Diamond in Midland
Author: Eric BaerrenMore than half of this year’s graduating class from CMU’s College of Medicine will stay in Michigan. Of the 100 fourthyear medical students, 53 were matched with programs in the Great Lakes State on Match Day, an annual tradition that pairs aspiring physicians with residency programs. Two-thirds were matched with primary care programs. The top five specialties accounted for 63 students, with 20 in internal medicine, 19 in family medicine, nine in psychiatry, eight in pediatrics and seven in emergency medicine.
More than 100 future physicians officially began their medical education during the CMU College of Medicine’s White Coat Ceremony on March 12.
Nearly 80 percent of the College of Medicine’s class of 2026 calls the Great Lakes State home. The 103 students in the latest class, including 79 from Michigan, were drawn from a pool of more than 8,000 applicants. Seven hold degrees from CMU. Another 31 received degrees from other Michigan universities, and one in four has a graduate degree.
“At the CMU College of Medicine, I am proud that we have an outstanding team of faculty and staff whose only job is to take care of you and make sure that you are healthy, and wellprepared for the journey ahead of you,” said Dr. George Kikano, CMU Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine, during the ceremony. “As a newer College of Medicine, we have seen our students match in outstanding residency programs throughout the country, and some of our graduates from the early classes are now practicing physicians in the region and in Michigan.”
CMU’s College of Medicine and nearly every other medical school in the United States participate in the White Coat Ceremony, first held at Columbia University in 1993. Dr. Arnold P. Gold, a professor, pediatric neurologist and advocate for humanistic health care, came up with the idea of the White Coat Ceremony. Gold believed the Hippocratic Oath should be taken by students at the start of their medical education and not only at the end where it traditionally occurs.
Twelve total students were matched at programs on CMU’s main Saginaw campus or satellite locations. Three of those matches are part of the MIDOCS program, a partnership between four of the state’s medical schools, including CMU, which aims to attract and retain medical providers in Michigan’s underserved urban and rural communities. Of the 12, eight will serve residencies in Saginaw, including five in psychiatry, two in family medicine and one in emergency medicine. Two will move to residencies at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit and two to residencies at Spectrum Health Lakeland in southwest Michigan.
In addition, two will move to military residencies, one each in the Navy and Air Force. It was one of the best match years yet for the program, said Dr. George Kikano, CMU Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine. “This is all a testament to all your hard work, about the hard work of the faculty and staff we have at CMU College of Medicine,” he said during his opening remarks. “Our job is to take care of you and make sure you’re well-positioned to succeed in whatever specialty you choose.”
The SCMS would like to congratulate F. Ann Sobell, Medical Student Representative on the SCMS Board from 2021-2023 and her fiancé, Jake Long. Ann and Jake matched in Ob/Gyn and Pediatrics, respectively, at Prisma Health-University of South Carolina School of Medicine- Greenville. Ann and Jake are ecstatic to start their residencies together in South Carolina and we wish them well!
continued on page
18, Noon to 4:30 pm
With a vision to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in improving DEI in mental health care, this initiative emphasizes the significance of community scaffolding in building resilience and seeks to bring diverse community stakeholders to broaden perspectives on resource building and systems-based thinking.
Central Michigan University College of Medicine Education Building
Room 1008 at 1632 Stone St., Saginaw MI 48602 Or can attend via ZOOM
Registration link: https://med.cmich.edu/dei
Target Audience: Current and future Health care providers, social workers, community workers, educators
Speakers:
• Dr. Priya Punnoose, Associate Program Director, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, Children’s National
• Dr. Ariel Cascio, Assistant Professor, Medicine & Society, CMU College of Medicine
• Ms. Evelyn McGovern, President & Co-Founder, Women of Colors
• Dr. Matt Samocki, Executive Director, Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership
Key Note Speaker:
• Dr. Amorie Robinson, Associate Director in Behavioral Health, The Ruth Ellis Center
Planning Committee:
• Dr. Abishek Bala, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, CMU Medical Education Partners (MEP)
• Dr. Kai Anderson, Associate Director, Psychiatry Residency, Assistant Professor/Director of Psychotherapy Training, Director of Ambulatory Behavioral Health Services, CMU MEP
• Dr. Furhut Janssen, Director of Community Behavioral Health Initiatives, CMU MEP, Vice Chair, Board of Osteopathic Specialists,/American Osteopathic Association
• Dr. Nikita Roy, Program Director, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, Asst Director, Psychiatry, CMU MEP
• Dr. Alison Arnold, Director, Interdisciplinary Center for Community Health & Wellness, CMU
Central Michigan University College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. CMU College of Medicine designates this material for a maximum of 4.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
None of the planner(s) and speaker(s) have relevant financial relationships to disclose with ineligible companies.
“ Bui lding Com munity and F ostering Res ilience i n Men t al Health”
Legislation was signed in April 2022 through the support of the MSMS-initiated and led Health Can’t Wait, a coalition with more than 50 healthcare, clinician, and patient advocacy organizations. This legislation puts more control back in the hands of clinicians and patients.
Public Act 60 of 2022 provides prior authorization (PA) reform with the goal of a quicker, more effective, and more transparent process. It does not repeal PA.
All provisions will be fully in effect as of June 1, 2023, including major components such as electronic submission and faster timelines.
These reforms apply to health care insurers (and their contracted third-party vendors) and healthcare professionals whose beneficiaries/patients have commercial insurance policies regulated by the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. They do not impact Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or self-funded plans.
Check insurers’ provider news, updates, portals, etc. to learn of any new processes related to online submission, appeals, eligibility, and PA requirements related to the law’s implementation.
Please review the key provisions below for additional details and requirements.
Beginning June 1, 2023:
• Insurers must provide an online method through which practitioners can electronically submit PA requests for any benefits requiring PA, including prescription drugs. Facsimiles do not count as an acceptable method.
• Physicians and other health care professionals must submit PA requests electronically. The only exception is for a temporary technological or electrical failure.
