SCMS BULLETIN -Late Spring 2022

The

Bulletin Saginaw County Medical Society

Late Spring 2022 | Volume 80 | No 3

SAVE THE DATE

September Membership Meeting Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) p. 5 Thomas J. Veverka MD Installed as 164th MSMS President p.14-15 May Annual Membership Meeting Highlights p.16-18 www.SaginawCountyMS.com

COVENANT MEDICAL GROUP

GENERAL, BARIATRIC & COLORECTAL SURGERY Covenant Surgery provides patients with extraordinary care through state-of-the-art technologies, a team of board-certified surgeons and a compassionate environment. Covenant continues to lead robotic surgery in the Great Lakes Bay Region. This means our patients experience less pain, fewer complications and shorter recovery times.

JORGE HERNANDEZ, MD, FACS, FACSCRS

CHAD D. RINGLEY, MD, FACS

COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery/General

BARIATRIC, GENERAL, LAPAROSCOPIC AND ROBOTIC SURGERY

Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery

Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery/ General Surgery

JASON KUHN, DO

JOHN P. SHARPE, MD, MS, FACS

BARIATRIC, GENERAL, LAPAROSCOPIC AND ROBOTIC SURGERY

GENERAL, LAPAROSCOPIC, ROBOTIC AND TRAUMA SURGERY

Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of

Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery/

Surgery/General Surgery

General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care

SUJAL G. PATEL, MD, FACS

ANDREW VASYLUK, MD

GENERAL, LAPAROSCOPIC, ROBOTIC AND TRAUMA SURGERY

GENERAL, LAPAROSCOPIC, ROBOTIC AND TRAUMA SURGERY

Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery/

Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery/

General Surgery

General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care

TODD G. RICHARDSON, MD, FACS

LOCATION

GENERAL, LAPAROSCOPIC, ROBOTIC AND TRAUMA SURGERY

5415 Cardinal Square, Saginaw, Michigan 48604 Phone: 989.583.5679 Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00-5:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am-12:00 noon

Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery/ General Surgery

© 2022 Covenant HealthCare. All rights reserved. DC 4/22 14581

The

Bulletin Saginaw County Medical Society

2022-2023 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 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 Member Service Representative Heather L. Foster (517) 336-5719

contents

5

10 14-15 16-18 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 9

20 21

Michigan ACE Initiative MSMS House of Delegates Dr. Veverka Installed as President Annual Membership Meetings of the SCMS and SCMS Foundation Past President’s Letter Guest Writers Welcome Disclaimer Office Space for Sale or Lease From the Editor Retirees Meet for Lunch Thank You Key Providers!

Barb Smith SRRN Caduceus Meeting for Recovering Health Care Professionals

11-12 13

19-20

SAVE THE DATES! Calendar of Meetings and Events for 2022-2023

Key Provider Spotlight – Ascension St. Mary’s and HealthSource Saginaw MSMS Prior Authorization Reform Senate Bill 247 (PA 60 of 2022)

MSMS - Reimbursement Advocate Alert Deadline June 21 to Maintain Online Access to Blue Cross and BCN Information - FAQ’s: New Implicit Bias Training Requirement - New Online Learning Management System

22

PRiSMM Telehealth Suicide Prevention Toolkit Resource

23

In Memory – Padma Raju and Dr. Gerard

24 26 26 27

Covenant HealthCare

28 30 30 31 32 32

Thank You Advertisers!

New Members Notice of Retirement Free Confidential Counseling for Frontline Healthcare Workers Ascension St. Mary’s CMU College of Medicine CMU Health Advertiser Index Man Therapy Michigan Key Providers Calendar of Meetings and Events for 2022-2023

Birthdays – July and August The Bulletin can be viewed online at www.SaginawCountyMS.com under the Bulletin tab.

COVER PHOTO: DRS. TIFFANY WEISS-FELDKAMP, TIFFANY KIM AND RYAN KIM 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.

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022 3

PAST PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Professionalism in Healthcare Anthony M. Zacharek, MD MHA

O

ur healthcare system is constantly changing. It seems as though there is always a new treatment or medication for diseases, which can make it difficult to keep up with your field.

Every month a new journal is published in your field, filled with information that can be overwhelming and hard to remember. Despite all these challenges, it may be comforting to know that certain aspects of healthcare may never change. One of these unwavering aspects is the need for professionalism.

What exactly is professionalism?

A quick Google search for the term provides this answer – “Professionalism does not mean wearing a suit or carrying a briefcase; rather, it means conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability and excellence.

It means communicating effectively and appropriately and always finding a way to be productive.”

According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), there are at least 10 characteristics of professionalism in the workplace – a neat appearance, proper demeanor, reliable, competent, communicator, good phone etiquette, poised, ethical, organized and accountable. According to the AAPC, “If you’re lacking any of these professional characteristics, or have let some slide, take the initiative to improve yourself.

Put your best foot forward and you’ll go far.”

Professionalism in healthcare has a lot to do with the same qualities that define good leaders – being patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful,

forgiving and dedicated. (Manby, J., “Love Works,” 2012) It also has a lot to do with emotional intelligence, or how we as physicians balance our self awareness with the need for social awareness and relationship management. Professionalism does not mean you always have to win or be right in every situation, but it does mean you should respect others and communicate effectively.

Professionalism in healthcare and in other fields represents a goal to strive for. It does not involve learning new information or a new technique in your field. It relies on practicing behaviors that will bring you more happiness and fulfillment in your life. I wish you well as you continue to improve upon your professional character.

“Professionalism does not mean wearing a suit or carrying a briefcase; rather, it means conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability and excellence ."

GUEST WRITERS WELCOME! 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.

4

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

Read previous issues of The Bulletin at www.SaginawCountyMS.com under the Bulletin tab

CALENDAR OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS FOR 2022-23* MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! Tuesday, August 16, 2022 - CMU College of Medicine, 1632 Stone Street, Saginaw Board Meeting - 5:30 p.m.

There is no Membership Meeting in August.

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 - 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.

Speaker - Thomas J. Veverka, MD, MSMS President “The Future of Medicine” Speaker - Alison Arnold, Ed.D., Director, Interdisciplinary Center for Community Health & Wellness, Central Michigan University “Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)” Email meeting notices will be sent in early September.

Online reservations are required.

Saturday, October 8, 2022 – Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State Street, Saginaw CMU CME presents “Implicit Bias Training” (required for licensure) Time: 8-11 a.m.

Click HERE for more information Tuesday, October 18, 2022 - 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.

Program - Candidates’ Forum for the November election Email meeting notices will be sent in early October.

Online reservations are required.

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.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022 - 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.

Tuesday, January 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.

Joint with the Saginaw County Dental Society Speaker - TBD Topic - TBD Email meeting notices will be sent in early January.

Online reservations are required.

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - CMU College of Medicine, 1632 Stone Street, Saginaw Board Meeting - 5:30 p.m.

There is no Membership Meeting in February.

SCMS Health Fair “The Doctor Is In!” Horizons Conference Center Date - TBD Tuesday, March 21, 2023 - CMU College of Medicine, 1632 Stone Street, Saginaw Board Meeting - 5:30 p.m.

There is no Membership Meeting in March.

Tuesday, April 18, 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.

Speaker - TBD Topic - TBD Email meeting notices will be sent in early April.

Online reservations are required.

OFFICE SPACE FOR SALE OR LEASE Medical Arts Building I 4705 Towne Centre Road, Suite 204 Saginaw, Michigan 48604 2,450 square feet Call for details (989) 284-2659 The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022 5

FROM THE EDITOR

When ‘Trust Me’ Is Not Enough

By Louis L. Constan, MD

A

recent poll by Gallup showed Americans’ satisfaction with their healthcare system at only 54%, down from 62% a decade ago. American patients are becoming less and less happy about the ‘product’ we are giving them.