After May 1, 2024
fails to act after seven (7) calendar days
Valid for A minimum of 60 days or the length of time that’s clinically appropriate, whichever is longer
NOTE: If you are requested to provide additional information, it is important to do so as quickly as possible as the turnaround time noted above will reset and the insurer will be required to make a determination following the receipt of the additional information within the prescribed timelines for urgent or non-urgent requests.
Puts conditions on health care practitioners reviewing appeals (e.g., no financial stake in decision, not involved in prior denial, etc.). Any adverse determinations regarding a PA request for a non-pharmacy benefit must be made by a licensed physician and by a physician or pharmacist for a pharmacy benefit. If a denial is appealed, the denial cannot be affirmed unless it has been reviewed by a licensed physician who is board-certified or eligible in the same specialty as the service provided. An exception is allowed if finding such an individual would delay a decision within the required timeframe. In this instance, a physician in a similar general specialty could be utilized.
Puts conditions on health care practitioners reviewing appeals (e.g., no financial stake in decision, not involved in prior denial, etc.). Any adverse determinations regarding a PA request for a non-pharmacy benefit must be made by a licensed physician and by a physician or pharmacist for a pharmacy benefit. If a denial is appealed, the denial cannot be affirmed unless it has been reviewed by a licensed physician who is board-certified or eligible in the same specialty as the service provided. An exception is allowed if finding such an individual would delay a decision within the required timeframe. In this instance, a physician in a similar general specialty could be utilized.
PA requirements must be based on peer-reviewed clinical review criteria. The criteria must:
PA requirements must be based on peer-reviewed clinical review criteria. The criteria must:
• Take into account the needs of atypical patient populations and diagnoses.
• Take into account the needs of atypical patient populations and diagnoses.
• Reflect community standards of care.
• Reflect community standards of care.
• Ensure quality of care and access to needed health care services.
• Ensure quality of care and access to needed health care services.
• Be evidence-based criteria.
• Be evidence-based criteria.
• Be publicly available free of charge.
• Be publicly available free of charge.
• Be sufficiently flexible to allow deviations from norms when justified on a case-by-case basis.
• Be evaluated and updated, if necessary, at least annually.
• Be sufficiently flexible to allow deviations from norms when justified on a case-by-case basis.
• Be evaluated and updated, if necessary, at least annually.
Transparency
PA requirements, including amendments, must be publicly and conspicuously posted online within a specified timeline. Insurers are also required to submit an annual report to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) which must include aggregated trend data related to the insurer’s PA practices and experience for the prior plan year. DIFS shall post an annual report with aggregated data by October 1 of each year.
PA requirements, including amendments, must be publicly and conspicuously posted online within a specified time line. Insurers are also required to submit an annual report to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) which must include aggregated trend data related to the insurer’s PA practices and experience for the prior plan year. DIFS shall post an annual report with aggregated data by October 1 of each year.
In cases of PA denials, the health care professional must be notified of the reasons for the denial and related evidence-based criteria, their right to appeal, instructions on how to file the appeal, and any other documentation necessary to support the appeal.
In cases of PA denials, the health care professional must be notified of the reasons for the denial and related evidence-based criteria, their right to appeal, instructions on how to file the appeal, and any other documentation necessary to support the appeal.
Insurers are required to adopt a program that promotes the modification of certain PA requirements based on health care professionals’ adherence to nationally recognized evidence-based medical guidelines and other quality guidelines.
Insurers are required to adopt a program that promotes the modification of certain PA requirements based on health care professionals’ adherence to nationally recognized evidence-based medical guidelines and other quality guidelines.
Health Can’t Wait is a coalition of patients, physicians, and health care providers dedicated to putting Michigan patients first and ending delays in patients’ access to health care:
The Saginaw County Medical Society Membership Meeting was held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Horizons Conference Center. Tiffany K. Kim MD, President, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Dr. Kim welcomed members, CMU residents, CMU medical students and guests.
Dr. Kim thanked the following Key Provider in attendance for their ongoing support of SCMS programs:
• Healthway Compounding Pharmacy – Larry Greene Dr. Kim then conducted the following business of the SCMS:
• The Minutes of the October 18, 2022, Membership Meeting were attached to the Agenda and published in The Bulletin MOTION: Approve the October 18, 2022, Meeting Minutes as printed. MOTION APPROVED.
• Introduced new members attending the meeting:
o Sukaini Alali MD – CMU PGY-3 Internal Medicine
o Abishek Bala MD – CMU Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
o Natalia Fretes Oviedo MD – CMU PGY-2 Internal Medicine
• Presented the proposed Mission, Vision, and Values statements of the SCMS as approved by the SCMS Board of Directors on September 18, 2022, attached to the Agenda and published in The Bulletin. MOTION: Approve the Mission, Vision, and Values statements as presented. MOTION APPROVED.
• Presented the proposed Amendment to the SCMS Bylaws, Chapter XIV Board of Directors, Section 1 as it regards Delegate and Alternate Delegate Voting Privileges. The Amendment was approved by the SCMS Board of Directors on September 18, 2022, attached to the Agenda and published in The Bulletin. MOTION: Approve the Bylaws Amendment as presented. MOTION APPROVED
• Encouraged members to stay up-to-date with the SCMS by reading The Bulletin which is available on our website www.SaginawCountyMS.com under the Bulletin tab.
Three longtime SCMS members gave TED-style talks on “Finding Balance.” Dr. Kim introduced the first speaker, Dr. Tony deBari, an “almost-retired” orthopaedic surgeon who is a 33-year member of the SCMS and served as president from 1995-96. Dr. deBari spoke about finding balance through his faith, family and mission work.
The second speaker was Dr. Caroline Scott, a retired family physician who is a 40-year member of the SCMS and was the first woman president from 1991-92. Dr. Scott spoke about her life before coming to the United States, being the wife of a physician in Saginaw, attending medical school and becoming a physician later in life and finding joy.
The final speaker was Dr. Lou Constan, a retired family physician who is a 48-year member of the SCMS, and has served as Editor of The Bulletin for over 35 years. Dr. Constan spoke on his love for writing for medical journals and other publications through the years, and how members could and should write when they have the opportunity.