Serious stuff this. Any ordinary business wouldn’t last long with these satisfaction numbers. Customers will ‘vote with their feet.” Find somewhere else to get the services they believe they need. So far we and our colleagues have found enough to keep us occupied, but the long-term trends are not favorable, especially when you consider the less-than-scientific providers that are increasingly aggressive in competing for our patients.

I was thinking of the long-term trends because of a recent article in Michigan Medicine about the Future of Medicine in our state. Some 60 medical leaders, including our own Dr. Tom Veverka, were interviewed and shared their visions about the changes they expect to occur over the next decade…changes they predict will improve patient care. I hope they are right. The report is full of all the trendy catchwords: Team-based care, payer alignment, physician-led models, prevention, breaking down barriers, EHR improvements, value-based contracting.

Wow. But I see some issues in this rosy report, given the degree to which Michiganians are turning away from the traditional medicine which the report describes.

First big issue: • “Trust me, I’m the doctor” no longer works. The traditional doctor/patient role assumed in the report is often no longer valid.

• All those stories in the media about physician failures, misdiagnoses and lawsuits destroy our credibility.

• Patients are confused over who we are. Credentials and degrees mean a lot to us...but the charlatans have degrees and credentials as well - and the public cannot tell the difference.

only by nurses and a Nurse Practitioner.

Six hours go by. Finally, a physician enters the room and declares bluntly: “Your tests are all negative but you have to stay till tomorrow for more tests,” as he turns to exit the room. She’s had it, and wants to leave. The husband (a physician) stops her, imploring the doctor for his rationale, which is given, perfunctorily, while again turning to leave. But wait, implores the patient’s husband, could you at least give her something for her sudden rise in blood pressure, as she is at a risk of stroke? Again, perfunctorily, “absolutely Second big issue: not, it is against our protocols.” And • Patients don’t do what they’re asked gone. Then a long night, full of anxiety. to do anymore. They don’t take meds No physician input. Next day tests were faithfully, keep appointments as they done. Are they OK? Don’t know, wait should or follow lifestyle advice. for doctor to tell you. Eight hours go • When big life-or-death issues by…no doctor. It is evening. Shifts are develop, such as whether or not to changing, staff going home. When would get vaccinated, many do not turn to the doctor come? No idea. The next their doctors for advice. day? Maybe. Bottom line, they leave…

Third big issue: with a dubious promise (unfulfilled) • If those issues cannot be resolved, that the doctor might call if he found then we may continue to lose the something…and the results might be faith of the American public. It would forwarded to the patient’s family doctor. be sad, in 10 years, to see that Gallup The patient? My wife. The husband, poll slip another 10 points. myself, putting me in danger of • Paternalism must be replaced by becoming one of those almost half of something else. We must first show Gallup-polled Americans who do not the patient that we care about him as trust our system. Looking back now, a person before he will let us “care” for I can see there were a dozen or more his person. times during which one of the doctors Here’s a case study illustrating the need responsible for my wife’s care could have, with minimal effort, showed that they to change: An older lady presents to the ER (not in Saginaw) with chest pain. She continued on page 7 is given the usual blizzard of tests, seen

The patient? My wife. The husband, myself, putting me in danger of becoming one of those almost half of Gallup-polled Americans who do not trust our system.

6

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

Thank You Key Providers!

continued from page 6

cared, simply by keeping us better informed instead of almost totally in the dark for a day and a half.

If this is the sort of care that half of the population receives, or that most of the population receives half-the-time, then it should be no surprise when we fail so miserably to motivate patients to do all the sorts of things that “poor complying” patients never seem to do, like take their medicines-stop smoking-lose weight-exercise-keep their appointments-avoid narcotics-social distance-wear masks-get vaccinated. And so around and around we go. America spending more than any other rich country and for our efforts getting rewarded with the sickest population.

It seems time, to me, that we need to ask those almost 50% of Americans (a follow-up Gallup poll?) who have lost faith in our system what it would take to get their trust back. And it seems time, to me, that we all, at every patient encounter, find ways to prove, concretely, that we truly care for our patients.

The SCMS would like to thank our dedicated Key Providers, old and new, for continuing to provide support for SCMS Membership Meetings.

When you have a need for a service, please consider our Key Providers!

Note: Dr. Veverka will speak on “The Future of Medicine” at the Tuesday, September 20, 2022, Membership Meeting.

Hard copies of the report will be available at the meeting.

The report can also be requested from MSMS by clicking HERE. 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.

1

Available on Amazon by clicking HERE

RETIREES MEET FOR LUNCH!

Retired 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!

If you have questions, please contact Joan Cramer at (989) 284-8884 or Dr. Caroline Scott at (989) 295-2721.

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022 7

Mission: To prevent suicide through education, connection to resources, and support for those impacted by suicide.

ASIST Training in Saginaw July 13 and 14, 2022 – Register Now! Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a twoday interactive workshop in suicide first aid. Skills learned in one environment are transferable to others, creating a lifesaving impact across the community.

Help is possible when skills, opportunity and safety are present. When these are available throughout the different facets of someone’s life, they’re more likely to receive help.

4 Live instruction, audiovisuals and simulation 4 Trusted by professionals yet learnable by anyone 4 Built-in safety resources and features Date: Wednesday, July 13, 2022, and Thursday, July 14, 2022 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST MUST ATTEND BOTH DAYS Location: SCCMHA A&W Professional Development and Business Center 1 Germania Platz, Saginaw, MI 48602 For more information or to register, call (989) 781-5260 or email info@srrn.net Note from SCMS Executive Director and Barb Smith SRRN Board Member, Joan Cramer: I took the two-day ASIST training in the fall of 2018.

I wanted to learn how to help others, but was hesitant and didn’t know what to expect from the program. I am honored to say completing the ASIST training was probably the most valuable course I have taken in my professional career. I strongly urge physicians and their office and support staff to take the training.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

WALK FOR HOPE

Join us for our 20th Annual Walk for Hope…Depression and Suicide Awareness Event on Sunday, August 7, 2022, 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 – join the SCMS and SCMS Foundation (Gold Sponsors) in sponsoring the event!

• Volunteering • Sharing your message along with photos on social media to help bring awareness to this event How Your Support Makes a Difference All profits will support Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network's mission to prevent suicide through education and resources, and to support those impacted by suicide. Our Network offers suicide prevention and aftercare trainings for the community to help create a safety network using multi-tiered trainings. We will continue to care for those who have been impacted by suicide and those with lived experience. We connect persons struggling with suicidal thoughts or those impacted by suicide with organizations throughout the community.

Together, we can create suicide-safer communities.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for all the latest news regarding Walk for Hope 2022! continued on page 9

8

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

continued from page 8

Date: Sunday, August 7, 2022 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Saginaw Valley State University 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710 Click Here to register or to sponsor Questions? Call (989) 781-5260 or email info@srrn.net

The Lifeline and 988

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.

When people call, text or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support and connect them to resources if necessary.

New Location for Support Group!

Our Survivors of Suicide support group has changed locations.

We meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8 p.m. in Saginaw. If you or someone you know has been impacted by suicide, call us at (989) 781-5260 ext. 2 to learn more about our support group.

Are you in a crisis? Call 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741.

Anyone who needs help can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-273-TALK. Press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Anyone under age 21 can ask to talk to a peer at Teen Link, 1-866-8336546. TTY users can use their preferred relay services or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.

Caduceus Meeting for Recovering Health Care Professionals Third 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)

The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.

Caduceus meetings are available to health care industry professionals, and have adopted many of the principles of 12-Step programs.

The Lifeline’s network of over 200 crisis centers has been in operation since 2005, and has been proven to be effective.

It’s the counselors at these local crisis centers who answer the contacts the Lifeline receives every day. Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.

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.

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022 9

The Michigan ACE Initiative is focused on raising awareness about Adverse Childhood Experiences and developing trauma-informed, healing organizations and communities across the state.

Mark your calendar now! Alison Arnold, Ed.D., Director, Interdisciplinary Center for Community Health & Wellness at Central Michigan University, will present a program on ACES at the SCMS September Membership Meeting. See page 5 for more information.

For more than 20 years, public health experts have been aware of a critical factor that can put a child at a disadvantage in life: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). There are ten key ACEs related to episodes of abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction, such as divorce, incarceration and substance abuse. Unmitigated toxic stress from this type of adversity results in harmful effects on children, compromising their brain and immune system development, as well as, cognitive functioning, which affects critical thinking.

Studies have found a correlation between the number of ACEs a person has (an ACEs load) and adult health conditions, such as alcoholism, depression, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Additionally, adults with high ACEs loads are more likely than others to cope in unhealthy ways, such as using tobacco, abusing alcohol or engaging in self-harm.

The higher a person’s ACEs load, the greater the likelihood of these outcomes. The impact of high ACEs loads are seen in our schools, the juvenile justice system, correctional statistics and job performance data.

The current priorities of the Michigan ACE Initiative include: • Expand ACE awareness to accelerate research, educate the public and lawmakers, and ultimately reduce and prevent ACEs in Michigan.

• Provide training and technical assistance across sectors and populations to raise awareness; identify, understand, and respond to ACEs; and build resilience in individuals, organizations and communities.

• Pursue ACE-aware, trauma-informed policies in the public and private sectors. The Michigan ACE Initiative has built awareness, introduced community leaders and infrastructure to the core concepts of the study, and built on the support coming from the health and human services sector. Now we are faced with taking that science, the groundswell of interest and the momentum created, and implementing programs across our state that can help to develop trauma informed, healing communities, and begin moving to prevention.

10 The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

For the complete July 2020 Impact Report highlighting the accomplishments of the Michigan ACE Initiative, click here.

There’s no one approach or one size fits all application that’s going to work. But we can encourage organizations and institutions to examine their existing infrastructure and find creative ways to adapt what they already have to get the job done. The potential of the ACE Study is real. Making the transition to a more healing society will yield tangible results, but only if we can help make it happen across all of our communities, no matter how different they are. It’s ambitious, and Michigan is the first place to try to do it statewide. What happens in Michigan will be a roadmap for the rest of the country.

120 Years of Serving the Residents of Saginaw County! www.SaginawCountyMS.com

Healthcare Marketing &

Put creativity to work for your practice!

Helping practices create and design a wide range of professional visual materials for healthcare marketing initiatives LOGOS & BRAND ASSETS | PRINT MATERIALS FORMS/PATIENT FOLDERS | PRESENTATIONS TRADESHOW & PROMOTION MATERIALS DIGITAL AD GRAPHICS | WEBSITE DESIGN

Proud to be the Designer for the Saginaw County Medical Society Lori Krygier | Graphic Designer 989.239.1056 | lkrygier@charter.net lorikrygier.com

Ascension investment in Northern Michigan hospitals continues

SCMS KEY PROVIDER!

Ensuring care to communities for years to come More than $175 million of investment for Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital, Ascension Standish Hospital and Ascension St. Joseph Hospital In August 2021, Ascension announced a $37.7 million commitment for six prioritized projects across Ascension Michigan's northern healthcare ministries.

In September 2021, Ascension committed an additional $87.7 million in operational capital to continue their investment in northern Michigan facilities, patient care and services.

These capital operating fund investments are evidence of Ascension's continued commitment to the growth and success of the northern Michigan healthcare ministries - a commitment that began with an initial investment announcement of $50 million in May 2018.

Combined, this equates to more than $175 million of investment for Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital, Ascension Standish Hospital and Ascension St. Joseph Hospital.

The $87.7 million investment will support the renovation and expansion of intensive care patient rooms, and create private patient rooms throughout Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital.

These investments are possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of our associates, doctors and hospital leaders who work tirelessly each and every day to provide compassionate, personalized care.

Ascension Michigan | ascension.org

About Ascension’s investments Projects supported by the $37.7 million investment include upgrades to cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs; replacement of two linear accelerators for radiation oncology services in Marlette and West Branch; and relocation and expansion of the obstetrics unit at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital. A new Emergency Department waiting room; medical office building for primary and specialty care doctor offices; and laboratory and rehabilitation services at Ascension Standish Hospital are also included.

The initial $50 million investment supported facility renovations and upgrades; advanced imaging technology; and patient care enhancements. With nearly $18 million dedicated to the new expansion and renovation of the emergency care center at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw.

© Ascension 2022. All rights reserved. 26010 (1/3/22)

SCMS KEY PROVIDER!

Interactive Metronome (IM)

Training your brain & body to work together!

A computerized metronome beat is heard while a patient attempts to synchronize a physical movement to match the beat.

IN SYNC

EARLY

LATE

1 second = 1000 milliseconds 500

0

500

Neurotiming allows us to:

Play Sports

Quick, precise brain neurotiming is critical for synchronizing thought & movement, which is critical in Human performance.

Focus on Tasks

Process Language

Diagnoses that Benefit from IM:

Attention Deficit Disorder | Autism Spectrum Disorder | Stroke | Brain Injury | Parkinson’s Disease

IM Can Improve: Sensory Processing Speed | Working Memory | Attention/Concentration Motor Planning/Sequencing | Balance/Coordination | Impulsivity For a demonstration, contact Tony Holstine at 989-293-0054, or you can fax referrals to 989-790-7866

Prior Authorization Reform Senate Bill 247 (PA 60 of 2022) Status Update • Over the course of the last three and a half years, MSMS and the Health Can’t Wait Coalition worked closely with the legislature, regulators and stakeholders on ways to streamline, standardize and make the prior authorization process more transparent, clinically appropriate and evidence based.

• Senate Bill 247 was introduced on March 16, 2021. Soon thereafter, the bill unanimously passed the Senate on April 29, 2021. Senate Bill 247 then passed the House by a vote of 103-2 on March 22, 2022, and was signed into law

by Governor Whitmer on April 7, 2022.

Major Reforms • Require an insurer to make available, by June 1, 2023, a standardized electronic prior authorization request transaction process.

• Require prior authorization requirements to be based on peer-reviewed clinical review criteria.

• Require an insurer to post on its website if it implemented a new prior authorization requirement or restriction or amended an existing requirement or restriction.

• Require an insurer to notify, on issuing a medical benefit denial, the health professional and insured or enrollee of certain information, including the right to appeal the

n ce e r e f if D e h T e e S “Come

!”

• Comprehensive Eye Exam

• Oculoplastic Surgery

• Custom Lasek Surgery

• Cornea Treatment

• No-Stitch Cataract Surgery

• Low Vision

• Macular Degeneration

• Optical Boutique

Treatment

• Retinal Surgery

5161 Cardinal Park Drive, Saginaw, MI 48604 1601 Marquette, Suite 1, Bay City, MI 48706

www.anderseneye.com 989.797.2400

•

•

•

•

adverse determination, and require an appeal of the denial to be reviewed by a health professional.

For a medical benefit that is not a prescription drug benefit, an insurer shall notify contracted health care providers via the insurer's provider portal of the new or amended requirement or restriction not less than 60 days before the requirement or restriction is implemented.

For a prescription drug benefit, an insurer shall notify contracted health care providers via the insurer's provider portal of the new or amended requirement or restriction not less than 45 days before the requirement or restriction is implemented.

For urgent requests, beginning June 1, 2023, the prior authorization is considered granted if the insurer fails to act within 72 hours of the original submission. For non-urgent requests, beginning June 1, 2023, the prior authorization is considered granted if the insurer fails to act within nine calendar days of the original submission.

After May 31, 2024, a non-urgent prior authorization is considered granted if the insurer fails to act within seven calendar days of the original submission.