Dr. Kim thanked the speakers for giving of their time to present to their colleagues.
The next meeting of the SCMS will be the Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Horizons. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan M. Cramer Executive DirectorTop Row:
L-R Drs. Sundhar and Kala Ramasamy, Dr. Furhut Janssen, Dr. Louis Byrne, Karen and Dr. Lou Constan, Dr. Jim McCourt and Dr. Caroline Scott
Middle Row:
L-R Drs. Wendy Biggs, Karensa Franklin, Jenny Romeu and Chet Morrison, Drs. Jenny Romeu, Abishek Bala and Karensa Franklin
Bottom Row:
L-R Dr. Sukaini Alali and Larry Greene of Healthway Pharmacy, Drs. Miriam Schteingart and Tim Kaufman
The following outlines the requirements for training for Medication Assisted Treatment as part of the MATE Act, which was part of the Omnibus Bill at the end of December 2022. DEA was given 90 days to let practitioners know how to meet the MATE Act’s training requirement which is tied to their initial or renewal DEA registration beginning on June 27, 2023. This letter provides the information to the practitioners as to how they can meet those training requirements. It is also posted on our website at the following link: Informational Documents
Dear DEA Registrant:
On December 29, 2022, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 enacted a new one-time, eight-hour training requirement for all Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)registered practitioners on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders. Below is information on this new requirement.
Who is responsible for satisfying this new training requirement?
• All DEA-registered practitioners, with the exception of practitioners that are solely veterinarians.
How will practitioners be asked to report satisfying this new training requirement?
• Beginning on June 27, 2023, practitioners will be required to check a box on their online DEA registration form— regardless of whether a registrant is completing their initial registration application or renewing their registration—affirming that they have completed the new training requirement.
What is the deadline for satisfying this new training requirement?
• The deadline for satisfying this new training requirement is the date of a practitioner’s next scheduled DEA registration submission—regardless of whether it is an initial registration or a renewal registration—on or after June 27, 2023.
• This one-time training requirement affirmation will not be a part of future registration renewals.
How can practitioners satisfy this new training requirement?
There are multiple ways that practitioners can satisfy this new training requirement.
• First, the following groups of practitioners are deemed to have satisfied this training:
o Group 1: All practitioners that are board certified in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry from the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Board of Addiction Medicine, or the American Osteopathic Association.
o Group 2: All practitioners that graduated in good standing from a medical (allopathic or osteopathic), dental, physician assistant, or advanced practice nursing school in the United States within five years of June 27, 2023, and successfully completed a comprehensive curriculum that included at least eight hours of training on:
• Treating and managing patients with opioid or other substance use disorders, including the appropriate clinical use of all drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of a substance use disorder; or
• Safe pharmacological management of dental pain and screening, brief intervention, and referral for appropriate treatment of patients with or at risk of developing opioid and other substance use disorders.
• Second, practitioners can satisfy this training by engaging in a total of eight hours of training on treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders from the groups listed below. A few key points related to this training:
o The training does not have to occur in one session. It can be cumulative across multiple sessions that equal eight hours of training.
o Past trainings on the treatment and management of patients with opioid or other substance use disorders can count towards a practitioner meeting this requirement. In other words, if you received a relevant training from one of the groups listed below—prior to the enactment of this new training obligation on December 29, 2022—that training counts towards the eight-hour requirement.
o Past DATA-Waived trainings count towards a DEA registrant’s 8-hour training requirement.
o Trainings can occur in a variety of formats, including classroom settings, seminars at professional society meetings, or virtual offerings.
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What accredited groups may provide trainings that meet this new requirement?
• The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
• The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP)
• American Medical Association (AMA)
• The American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or any organizations accredited by the AOA to provide continuing medical education
• The American Dental Association (ADA)
• The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS)
• The American Psychiatric Association (APA)
• The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
• The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
• The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• Any other organization accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) or the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition (CCEPR), whether directly or through an organization accredited by a State medical society that is recognized by the ACCME or CCEPR
• Any other organization approved or accredited by the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, the ACCME, or the CCEPR
We hope this information is helpful. For information regarding the DEA Diversion Control Division, please visit www.DEAdiversion.usdoj.gov. If you have any additional questions on this issue, please contact the Diversion Control Division Policy Section at (571) 362-3260.
Sincerely,
Thomas W. Prevoznik Acting Assistant Administrator Diversion Control DivisionThird Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Zion Lutheran Church 545 7th Street, Freeland, Michigan
(Behind Pat’s Grocery Store on Midland Road in Freeland)
Caduceus meetings are available to health care industry professionals, and have adopted many of the principles of 12-Step programs.
Caduceus meetings are “closed” meetings for recovering health care professionals including, but not limited to, nurses, doctors, dentists and pharmacists.
We engage in group discussions where members may want to speak up, ask questions or share thoughts with fellow members.
Samer A. Abboud MD
Joseph G. Adel MD
Marina I. Ananich MD
Eventure D. Bernardino MD
Sultan M. Bhimani MD
Jacob B. Boersma MD
Adam Z. Cote DO
Kenneth W. Distler MD
Daniel J. Dymek MD
Carly Farr MD
Douglas B. Forsyth MD
Greyson Gillett Student
Suhasini Gudipati MD
George J. Gugino MD
Enam B. Hanna MD
Mayar M. Jundi MD
Shweta Kambali MD
Farina Kanwal MD
Kelsey J. Kershaw MD
Adeeba S. Khan MD
Waqas M. Khan MD
Ryan J. Kim MD
Jacob M. Long Student
George P. Malliaras MD
Michael T. McAvoy MD
Jeffrey S. Milewski DO
Thomas M. Minnec MD
Rajesh Mithalal MD
Brent A. Oldham MD
Yvonne V. Pacquing MD
Trusha Patel MD
Jill M. Paveglio MD
Olivia A. Phifer-Combs MD
Gregory A. Pinnell MD
J. M. Prasad MD
Kala K. Ramasamy MD
Chalichama A. Rao MD
K. K. Ravindran MD
Stuart J. Rupke MD
M. Aamir Saiyed MD
Nancy A. Saleh MD
Payton Salomon Student
Nishtha Sareen MD
Samuel J. Shaheen MD
Haley Shumway DO
William T. Starbird MD
Vivek Variar MD
Lester E. Webb MD
William Yuen MD
Hani H. Zreik MD
Happy Special Birthday!