Requires an insurer to adopt a program that promotes the modification of prior authorization requirements of certain prescription drugs, medical care or related benefits, based on the performance of the health care providers with respect to adherence to nationally recognized evidencebased medical guidelines and other quality criteria (i.e., BCBSM “gold carding” program).

What Can Patients Expect?

• Timeliness Prior authorization processes can ultimately delay or alter a course of treatment or acquisition of medication, which in turn, can impact patient health care outcomes.

SB 247 ensures that urgent and non-urgent prior authorization requests are responded to in a timely manner so that patients can receive the medication and/ or services they need as soon as possible.

• Transparency SB 247 ensures that information regarding services and medications that require prior authorization are easy to find and readily available. This guarantees patients and treating physicians and/or providers timely access to information to ensure the best treatment plan and avoids any unexpected hurdles.

• Clinical Validity SB 247 ensures that prior authorization requirements are based on accurate and up-to-date clinical criteria, properly vetted, incorporate evidence-based guidelines and are free of conflicts of interest. This ensures prior authorization requirements are inclusive of the needs of atypical patient populations and diagnoses.

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022 13

House of Delegates

Thomas J. Veverka, MD Installed as President at MSMS House of Delegates

O

n April 30-May 1, 2022, Delegates and Alternate Delegates convened for the 157th annual meeting of the MSMS House of Delegates (HOD) in Kalamazoo to debate and determine the policies, priorities and direction of MSMS during the ensuing 12 months and beyond. More than 60 resolutions were introduced for consideration by the HOD. During the meeting, Thomas J. Veverka, MD, was installed as President of MSMS. M. Salim U. Siddiqui, MD, PhD, Wayne County physician and Radiation Oncologist at Henry Ford Health, was voted President-Elect.

Representing Saginaw County at the HOD were Drs. Christopher Allen, Judy Blebea, Elvira Dawis, Karensa Franklin, Elizabeth Marshall, Miriam Schteingart, Caroline Scott, Julia Walter, Anthony Zacharek and Joan Cramer.

Also attending was Dr. Millie Willy who was elected to serve a three-year term as Region 7 Representative which includes Arenac, Bay, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella-Clare, Midland and Saginaw Counties.

Saginaw Delegates and CMU Medical Students served on Reference Committees tasked with making recommendations to the House on resolutions debated Saturday morning. CMU Medical Student Emily Ridge served on Reference Committee A – Medical Care Delivery. Dr. Caroline Scott served on Reference Committee B – Legislation. Dr. Tony Zacharek and CMU Medical Student, Samuel Borer, served on Reference Committee D – Public Health. Dr. Millie Willy served as Board Advisor for the Committee. Dr. Judy Blebea served on Reference Committee E - Scientific and Educational Affairs.

On Saturday afternoon, a reception was held honoring Dr. Veverka’s installation as President. Dr. Veverka is a board certified General Surgeon, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and has received added certification in Surgical Critical Care. He served as the Associate Director of Trauma at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, Minnesota before starting in private practice as a general surgeon and surgical intensivist in Saginaw in 1994. While in Saginaw, Dr. Veverka served in several physician leadership roles, primarily at St. Mary’s of Michigan Hospital, as well as, on the Steering Committee for the General Surgery Residency program as the MSU surgical coordinator for the medical students. Dr. Veverka has served the SCMS as Director, Alternate Delegate and President over the past 15 years, most recently as Region 7

Dr. Veverka addresses the HOD for the first time as president

Representative on the MSMS Board of Directors. Dr. Veverka is a board member of the Michigan Health Improvement Alliance (MiHIA).

Dr. Veverka has a special interest in trauma care and trauma systems development, and served as the initial medical director of the trauma program at St. Mary’s of Michigan Hospital which eventually was designated as a Level II Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. He subsequently became the initial Trauma Medical Director for MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland, which also successfully underwent verification as a Level II Trauma Center. He serves on the Michigan Committee of Trauma and performs Trauma Center Level III and IV verification visits for MDHHS. He also serves on the State Committee of Trauma in Michigan.

Dr. Veverka is very passionate about addressing the opioid crisis through volunteer activities at MidMichigan Medical Center, MiHIA and through his position on the Board of Directors of MSMS. He also serves on multiple other subcommittees. continued on page 15

14 The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

continued from page 14

Dr. Veverka received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He completed his surgical residency at Saginaw Cooperative Hospitals, Inc., and returned to the University of Minnesota for his Surgical Critical Care Fellowship training. He maintains a passion for general surgery, trauma care and critical care, as well as, patient safety issues. Dr. Veverka has held a clinical faculty appointment with MSU College of Human Medicine Department of Surgery for over 25 years, as well as, holding a current clinical appointment with CMU College of Medicine. He is married to Cathleen and is the father of five.

MSMS presidents have greatly impacted MSMS’ programs, position on policy issues and its prominence in Michigan. The MSMS president typically serves a term of one year and works with the Board of Directors to set the strategic agenda for the Society. Past MSMS Presidents from Saginaw are: • James H. Jerome, MD (1867 and 1881) • Lyman W. Bliss, MD (1890) • Vernon V. Bass, MD (1977) • Jack L. Barry, MD (1994) The SCMS would like to thank the physicians who spent their weekend representing their colleagues. A special thanks goes to Dr. Tom Veverka and Dr. Millie Willy for their time not only serving SCMS members, but representing physicians statewide.

Top row, from left: Cathleen and Dr. Tom Veverka, Dr. Veverka and family Second row, from left: Dr. Veverka with the Saginaw Delegation, Delegates meet Sunday morning Third row, from left: Drs. Tony and Claudia Zacharek and Caroline Scott , Drs. Elvira Dawis and Chris Allen, Drs. Tony Zacharek, Liz Marshall and Chris Allen stand in line to give testimony before the House on Sunday morning

6LJQDWXUH 5HDOW\

U N M ATC H E D EXPERIENCE SAGINAW, SUMMER 2022

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2022 (HAYES PARK)

PICNIC IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES (ROETHKE PARK)

June 8, 15, 22, 29, Jul 13, 20, 27, June 14, 21, 28, Jul 12, 19, 26 Aug 3, 10, 17 @ 6:30 pm Aug 2, 9 & 16 @ 6:30 9200 Midland Rd, Freeland 400 Leddy Rd, Saginaw

Jan Hauck 989.798.5217

Mary Knoll 989.239.7662

PARTY ON MCCARTY SUMMER CONCERT SERIES June 9, 23, Jul 7, 21, Aug 4, 18 partyonmccarty.com 3575 McCarty Rd, Saginaw

LAWN CHAIR FILM FESTIVAL June 19 - Aug (Sun @ dusk) lawnchairfilmfestival.org Corner of Ames and N. Hamilton All events may be subject to change depending on weather/organizers

More listings @ www.iknowsaginaw.com • 5580 State St., Suite 4, Saginaw 48603

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022 15

Annual Membership Meetings of the SCMS and SCMS Foundation

T

he Annual Meetings of the Saginaw County Medical President’s medallion. Dr. Kim then gave her presidential Society and Saginaw County Medical Society address, including her goals for the upcoming year.

Foundation were held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at • Dr. Kim then awarded a plaque to Dr. Zacharek and thanked Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw. Anthony him for serving in various positions on the SCMS Board, with M. Zacharek, MD, President of the Saginaw County the past year as President.

Medical Society, called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Dr. • Dr. Kim welcomed Mildred J. Willy, MD, Past President Zacharek welcomed Dean George E. Kikano, MD of CMU and Chair of the Nominating Committee to the podium.