William G. Underhill MD
Khurshid Ahmad MD
Sukaina A. Alali MD
Christopher J. Allen MD
Abishek Bala MD
Cynthia L. Blount DO
Usha K. Bulusu MD
Kinga E. Budnicka MD
William M. Capina MD
George A. Carty MD
Lahib Douda MD
Steven G. Fettinger MD
Rao V.C. Gudipati MD
Val Hereza MD
James R. Hines MD
James J. Jesko DO
Larry S. Kelly MD
Asim A. Kichloo MD
Tiffany K. Kim MD
John A. Kremski MD
Olivia V. Lossia MD
Lakshmana R. Madala MD
Binu Malhotra MD
Albert S.M. Manlapit MD
Elizabeth M. Marshall MD
Rama C. Mulpuri MD
Robert Muterspaugh Student
Manuel M. Perea MD
Juliette M. Perzhinsky MD
Miroslav Predny MD
Nasser O. Qadri MD
Joshua Z. Rarick MD
Todd G. Richardson MD
Chad D. Ringley MD
Vishal Saini MD
Bahar Salehi MD
Raghu Sarvepalli MD
Robert A. Sasso MD
Keith E. Scharf MD
Viraj S. Sidhu MD
Usheem Syed MD
Joseph E. Talbot MD
Stephen T. Tryban Student
Thomas J. Veverka MD
Antonio J. Williams, Sr. MD
In March, Ascension St. Mary’s and Covenant HealthCare began a partnership for emergency air medical transportation services provided by FlightCare. Covenant entered a preferred provider agreement with Ascension St. Mary’s FlightCare, which is operated by Med-Trans, a member of the Global Medical Response family.
Established in 1987, FlightCare is located at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw. They transport patients throughout Michigan's lower peninsula, and are dedicated to providing quality patient care to critically ill or injured individuals from accident scenes and inter-hospital transport. The team consists of pilots, flight nurses, flight paramedics, mechanics and more. For infants with critical needs, the Covenant Transport Team lends their expertise to support the safe transfers to the Covenant Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (RNICU), a 55-bed unit, certified to provide the highest level of care for babies in mid to northern Michigan.
Ascension St. Mary’s and Covenant have a history of partnering for local emergency medical services. In 1994, the two organizations established Mobile Medical Response (MMR) in an effort to provide a high-performance emergency medical service system in Saginaw County.
Ascension St. Mary’s has a new health clinic to provide cardiovascular care specifically for women. The goal of the clinic is to help women who are at risk, or currently have heart disease, achieve and maintain optimal heart health. The heart institute has designed an evaluation and care model to specifically address the unique ways heart disease presents and manifests itself in women of all ages.
“We created Ascension St. Mary’s Women’s Heart Clinic to give this important healthcare issue the attention and support it deserves, and to ensure that women of all ages get the most
appropriate heart care for their individual needs,” says Nishtha Sareen, MD, MPH, FACC, medical director of the Ascension Michigan women’s heart health program.
As an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Sareen will oversee Ascension St. Mary’s Women’s Heart Clinic which provides advanced diagnostics and treatment therapies. Working together with specialists from multiple disciplines, the clinic will consider the unique ways heart disease presents in women, including but not limited to:
• Pregnancy-related heart health, including pregnancy complicated by a heart condition or high blood pressure and risk assessment for cardiovascular disease after delivery
• Pregnancy disorders, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes
• Prevention strategies for women at high risk of developing heart disease
• Cardio-oncology for women with cancer or those who are going through cancer treatments that affect heart health
• Early menopause and heart disease
• Autoimmune diseases (such as Lupus) and the heart
• Blood lipids management
• Diabetes related Coronary Arterial Disease (CAD)
“Heart disease doesn’t affect all women alike, and the warning signs for women aren’t the same as men,” says Dr. Sareen. “Ascension St. Mary’s Women’s Heart Clinic will develop an individualized plan for each woman based on several factors including age, risk profile, symptoms and testing, as well as, thoughtful and in-depth communications with each patient. From routine care to complex heart conditions, we take the time to understand each woman’s individual needs and deliver the most appropriate care.”
Ascension St. Mary’s Women’s Heart Clinic is located at 1015 S. Washington Avenue in Saginaw. To refer a patient, call (989) 907-4102.
Join the fun at the 2023 Ascension St. Mary's Foundation Golf Classic on Friday, May 19 at Apple Mountain Golf Club. This year’s tournament proceeds support the purchase of an ultrasound machine to help offer the versatility and functionality needed for confident diagnosis. A portion of the proceeds will also support the purchase of therapeutic exercise equipment for cardiac and rehabilitation patients at Ascension St. Mary's Hospital. Cardio exercises can help strengthen the heart, lungs and muscles while improving the stamina of patients.
When you experience signs of a stroke, it’s important to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Ascension St. Mary’s emergency rooms provide early stroke intervention, and all of our ERs are connected to specialists at our Comprehensive Stroke Center, recognized for excellence in the care of stroke patients. Through the latest technology, our team of stroke specialists collaborate on diagnosing your stroke in as little as seconds and deliver the care that’s right for you. We’re beside you from the ER through recovery and rehabilitation.
Find your closest ER location at ascension.org
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency or difficulty breathing, go directly to the ER or dial 911.
continued from page 20
In addition, three other golf events will be hosted by the Ascension Mid/North Michigan Foundations. Participants can enjoy a day on the course while supporting each hospital’s mission to provide the latest health care technology and treatments to everyone, every day. Foursomes will enjoy 18 holes of golf with a cart, a complimentary gift package, course contests, raffles, refreshments and meals. The tentative dates are:
Ascension Standish Hospital Charity Golf Tournament
Friday, June 2 at Pine River Golf Club
Ascension St. Joseph Charity Golf Classic
Thursday, June 15 at Red Hawk Golf Club
Ascension Genesys Charity Golf Classic
Monday, June 26 at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club
Watch for additional details, or contact the Ascension St. Mary’s Foundation office at 989-284-3773 or via e-mail to Tamera.Weighman@Ascension.org.
emergency, stroke, neurosciences, orthopedics and rehabilitation participated in pregame activities that included education and preventative tips on how to avoid injuries, especially those to the head and brain. Field Neurosciences Institute provided 150 free bike helmets and fitting for kids ages 1 to 15.
The group representing Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital on ice for the puck drop included Melissa Albosta; Akram Alashari MD; Devon Bartholomew; Brent Betzold; Molly Bonnington; Kelly Bourdow; Melissa Burleson; Randy Flathau; Abigal (Abby) Herriman; Jeremy Keinath; Mary Kunz; Jeanette Lambert; Nicole Maciag; Tony Maciag; Taylor Martin; Lucas Summers; Tiffany Sharkey; and Tarek Taha MD.
Clinical Pharmacist Jennifer Jarvis sang the American and Canadian national anthems as Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital associates and family members held the flags on ice. A special thanks and appreciation is extended to the planning team and all participants.
Ascension St. Mary's Hospital recently teamed up with the Saginaw Spirit hockey club to host the 2nd Annual Trauma Awareness Event. Physicians and staff from trauma,
Vasil Mamaladze MD
Covenant HC - Anes.
Saginaw Anesthesia Services
700 Cooper
Saginaw, MI 48602-5383
Office (989)-583-6242
Fax (989)-583-7356
www.covenanthealthcare.com
Anesthesiology
Houman Nourkeyhani MD
Covenant Cancer Care Center
5400 Mackinaw, 5th Floor
Saginaw, MI 48604-9515
Office (989)-583-5060
Fax (989)-583-5097
www.covenanthealthcare.com
Internal Medicine, Oncology, Hematology
Michael J. Opperman MD
CMU Health - Psychiatry
3201 Hallmark Court
Saginaw, MI 48603-2109
Office (989)-790-5990
Fax (989)-790-5991
www.cmuhealth.org
Psychiatry
Nishtha Sareen MD
Ascension St. Mary's Riverfront Cardiology/MCVI
1015 S. Washington
Saginaw, MI 48601-2556
Office (989)-754-3000
Fax (989)-754-3002
www.mcvi.com
Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology
The SCMS would like to thank our dedicated advertisers, old and new, for continuing to support publication of The Bulletin.
When you have a need for a service, please consider our advertisers first!
All Seasons Skin and Surgery Center
Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital
Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network
Covenant HealthCare
Jan Hauck – Century 21
Healthway Compounding Pharmacy
Lori Krygier Graphic Designer
Melissa Morse - Bricks Real Estate
MSMS on Introduction of SB 279: Scope of Practice
Expansions would Weaken Care Teams and Jeopardize Patient Health and Safety
The following is a public statement from Thomas J. Veverka, MD, Immediate Past-President of MSMS in response to the introduction of SB 279 on April 20—scope of practice expansion legislation that removes physicians from the patient care teams.
"Patients are best served by a team-based approach to health care that provides the maximum amount of choice while ensuring that patients benefit from the additional training and expertise that comes from having a physician on the team. Senate Bill 279, however, seeks to remove physicians from the patient care team, creating significant concerns as it relates to quality, cost and access to care.
“In states that have passed laws like Senate Bill 279, data shows these measures have failed to improve access to care, failed to improve quality of care, and failed to reduce costs. In addition, while patients overwhelmingly support having a physician involved in their care, Senate Bill 279 removes physicians from the care team and instead has the potential to create a two-tiered health care system where a patient’s zip code will determine whether a physician is involved in their care decisions.
"A highly functioning health care team is the best way to serve patients, and the Michigan State Medical Society will continue to promote the role of the physician as the leader of the health care team and oppose any efforts to expand allied health professionals' scope of practice that may put patients at risk."
Click HERE to read proposed SB 279
Click HERE to contact your lawmaker about SB 279 or scan the QR code
On April 25, Representative Alabas Farhat introduced House Bill 4472, which is the physician-led care teams bill. The following information highlights the bill, and also shares some quick facts as to why lawmakers should preserve physician-led care. MSMS will be focusing advocacy efforts on the respective health policy committees and educating members on the ways in which physician-led care health care teams are the best model for valuebased care.
Patients are best served by a team-based approach to health care that provides the maximum amount of choice while ensuring that they benefit from the additional training and expertise that
comes from having a physician on the team. A highly functioning health care team is the best way to serve patients, and MSMS will continue to promote the role of the physician as the leader of the health care team and oppose any efforts to expand allied health professionals' scope of practice that may put patients at risk. Below are some of the key reasons why lawmakers should preserve physician-led care:
• In states that have passed laws expanding scope of practice for advanced practice professionals, data shows these measures have failed to improve access to care, failed to improve quality of care, and failed to reduce costs.
• Physicians work a minimum of 11 years in education and training, including four years of college, four years of medical school, and three to five years of hands-on residency training. Some physicians train for up to 20 years, depending on their specialty.
o For the treatment and care provided by nurses, many fewer years of medical education and training are required. Nurses with the most advanced training complete just six years of education.
• Extensive pharmacology training is integrated into every component of a physician’s education, an intensity and level of training not part of an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or physician assistant (PA) education.
• 68% of U.S. voters say it is very important to them for a physician to be involved in diagnosis and treatment decisions. Patients want and expect a physician to be present on their care team.
• Studies from the Mayo Clinic and JAMA found nurse practitioners and physician assistants are more likely to make unnecessary referrals and imaging orders, resulting in higher costs for patients.