College of Medicine; Health Angel Award Recipients, Carol Dr. Willy presented the Slate of Nominees for Officers, Cottrell, Director of Covenant HealthCare Foundation and Directors, Delegates, Alternate Delegates and the Peer Judith P. Ruland, Retired Dean of SVSU College of Health Review Ethics Committee for 2022-2023. There were and Human Services and their guests; and Foundation Essay no nominations from the floor. MOTION: Accept the Slate Contestants and their families. He also thanked Key Providers as presented by the Nominating Committee for 2022-2023. in attendance for their ongoing support of SCMS programs: MOTION APPROVED. Ascension St. Mary’s, including new physicians, Drs. Reina • On behalf of the Board and Membership, Dr. Willy thanked Badran, Ruby Gill and Anam Khan; Covenant HealthCare, Steven J. Vance, MD for nine years of service as an including new physicians, Drs. Vessela Giger-Mateeva and Alternate Delegate and liaison for CMU College of Medicine; Andrew Vasyluk; and Renue Physical Therapy. Dr. Zacharek Julia M. Walter, MD for 13 years of service as an Alternate also welcomed new member, Cecilia E. Kraus-Horbal, DO, Delegate, Delegate, Director and two years as President; and Internal Medicine physician with CMU Health.

Harvey K. Yee, MD for three years of service as a Director.

Dr. Zacharek conducted the following business of the SCMS: Drs. Vance and Yee have completed their terms, and • The minutes of the April 19, 2022, Membership Meeting Dr. Walter is retiring and moving to Washington State. were attached to the Agenda. MOTION: Accept the April • The SCMS Annual Meeting was adjourned.

19, 2022, Membership Meeting Minutes as printed.

Dr. Kim called Thomas E. Damuth, MD, President of the MOTION APPROVED. SCMS Foundation, to the podium.

• Invited all to participate in a Leadership Development Dr. Damuth called to order the Annual Meeting of the SCMS Series presented by CMU College of Medicine Office of Foundation, and conducted the following business: Faculty Development. The series will feature regional • Noted that all SCMS members are also members of the leaders who had to navigate a health system through the SCMS Foundation. challenging COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to make • Reviewed the work of the Foundation which includes: a positive impact on our community. Throughout the series, o Providing low interest loans to medical students with leaders will cover a range of topics and provide insight on ties to Saginaw, with a maximum of $20,000 in loans their particular leadership style and philosophy. available during medical school; o The first workshop will be held on Friday, June 17, 2022, o Forgiving loan interest if the loan recipient returns to from 2-3 p.m., and will feature Stephanie J. Duggan, MD, Saginaw to practice upon completion of their residency; Regional President and CEO of Ascension Michigan’s o Forgiving 25 percent or a maximum of $5,000 loan Northern Ministries. principal per year if the recipient returns to Saginaw to o The second workshop will be held on Friday, October 21, practice after completion of their residency and is a dues 2022, from 1-2 p.m., and will feature Beth Charlton, BSN, paying member; RN, MHA, President and CEO of Covenant HealthCare. o Awarding scholarships to Saginaw County high school o Contact Nicole Wright, MBA, Coordinator, Training & students who are interested in becoming a physician; Professional Development, CMU College of Medicine at o Providing research grants and scholarships to medical (989) 774-7862 or Nicole.wright@cmich.edu for students and residents through CMU College of Medicine, information or to register. including funding awards for the annual CMU Research • Dr. Zacharek installed Tiffany K. Kim, MD, as the 118th Symposium, and medical student lodging at the annual President of the SCMS, and presented her with the MSMS House of Delegates; and continued on page 17

16

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

Top row, from left: Drs. Tiffany Kim and Tony Zacharek; Drs. Cecilia Kraus-Horbal, George Kikano and Cathy Baase; Drs. Julia Walter and Tiffany Kim; Covenant's Marcus Atkins and Dr. Karensa Franklin; Renue Physical Therapy's Janet Frank and Megan Leser; Ascension physicians, Drs. Ruby Gill, Reina Badran and Anam Khan Middle row, from left: Health Angel Award Winner Carol Cottrell and guests with Dr. Debasish Mridha; Dr. Zubeda Khan Essay Winner Shelby Vaughn and Grandma, Donna Smigiel; Essay Contestant Kate Hetzner with parents, Tom and Coleen; Health Angel Award Winner Judith Ruland and guests Bottom row, from left: Foundation Board Members with Essay Contestants; 1st place Essay Winner Ella Hall and dad, Ray, continued from page 16

o Assisting the SCMS Alliance in awarding nursing scholarships.

• Reviewed the Annual Report of the Foundation. Dr. Damuth stated the Foundation has current investments of approximately $252,600 and $212,000 in outstanding loans, for a total of over $464,600 in assets. o He noted there are several loan recipients who returned to Saginaw to practice and are taking advantage of the loan forgiveness program. He also mentioned the Foundation has a potential to forgive $120,000 in loans for those we anticipate will come back to Saginaw to practice. Of that amount, more than $82,000 in loans are to CMU medical students and residents. o The Foundation was the recipient of over $25,000 this year from the Saginaw Surgical Society. The Surgical Society had a difficult time getting members involved the past several years, and the decision was made to dissolve after 57 years. The Foundation thanks the Surgical Society for their generous donation and trust in the Foundation to use the funds wisely.

• Dr. Damuth said over $212,000 has been raised the past 10 years from the Foundation’s annual Golf Outing started

by Dr. Rao Gudipati when he was Foundation President.

Proceeds from the golf outing provide the majority of

funding for loans, scholarships and awards. o The 11th Annual Golf Outing will be held at the Saginaw Country Club on Saturday, June 4, 2022, and sponsors and golfers are still needed. o The Foundation would like to thank CMU College of Medicine and CMU Health who have committed to serve as Title Sponsors again this year.

• Dr. Damuth then conducted the election of Trustees to the Foundation Board. o Current Trustees are Dr. Damuth as President, Dr. Iris Marteja as Vice President/Secretary, Dr. Matt Deibel as Treasurer, and Drs. Lowell Butman, Rao Gudipati and George Gugino. Drs. Butman and Gudipati have completed their terms of service on the Board.

Dr. Damuth thanked Dr. Butman for 36 years of service and Dr. Gudipati for 13 years of service. o The following have been nominated and agreed to serve on the Foundation Board: • Christopher J. Allen, MD • Sarosh Anwar, MD • John Blebea, MD • James A. Fugazzi, MD • Steven J. Vance, MD continued on page 18

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022 17

continued from page 17

o Dr. Damuth asked for a motion to approve the election of the five nominated physicians to the Foundation Board. MOTION: Approve Drs. Allen, Anwar, Blebea, Fugazzi and Vance as Trustees. MOTION APPROVED. • Dr. Damuth then presided over the awards for the 13th Annual Foundation Essay Contest. The contest is open to Saginaw County high school juniors and seniors who are interested in becoming a physician and practicing in Saginaw County. Dr. Damuth asked Drs. Butman, Deibel and Marteja to join him at the podium to help present the awards. The following awards were presented: o Areesha Ahmed, a Senior at Heritage High School, was awarded $100. o Brooke Carnahan, a Senior at Frankenmuth, was awarded $100. o Nicholas Healey, a Senior at Chesaning, was awarded $100. o Katherine Hetzner, a Junior at Frankenmuth, was awarded $100. o Braeden Milbrandt, a Senior at St. Charles, won third place and was awarded $400. o Swathi Thiyagarajan, a Senior at Frankenmuth, won second place and was awarded $600. o Ella Hall, a Junior at Freeland, won first place and was awarded $1,000.

AUGUST 7, 2022 DEPRESSION & SUICIDE AWARENESS EVENT 5K WALK/RUN

AT SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

o Shelby Vaughn, a Senior at Arthur Hill, won the Zubeda S. Khan, MD Memorial Scholarship and was awarded $1,000.

• Presentation of Health Angel Awards o Dr. Damuth welcomed Debasish Mridha, MD to the podium. Dr. Mridha invested funds into the Foundation in 2009 for establishment of an award to a non-physician who lives and/or works in Saginaw County, and has added to the improvement of the health care field in Saginaw County. Because of the pandemic, two awards were presented at the meeting. Dr. Mridha gave a summary of each recipient, and invited them to the podium to accept their award and say a few words.