Needed Reforms
MSMS supports House Bill 4472, which requires APRNs and PAs to practice as part of a physician-led patient care team, assuming specific responsibilities within the scope of their usual professional activities. The legislation also requires APRNs and PAs to maintain appropriate collaboration and consultation, as provided under a written practice agreement, with a patient care team physician. Under the proposed legislation, practice agreements must include:
• A process for communication, availability, and decision-making when providing medical treatment to a patient. The process must utilize the knowledge and skills of the APRN/PA and patient care team
continued from page 24
physician based on their education, training and experience.
• The duties and responsibilities of the APRN/PA and patient care team physician.
• A provision for appropriate physician input in complex clinical cases and patient emergencies and for referrals.
• A clear statement describing the controlled substance prescriptive practices of the APRN/PA, including the controlled substances the APRN/PA is or is not authorized to prescribe.
Click HERE to read proposed HB 4472
Click HERE to contact your lawmaker about HB 4472 or scan the QR code
The Michigan Doctors’ Political Action Committee (MDPAC) is a bipartisan political action committee made up of physicians, their families, residents, medical students and others interested in making a positive contribution to the medical profession through the political process. MDPAC promotes the involvement of physicians through both donating and engaging. By donating, you are helping MDPAC to support pro-medicine candidates. By engaging, you are holding our lawmakers accountable and being a voice for our organization. Click HERE to join now!
REVISED: Public Health Code – General Rules pertaining to Implicit Bias Training
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) have revised the Public Health Code – General Rules pertaining to implicit bias training standards to allow asynchronous teleconference or webinars as acceptable modalities, which was previously prohibited. MSMS has been in communication with the Administration and other stakeholders to make this training more accessible to the physician and provider community. MSMS thanks LARA for being flexible in the training requirements to allow for better access to this important training for all of Michigan’s health care professionals.
As a reminder, LARA requires implicit bias training for physicians (and other health care professionals), effective June 1, 2022. The requirements apply to both new applicants, as well as, those renewing their existing licenses or registrations. An applicant for license renewal shall have completed a
minimum of one hour of implicit bias training for each year of the applicant’s license or registration cycle. An applicant for new licensure, both limited and medical, shall have completed a minimum of two hours of implicit bias training within the five years immediately preceding issuance of the license or registration.
Physicians will need to report implicit bias credits when they renew their license. Those who renewed in January 2022 needed no training. Training that was taken prior to June 1, 2021, and within the license cycle that is up for renewal, qualifies toward the requirement for renewals.
On April 12, 2023, Thomas M. George, MD, Interim CEO delivered the quarterly “State of MSMS Address” to members via Zoom. Click HERE to view the presentation.
Future State of MSMS Addresses:
• July 12, 2023: Please click here to register
• October 11, 2023: Please click here to register
Physician involvement is essential to keeping medicine a priority in Michigan. Please do your part by donating to MDPAC today!
Covenant HealthCare is proud to have maintained accreditation through Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) (previously known as Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program, or HFAP). Accreditation is a process through which healthcare organizations demonstrate compliance with national standards. Accreditation by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care. The full Covenant HealthCare accreditation survey took place in October 2022.
“Accreditation is incredibly important to our organization and is a measure of our abilities to deliver comprehensive, safe, high-quality care for the community,” says Beth Charlton, President/CEO of Covenant HealthCare. “While it is not always comfortable being ‘under review,’ the dedication to care delivery and our ability to provide it is again proven and validated with our reaccreditation. It takes a team to get it done and keep it done! Thank you to each and every one of you for your work and a great showing with our review!
Dr. Mehdi Baluch Joins Covenant Digestive Care
Covenant HealthCare welcomes Mehdi H. Baluch, MD, as a member of the Covenant Medical Group. Dr. Baluch joins the Covenant Digestive Care team. The office is located at 900 Cooper Ave., Suite 4300, Saginaw, MI 48602 and the team can be reached at 989.583.7460.
The annual active staff dinner serves to transition new medical staff leaders, honor colleagues, and to reconnect with peers. Attendees were grateful to gather in person for the first time in three years to pay tribute to some extraordinary team members.
2022 DISTINGUISHED PHYSICIAN AWARD
Michael J. Wolohan, MD
Dr. Michael Wolohan, a Saginaw native, has been an orthopaedic surgeon in our community for 33 years. After completing his orthopaedic training and a sports medicine fellowship in Boston, he brought his skills back to
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FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023 • 8:00 am-3:15 pm
SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Gilbertson Hall
7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This program offers up-to-date research and care guidelines for chronic constipation, bed wetting, dermatologic conditions, infant and child nutrition, childhood obesity and bariatric surgery, palliative care, and social media and children’s mental health.
TARGET AUDIENCE:
Physicians, nurses and allied health professionals involved in the care of pediatric patients.
Disclosures: The planner(s) and speaker(s) have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
• Identify a cause of constipation and the relationship of constipation to bladder dysfunction.
• Identify common pediatric dermatologic conditions.
• Identify one contributing factor to the obesity crisis in children.
• Identify one benefit of bariatric surgery in the adolescent population.
• Identify one aspect of how social media impacts children’s mental health.
• Identify signs of both hunger and satiety in infants and toddlers.
• Define pediatric palliative care.
Registration and Continental Breakfast
Opening Remarks
Chronic Constipation and Bed Wetting
Dermatologic Conditions
Break
Infant/Toddler Nutrition
Childhood Obesity and Bariatric Surgery
Lunch
Palliative Care
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REGISTER ONLINE AT: covenanthealthcare.com/pediatric-symposium or scan the QR Code
TUITION COST:
Physicians $100
Non-physicians $75
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact 989.583.4426 or childbirtheducation@chs-mi.com
SPEAKER
Rebecca S. Schultz, RN, BSN, MA, JD Director of Women’s & Children’s Health Covenant HealthCare, Saginaw, MI
Erika Dobschensky, PT, DPT, CLT Physical Therapist Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation at Covenant HealthCare, Saginaw, MI
Derek Hirschman, DO Dermatology H2 Dermatology, Saginaw, MI
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Social Media and Children’s Mental Health
Sara Lee, RD Registered Dietitian Covenant HealthCare, Saginaw, MI
Mary Moore, MD Peds Rheumatologist & Medical Advisor of the Adolescent Bariatric Program CMU Health/Covenant HealthCare Saginaw, MI
Franchesca Garcia-Robles, MD Pediatric Hospital Medicine Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship CMU Health, Saginaw, MI
Sarah Domoff, PhD Associate Professor, Department of Psychology Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI
Jason Kuhn, DO Bariatric & General Surgery Covenant HealthCare Saginaw, MI
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Central Michigan University College of Medicine and Covenant HealthCare. CMU College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Central Michigan University College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn up to 6.0 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit.
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Saginaw, working with many local schools and sports teams throughout his career. He has been a leader at Covenant, serving as Section Chief of Orthopaedics and on countless other committees. As clinical leader, he has also served as a mentor and colleague for many surgeons in the community. Dr. Wolohan is currently serving as a clinical instructor for both residents and medical students through CMU Medical Education Partners (CMU Partners).
Delicia J. Pruitt, MD
Dr. Delicia Pruitt has been practicing family medicine (FM) here in Saginaw for over 20 years. In addition to her academic role at CMU College of Medicine, she has served as Program Director of the CMU Partners FM Residency, as well as, FM Section Chief and Maternal FM Department Chair here at Covenant. Dr. Pruitt was honored for her tireless, collaborative, and compassionate work leading our community during the COVID-19 pandemic as the Medical Director of the Saginaw County Health Department, a community physician, an educator, a social media star, a
state and national advocate, and an unwavering voice for an underserved community.
Kathleen M. Cowling, DO
In addition to the honorees above, Dr. Kathleen Cowling was also recognized for her outstanding leadership the past four years as Chief of Staff for Covenant — twice the standard term — most of it being served during a pandemic. Sanjay J. Talati, MD assumed the role as Chief of Staff effective January 1, 2023.
“I cannot think of three more deserving individuals to have had the honor and privilege of working with and calling friends,” says Michael W. Sullivan, MD, VP of Performance Improvement/Chief Medical Officer. “Our medical staff, Covenant HealthCare, and the entire Great Lakes Bay Region is much better off for the skills, dedication, and service of Drs. Wolohan, Pruitt, and Cowling.” Thank you for your service and contributions to our community!
Leroy Clark Barry, MD passed away on March 14, 2023, at his home in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 14, 1932, to the late Jack L. Barry, Sr. and Doretha (Clark) Barry. He married Carolyn “Kit” Kendeigh on January 30, 1953; she preceded him in death in November, 1994. He married Susan Zeit in May, 2002.
He graduated from Albion College in 1954, and earned his medical degree from Wayne State University College of Medicine in 1958. He completed his general surgery residency at Providence Hospital in Detroit in 1962, followed by a twoyear preceptorship at the VA Hospital in Saginaw, MI.
He spent most of his career working at St. Mary’s Hospital, where he joined his brother, Dr. Jack Barry, who was also on staff there. He retired in 2004 after serving Saginaw patients for over 40 years. Starting in 1972, Dr. Barry was involved with establishing the general surgery residency program through Michigan State University College of Human Medicine at what originally was Saginaw Cooperative Hospitals, Inc. He was proud to have trained hundreds of residents and students over the years, many who stayed in the Saginaw area. He was awarded multiple teaching awards. He received the Spirit of Saint Vincent Award from the St. Mary’s of Michigan Foundation at the annual Cornette Ball in 2001. At the time, in a Saginaw News article, he was affectionally referred to as the “dean of surgeons” by several of his colleagues, many who he mentored.
Dr. Barry served 15 years as Chief of Surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital, as well as, two years as Chief of Staff. He was a 60year member of the Saginaw County Medical Society, and served as President from 1986-87. He also served as President of the Saginaw Surgical Society, and held numerous local and national leadership positions with professional affiliations. He was a former member of State Street Methodist Church, the Saginaw Country Club, Saginaw Club and many other organizations. He moved to the Palm Harbor, Florida area in 2011.
He is survived by his wife, Susan M. Barry. He is also survived by his children, Dr. Ronald and Joanne Barry, Saginaw, MI; Janet Barry, Troy, MI; Dr. Jill Barry, Troy, MI; and Dr. Robert and Theresa Barry, Manistee, MI. Grandchildren and greatgrandchildren include Dr. Renee Barry Ludka and Jonathan Ludka and their son, Jacob, Columbus, OH; Jonathan Barry, Royal Oak, MI; Rachel and Brandon Wade, Columbus, OH; Lauren and Jack Hyzba, Cadillac, MI; Dr. Zachary and Alex Barry, Indianapolis, IN; and Rebecca Barry and her fiancé, Ashton Timmons, Austin, TX. He was also predeceased by his brother, Dr. Jack L. Barry, Jr. and sister, Margaret Barry-Bashur. A memorial service was held at the Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home in Tarpon Springs, Florida on March 31, 2023.
Joel Martin Aganan Beltran, DO, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 20, 2023. The son of Jose and Lydia (Aganan) Beltran, Joel was born January 30, 1960, in Manila, Philippines.
Joel attended Michigan State University for both his undergraduate degree and for medical school. It was also where he met the love of his life, Katie Herrington. They were married on June 15, 1991, and shared 31 years together. He worked as a Neurologist with Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw for his entire career. Joel poured all of his time, energy, and passion into his family and his patients, his two greatest loves in life. He will be remembered for his zany sense of humor and his ability to lend a joke to nearly any conversation or situation. Joel will forever be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Joel is survived by his beloved wife, Katie Beltran; loving children, Benjamin (Amy) Beltran and Sarah Beltran; mother, Lydia Beltran; siblings, Jofre (Aimee) Beltran and Lynn (Jack) Furlong; mother-in-law, Donalda Herrington; brothers and sisters-in-law, Matt Herrington, Tim (Diana) Herrington, and Pete (Jodi) Herrington; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and last, but certainly not least, his adored dog, Max. Joel was preceded in death by his father, Jose Beltran; and his father-in-law, James Herrington.
Funeral services took place on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Saginaw, with burial following at Oakwood Cemetery, Saginaw. Memorials in honor of Joel may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Saginaw Choral Society, Post Office Box 4033, Saginaw, MI 48606.