This year’s recipients were: • Carol Cottrell, Director of the Covenant HealthCare Foundation • Judith P. Ruland, Retired Dean of SVSU College of Health and Human Services.

• The SCMS Foundation Annual Meeting was adjourned.

Dr. Kim then welcomed Dean Kikano who gave an update on the CMU College of Medicine.

Dr. Kim thanked Dean Kikano for speaking, and congratulated the Essay Contest and Health Angel Award winners. She reminded the students to contact the SCMS Foundation for a loan once they are accepted into medical school.

The next Membership Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at Horizons.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Joan M. Cramer, Executive Director

For More Details: 989-781-5260 ext. 3 www.srrn.net

18

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

On behalf of the Board and Membership, Dr. Willy thanked Steven J. Vance, MD for nine years of service as an Alternate Delegate and liaison for CMU College of Medicine; Julia M. Walter, MD for 13 years of service as an Alternate Delegate, Delegate, Director and two years as President; and Harvey K. Yee, MD for three years of service as a Director. Drs. Vance and Yee have completed their terms, and Dr. Walter is retiring and moving to Washington State.

MSMS REIMBURSEMENT ADVOCATE ALERT DEADLINE JUNE 21, 2022 Act Now to Maintain Online Access to Blue Cross, BCN Information The last day to access BCBSM and BCN’s Provider Secured Services and web-DENIS is June 21, 2022. Beginning June 22, these tools will be retired and no longer available.

June 13, 2022 This is the last week before Blue Cross and BCN transition to their new provider portal June 20, 2022 Blue Cross and BCN have a new provider portal Here is how to find the information you need to register and learn how to use Blue Cross and BCN’s new provider portal, Availity Essentials.

Register To register for an Availity Essentials account, go to the Blue Cross and BCN Welcome to Availity webpage, scroll down and click Register for Availity Essentials.

After registering, your Availity administrator will need to take additional steps for users to access e-referral and Health e-BlueSM. For more information, go to Blue Cross and BCN’s Register for web tools page and scroll down to Getting access to Blue Cross and BCN tools through our provider portal.

Train After you are registered, you can learn how to use Availity Essentials for Blue Cross and BCN one of two ways: • Go to the Availity Get Up to Speed with Training webpage. (Note that this website will be available through October 2022.)

• Within Availity, you can click on Help & Training, then click on Get Trained and enter BCBSM into the search field at the top of the screen.

Get help • Call Availity Client Services at 1-800-AVAILITY (282-4548) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time (excluding holidays).

• Within Availity, click on Help & Training and then click on Availity Support.

More information • Welcome to Availity special edition newsletter • Welcome to Availity webpage • Transitioning to the Availity provider portal frequently asked questions for providers

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Availity is an independent company that contracts with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network to offer provider portal services.

FAQs: New Implicit Bias Training Requirement – June 1, 2022 The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) now requires implicit bias training for physicians and other health care professionals. The requirements apply to both new applicants, as well as, those renewing their existing licenses or registrations starting on June 1, 2022. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the new training requirements: What professions need to comply with this new rule regarding Implicit Bias Training?

All health care professions licensed or registered under the Michigan Public Health Code are required to take Implicit Bias Training. This includes medicine, osteopathic medicine, nursing and physician assistants.

Are the MSMS Implicit Bias Training opportunities acceptable for other health care providers re-licensure?

Yes, the MSMS Implicit Bias Training is acceptable for all health care professionals.

When does this requirement begin?

The new requirement took effect on June 1, 2022. If you renew on or after June 1, 2022, the training is required. The training is also required for all new applications for licensure received on or after June 1, 2022.

How many hours of training do I need?

New Applicants for licensure are required to have completed 2 hours of implicit bias training within the 5 years immediately preceding issuance of the license or registration.

Renewing licensees are required to complete 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of their license or registration cycle. However, for initial renewal after June 1, 2021, licensees will only need to have 1 hour for each year since the rule’s promulgation date of June 1, 2021.

Renewal Timeframe June 1, 2021 – May 31, 2022 June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023 June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024

Implicit Bias Educational Hours Needed None 1 hour 2 hours

June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025

3 hours

Subsequent renewals will require 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the license or registration cycle. For fully licensed physicians, this will be 3 hours for their 3-year license. continued on page 20

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022 19

continued from page 19

How is this training different from other mandated CME? • Training must include strategies to reduce disparities in access to and delivery of health care services.

• Training must include the administration of pre- and posttest implicit bias assessments.

• The training must have a live component.

Does watching a video meet the requirements of the training?

No. Solely recorded or archived content is not allowable, a live component is required that incorporates interaction among the participants (with each other and the instructor).

Acceptable modalities of training are a teleconference or webinar that permits live synchronous interaction, a live presentation or an interactive online instruction.

BUYERS BEWARE!! Many professional medical education companies are racing to provide implicit bias content to meet Michigan re-licensure requirements. While they claim they meet Michigan LARA requirements, most do not.

Please make sure your class has a live component (meaning in-person) and a pre- AND post-implicit bias assessment is included.

What courses can I take through MSMS? MSMS has many opportunities to meet your Implicit Bias Training needs from 1- 3 hours of education.

The MSMS Foundation worked with state-wide experts in diversity and equity on a brand-new, two-part monthly series, titled, “Reducing Unconscious Bias - an Imperative (RUBI): Foundation and Impacts on Patient Care,” which includes a one-hour, on-demand video followed by a half-hour live webinar. To meet the implicit bias requirement, physicians will need to complete Part 1 and Part 2 to receive 1.5 AMA PRA Category Credit(s)™.

After completing Part 1, participants may choose any of the following Part 2 sessions to complete the activity: July 13, 2022 August 10, 2022 September 21, 2022 October 12, 2022 November 16, 2022 November 30, 2022 All sessions will run from 12-12:30 p.m.

Additional 2022 opportunities include: Conference Title

Date

Format

Content/Hours

A Day of Board of Friday Medicine Renewal 9/23/22 Requirements – September 2022

Live Onsite 1-hr Medical Marriott Ethics East Lansing 3-hr Pain & Symptom Management 3-hr Implicit Bias

Monday Night Medicine: Implicit Bias

Monday 10/3/22

Live Virtual

ASM: Implicit Bias

Thursday Live Virtual 10/13/22

A Day of Board of Friday Medicine Renewal 11/4/22 Requirements – November 2022

Live Onsite Sheraton Ann Arbor

Monday Night Monday Live Virtual Medicine: 11/7/22 Implicit Bias

1.5-hr Implicit Bias 3-hr Implicit Bias 1-hr Medical Ethics 3-hr Pain & Symptom Management 3-hr Implicit Bias 1.5-hr Implicit Bias

For more information on the MSMS Implicit Bias Monthly Series (speakers, cost, etc.) click HERE. Statement of Accreditation: The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

AMA Credit Designation Statement: The MSMS designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

NEW Online Learning Management System After a year in the works, a new Learning Management System recently went live for the entire catalog of archived webinars. This internet-based program allows members to more easily access educational offerings and track their completed CME activities.

It uses the same log in credentials as the MSMS website and can be accessed through msms.org/LMS. One important feature to highlight is all of your completed CME certificates from here forward are tracked in your user profile to be viewed, downloaded or printed at your convenience.

THANK YOU, ADVERTISERS!

The SCMS would like to thank our dedicated advertisers. When you have a need for a service, please consider our advertisers first!