The Saginaw County Medical Society Board and Members offer their sincere sympathy to Cathy’s family and her colleagues at Bieri Hearing. Cathy was instrumental in supporting the Saginaw County Medical Society for many years.
Catherine Marie Bieri Ryan, age 71, passed away early Friday, January 13, 2023, at home with her family. Catherine was born on May 6, 1951, in Saginaw, Michigan the daughter of Gottlieb and Marie (Webber) Bieri. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in 1969, Catherine continued her education at Michigan State University, Auburn University and Central Michigan University and finally achieving her Doctoral Degree of Audiology/Au.D., Speech Pathologist, MSC. Catherine worked with her father for many
April 2015 –Jerd Clayton and Cathy
continued from page 29 years; helping manage the family business, Bieri Hearing Specialist. She continued to own and operate the business after her father's retirement and grew it into the business it is today. Catherine approached her life just like her business with faith, optimism and determination. She relied on prayer, faith and God to get her through many challenges and decisions.
Catherine was united in marriage to Michael Ryan on June 16, 1987, in Saginaw, Michigan; he preceded her in death August 11, 1996. In Catherine's spare time, she enjoyed traveling, sailing, boating and scuba diving. She also enjoyed devoting time to volunteering at her church. Catherine will always be remembered as a faithful servant to her God. She was generous, giving, gracious, and had such a kind soul. She will be dearly missed.
Catherine is survived by her son, Shaun Ryan; four stepdaughters, Melanie (Jason) Beyers, Kristen (Eric) Van Dyke, Stephanie (Jeff) Wolpert and Emily Anaya; eight grandchildren; brother, James (Jeanne) Bieri; niece and nephews, Ann Blizzard, Michael Bieri and Alex Bieri; very dear friends, Susan (Richard) Johnson, Jackie Niteki, Lynn Bucher and her cousin, Carol Frost, and many more family and friends; too many to mention them all.
Funeral services for Catherine took place on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at Glory International Ministries in Saginaw. Interment will take place at a later date in St. Andrew's Cemetery. Those planning a memorial contribution are asked to consider Hearing Loss Association of America or American Cancer Society
Medicaid welcome!
GLBHC priority is to serve the underserved, uninsured, and underinsured. We offer transportation along with multiple other integrated services to address your patients’ needs like dental, laboratory and on-site pharmacy, and community health workers to address social disparities. This is our priority population and we do well serving them!
Who: Adults with mild to moderate mental health conditions
What: Outpatient psychiatry services
When: Now!
Where: Davenport Location Bay City South Location 3023 Davenport Ave 690 S Trumbull St Saginaw, MI 48602 Bay City, 48708
How: To learn more about our new referral process, please contact Amra Bader, Behavioral Health Supervisor at (989) 9072765 or abader@glbhealth.org
Of Special Note:
GLBHC is not a crisis intervention program. If patient is currently suicidal/homicidal/danger to self or others, please seek emergency intervention for them by contacting your local Community Mental Health or sending to the Emergency Room
*Saginaw Community Health Mental Health Authority (800) 233-0022
*Bay Arenac Behavioral Health (800) 327-4693
Preview the telehealth toolkit, developed by Central Michigan University. Your input will enhance and benefit the resources for service providers in Michigan!
Preventing Suicide in Michigan Men is a five-year, Centers for Disease Control grantfunded program aimed at reducing suicide in men ages 25 and older. To achieve this goal, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has implemented a comprehensive, multi-sector partnership and action plan that targets the male population in the state.
The Michigan PRiSMM project is being led by the MDHHS. By 2024, the statewide PRiSMM initiative will work to reduce the number of suicide deaths and attempts among men ages 25 and older by at least 10 percent. From 2014–2018, more than 6,700 Michiganders lost their lives to suicide. Two-thirds of the suicide deaths in Michigan are adult men.
CMU’s partnership with the PRiSMM initiative is to create and disseminate the toolkit and, in the process, cultivate a statewide training network for suicide prevention and telehealth.
For more information, sign up for an overview, or to give us feedback on the toolkit, please contact the CMU Interdisciplinary Center for Community Health and Wellness at icchw@cmich.edu.
Preview the PRiSMM Telehealth SP Toolkit: med.cmich.edu/prismmtoolkit or Scan QR Code
CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity and provide equal opportunity within its community. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight (see http://www.cmich.edu/ocrie). 20237 MGX 100 qty (10/21)
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
There are no Board or Membership Meetings in July or August
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State Street, Saginaw
Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
Annual SCMS and SCMS Foundation Membership
Meetings Social (cash bar) at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, meetings and program at 7 p.m.
• SCMS Annual Meeting:
o Election of Officers and Directors for 2023-24
• SCMS Foundation Annual Meeting:
o Annual Report
o Election of Officers and Trustees for 2023-24
o Essay Contest Awards (High School Juniors/Seniors)Why I Want To Be a Physician in Saginaw County
• Presentation of Health Angel Award
• Update on CMU College of MedicineDean George E. Kikano, MD
• Update on CMU Medical Education PartnersSamuel Shaheen, MD
Online reservations are required CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION or scan the QR Code
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - CMU College of Medicine, 1632 Stone Street, Saginaw Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
There is no Membership Meeting in June
12th Annual SCMS Foundation Golf Outing – date TBD
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 - Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State Street, Saginaw Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
Membership Meeting Joint with the Saginaw County Dental Society and Saginaw Valley Osteopathic Society –Social (cash bar) at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, meeting and program at 7 p.m.
Speakers – Monica Lamble DDS and Nishtha Sareen MD
Topic – "The Link Between Oral, Cardiac and Systemic Health"
Online reservations are required
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State Street, Saginaw
Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
Membership Meeting – Social (cash bar) at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, meeting and program at 7 p.m.
Speakers – TBD
Topic – TBD
Online reservations are required
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 - CMU College of Medicine, 1632 Stone Street, Saginaw
Board Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
There is no Membership Meeting in November
There is no Board or Membership Meeting in December
*subject to change