All Seasons Skin and Surgery Center Andersen Eye Associates Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network Covenant HealthCare

20 The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

Covenant Wound Healing Center Jan Hauck – Century 21 Healthway Compounding Pharmacy Lori Krygier Graphic Designer Melissa Morse – Bricks Real Estate

Print Express Shields Chiropractic Wellspring Lutheran Services Home Health & Hospice

BIRTHDAYS JULY Mark S. Adams MD Kai Anderson MD Khristain S. Burke Student Joan M. Cramer Thomas E. Damuth MD Christopher R. DeVries MD Sonia S. Dhaliwal MD Sakshi Dhir MD Jerry J. Evans MD Ryan J. Farley MD Ramakrishnayya Gadam MD Nithya Gandham MD Taylor S. Gaudard MD Megan S. Graham MD Samantha R. Grosteffon Mikita MD Syed R. Hassan MD Mirza J. Hussain MD Dillion A. Jarbo Student Ronald L. Jenson MD Happy Special Birthday!

Samuel L. Kalush MD Muhammad Zatmar Khan MD Mark Lemanski Student

Colleen A. Linehan MD Venkat Maganti MD Therese G. Mead DO Mohamed Ayman Mohamed MD Dermot D. O'Brien MD David B. O'Donnell MD Sunil D. Parashar MD Kathrin M. Parisi MD Donald B. Passal MD Jared Pugh DO Jamie L. Ross MD Jisselly Salcedo MD Galileo A. Sarmiento MD Derek J. Schaller MD Gerald R. Schell MD Frank P. Schinco MD Laura J. Schroeder MD Ryan S. Shelby MD Brandon Snel Student Khine Mon Swe MD Sue C. Tobin DO Christopher D. Trumph DO Zhe Fu Jeff Tu MD Andrei M. Tuluca Student

David D. Udehn MD Steven J. Vance MD

AUGUST Amro Ali MD Aarthi Arab Student Michael J. Argyle MD Ronald C. Barry MD Sussan M. Bays MD Caitlin Coulter Student Steve Dang DO Caleb S. Dean MD Michael J. Dense DC Michael L. Fiore MD Karensa L. Franklin MD Mary Galuska Student Clark J. Headrick DO Mark J. Heinzelmann MD Steven J. Holihan MD Perlita P. Ilem MD Hassaan Imtiaz MD Abdur R. Jamil MD Carly A. Joseph Student Cuong La MD Christopher M.T. Le DO

Harold B. Lenhart MD Ruth M. Licht DO Miles P. Light MD Amita Kakarla Maganti MD Steve Min DO Charles E. Mueller MD Gopi K. Nallani MD Michael Pascoe Student Sujal G. Patel MD Mindy L. Prows DO Maria Qadir MD Zakir H. Qureshi MD Ramesh Penumetsa Raju MD Morsi S. Rayyan Student Nikita Roy MD Mohammed Saleem MD Gayatri K. Shanker MD Manoj Sharma MD Andrew C. Simon DO Britni L. Smith DO Chander W. Srinivasan MD Michael W. Sullivan MD Lodewijk J. vanHolsbeeck MD Navya S. Vipparla MD Claudia C. Zacharek MD

All statements or comments in The Bulletin are those of the writer, and not necessarily the opinion of the Saginaw County Medical Society.

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

21

New Telehealth Suicide Prevention Toolkit Resource!

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)

IN MEMORY Padma Raju Padma Raju left this earthly abode on Saturday, May 7, 2022, after a long illness.

She was 61 years old. A longtime resident of Saginaw, she embodied beauty of the soul, and was an active member of the Saginaw community, a volunteer at the Flint Shiva temple, an ardent devotee of Sai Baba and business owner of the Panda House.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Ramesh Raju; son Sanjay and his wife, Preeti, and their beautiful little girl, Raisa; and son Vijay and his partner, Imaan. Padma leaves behind her sisters Laxmi, Gayatri, brother Srinivas and mother Seetha Devi.

The following Memorial to Roy J. Gerard, MD was written by Drs. Louis Constan, Louis Byrne and James O’Brien.

Roy J. Gerard, MD Roy J. Gerard, MD, was born in Bay City on December 18, 1924, and died on Sunday, April 17, 2022, at the age of 97. He was a key figure in the development of the Specialty of Family Practice, initially in Saginaw and then in the entire State of Michigan.

After bravely serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, and being wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, he attended

the University of Michigan Medical School, with a subsequent internship at the old St. Luke’s Hospital in Saginaw. He was active in the Saginaw County Medical Society, and served as president in 1966. He was the Founder and Director of the Family Medicine Residency program in Saginaw in 1970, and the Founding Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at MSU in 1975. That program became nationally known for its innovations in teaching, research and patient care under his leadership. He co-authored “The Conscience of Medicine,” (still available on Amazon) about the remarkable development of the Specialty of Family Medicine in the State Michigan, from its humble beginnings to its prominent position today. He argued for the key role Family Physicians play in the “Family” of Medicine. He did not retire until 2012, ten years ago.

Roy was long married to Bay City native, Patsy Beckett.

They had 10 children. When she predeceased him in 1981, he remarried, twice, and had four additional children. Family man, soldier, clinician, teacher, leader, innovator, inspiration to many.

Roy Gerard, a credit to “The Greatest Generation.”

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the Roy J. Gerard Faculty Enrichment Fund at Michigan State University.

Creating a

safety network for our

community Our goal is to save lives through prevention, intervention, and aftercare.

Our Network trains individuals in evidence-based suicide prevention with the hope of destigmatizing suicide, increasing help-seeking behaviors, and caring for those impacted by suicide.

To request trainings or resources, contact info@srrn.net I www.srrn.net I 989.781.5260 The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022 23

Covenant Earns 8th Straight 'A' for Patient Safety!

Covenant HealthCare has once again received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2022 - its EIGHTH consecutive "A"! This national distinction recognizes the Covenant team’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital.

“The Great Lakes Bay Region counts on Covenant as a high-quality care provider for the community,” says Michael W. Sullivan, MD, Vice President of Quality Improvement/Chief Medical Officer. “Each and every person on the Covenant team makes a difference, and we thank them for their commitment to delivering safe, extraordinary patient care.”

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over thirty national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as, systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To see full grade details for Covenant HealthCare and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Dr. Ahmed Salama Joins Covenant Hospital Medicine Covenant HealthCare welcomes Ahmed Salama, MD, as a member of the Covenant Medical Group. Dr. Salama joins the Covenant Hospitalist team. The office is located at 1447 North Harrison, Saginaw, MI 48602 and the team can be reached at 989.583.4220.

Dr. Saurav Nepal Joins Covenant Medical Group-MedExpress Covenant HealthCare welcomes Saurav Nepal, MD, as a member of the Covenant Medical Group joining the Covenant MedExpress team providing urgent care services to the community. For more information on Covenant MedExpress locations, visit www.covenantmedexpress.com.

Covenant Cancer Care Regional Support Groups Available Support groups are provided as a FREE service to our community. Support groups listed below meet at the Covenant Cancer Care Center, 5400 Mackinaw, Saginaw, Michigan, in the Third Floor Conference Room A. For more information and to register, please call Alison VanNorman, LMSW, OSW-C at 989.583.5268 or Jody Webb, LMSW at 989.583.5267.

24

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

All Cancer Survivors and Caregivers Noontime Cancer Support Group When: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month Time: 12-1 p.m.

Survivors with Oral, Head, Neck and Chest Cancers and Caregivers Support for Those with Treatment-Related Difficulties S.P.O.H.N.C. – Saginaw Chapter When: 2nd Tuesday of each month Time: 2-3:30 p.m.

Female Cancer Survivors Women’s Cancer Support Group When: 2nd Tuesday of each month Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Young Women’s Cancer Support Group (suggested age 45 and under) When: 4th Tuesday of each month Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

Pulmonary Patients and Caregivers Better Breathers Pulmonary Support Group When: 3rd Tuesday of each month Time: 3-4 p.m.

The Covenant Visiting Nurse Association also offers a Spousal Loss Support Group For Grieving Spouses in the First Year of Loss. For new location and to register, contact Covenant Visiting Nurse Association at 989.799.6020.

Meet Our Physician Recruiters As you know, it takes a pipeline of physicians to continue providing high-quality health care to fulfill the communities’ needs. If you know someone looking for an opportunity to move to Michigan or be part of the great work being done in the Great Lakes Bay Region, please connect them with a member of the Covenant Physician Recruitment team.

Cecilia Jerome, MBA Physician Recruiter Phone 989.583.7510 Email Cecilia.Jerome@chs-mi.com continued on page 25

continued from page 24

one on that particular hole. Prizes range from $5,000 to a golf trip to Scotland. Enjoy light breakfast fare and the practice range before a shotgun start and 18 Par 3 holes. This popular event is open to the first 28 teams who register.

Hannah Schultz, RN, BSN, MBA Physician Recruiter Phone 989.583.7595 Email Hannah.Schultz@chs-mi.com

Crumpets & Croquet | Thursday, August 11 For those who want to be part of the daytime events but golf is not your cup of tea, join us for a different cup of tea – wearing your most festive attire! Women and men will have the chance to enjoy summer refreshments on the lawn, a delicious lunch and rounds of croquet. Team participation is encouraged – complete with a team name, theme, and/or costumes . . . unleash your creativity!

Jon Meyers, BA Physician Recruiter Phone 989.583.7505 Email Jonathon.Meyers@chs-mi.com

Red Carpet Premiere | Thursday, August 11

Save the Date - Covenant HealthCare Foundation Events!

Covenant Red Carpet Events | August 11-12 This year's Red Carpet events will be held at Apple Mountain Resort in Freeland. Proceeds will benefit the Covenant Breast Health Center, Covenant Hospice and Covenant Medical Surgical Program.

18 Hole Par 3 Challenge | Thursday, August 11

Enjoy a night filled with games, music from DJ Ryan Rousseau, food and fun! Let your inner child rejoice with giant versions of your favorite childhood games. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, including sweet and savory options. All guests are eligible to win one of dozens of door prizes, including our grand prize – a $2,500 gift card for Disney, Universal Studios or Caesars Resorts, sponsored by ASR Health Benefits. Purchase a Red Box Reveal, and you’ll be a guaranteed winner!

In this fun twist, every hole is converted to a par 3. Each hole has a terrific prize for the first golfer to shoot a hole-in-

continued on page 26

WE LEAD IN HEALING CHRONIC WOUNDS What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the administration of 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment. Diffusing oxygen throughout the body promotes angiogenesis, allowing a chronic wound to get the nutrient and oxygen rich blood it needs to heal. Specialized wound care, including HBOT, is often necessary for optimal treatment of chronic wounds.

HBOT is an effective adjunctive therapy used in conjunction with advanced wound care. Along with proper attention to nutrition and other underlying medical problems, we achieve greater healing results. HBOT is a proven treatment for: • Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis • Lower Extremity Diabetic Ulcers • Radiation Cystitis/Proctitis or Radiation Necrosis

David Gustavison, DO Medical Director

Covenant Wound Healing Center “There are approximately 6.5 million patients in the U.S. suffering from chronic wounds (e.g. diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers) and approximately 140,000 patients are hospitalized every year with new wounds. Currently, over 23 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes.”* Covenant Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center has a team of experts trained to evaluate your patient’s wound and develop a treatment plan.

Using the most advanced technology and research, our wound care team can work with you and your patients to heal wounds quickly.

Anthony de Bari, MD, CWSP

Scott Byron, DPM, FAAPSM

Mark Bullock, DPM

Khalid Malik, MD

*https://WWW.NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV, article PMC6161627 • © 2021 Covenant HealthCare. All rights reserved. PK 5/21 13958

ONLY ACCREDITION IN MICHIGAN; SECOND IN THE U.S. COVENANT WOUND HEALING & HYPERBARIC MEDICINE CENTER 900 Cooper, Saginaw, Michigan 989.583.4401 • covenanthealthcare.com

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022 25

NEW MEMBERS

continued from page 25

Premiere Golf Classic | Friday, August 12 This popular event sells out quickly and features a full breakfast and practice range, followed by a shotgun start.

Pick up pointers with your team while playing with a PGA golf professional. Dinner and awards banquet following golf.

For additional information or to register, contact Covenant HealthCare Foundation at 989.583.7600.

Covenant Kids Gala | October 7 Please join us Friday, October 7, 2022, for the Covenant Kids Gala at Horizons Conference Center. This elegant blacktie affair will feature the outstanding showband, Skyline and the Backstreet Horns, performing a vast musical selection, a unique four-course meal, festivities and fellowship all while raising money for state-of-the-art equipment for our region’s pediatric patients in the Covenant Emergency Care Center.

Tickets for this fundraising event are $200 per person, and $1,600 for a table of eight. For more information about supporting this amazing effort, contact Aimee Minard at aimee.minard@chs-mi.com or 989.583.7602

Cecilia E. Kraus-Horbal DO

Jacquelyn G. Small DO

CMU Health - Internal Med.

Covenant MedExpress

1015 S. Washington Ave., 3rd Floor Saginaw, MI 48601-2556 Office (989)-746-7500 Fax (989)-746-7728 www.cmich.edu/colleges/cmed/ Internal Medicine

5770 State Street Saginaw, MI 48603-3417 Office (989)-583-0100 Fax (989)-583-0108 www.covenanthealthcare.com Family Medicine

George P. Malliaras MD

CMU Health - Internal Med.

Covenant Plastic Surgery

1015 S. Washington Ave., 3rd Floor Saginaw, MI 48601-2556 Office (989)-746-7500 Fax (989)-746-7727 www.cmich.edu/colleges/cmed/ Internal Medicine, Genetics

800 Cooper, Suite 1A Saginaw, MI 48602-5371 Office (989)-583-6400 Fax (989)-753-5270 www.covenanthealthcare.com Surgery - Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand and Cosmetic

Xia Wang MD

NOTICE OF RETIREMENT

We wish the following members who have or are in the process of retiring the very best in health and happiness as they enter the next chapter of their lives!

Robert L. Borenitsch, DO (7/1/22) | Jeffery W. Carney, MD (6/30/22) | Daniel J. Dymek, MD Aida B. Ponce, MD | Ramesh P. Raju, MD | Julia M. Walter, MD | Liaqat Zaman, MD

Commercial medications not meeting the needs of your patients?

We produce customized medications specially suited to meet the patient’s needs; thus, allowing limitless prescribing opportunities.

• Liquid solutions • Discontinued medications • Topical medications • Human Identical Hormone Replacement for men and women • Sugar free/dye free medications • Non narcotic pain medications

Key Provider to the SCMS

Healthway Compounding Pharmacy continued on page 13 2544 McLeod Dr. N. | Saginaw, MI 48604 | 989.791.1691 | www.healthwayrx.com 26

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

A new 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 for Frontline Healthcare Workers Free, confidential counseling services are available for healthcare professionals and their immediate family to provide help coping with the stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professional counselors provide primary care screening, assessment and monitoring of key health indicators.

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.

Call the Saginaw Community Care HUB at

989.498.2266

for an immediate appointment

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022 27

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Emergency and Trauma Center Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital held a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Tuesday, May 24, to officially recognize the completion of the nearly $18 million expansion to their emergency and Level II trauma center. Leaders from Saginaw County organizations, the City of Saginaw and elected officials attended the event.

The expansion included the construction of a 12,600-squarefoot building that was added to the front of the hospital.

Enhancements and renovations to existing space were also completed to create a modern-day emergency and trauma care center that now provides 24 treatment rooms and two state-of-the-art trauma rooms.

A focus on patient care guided the building design and site development. Significant excavation work occurred to elevate the grade to build a covered ambulance entry that can accommodate multiple vehicles. The new facility improves access for ambulances and provides a covered, airport style drop-off/pick up for the public.

The expansion was made possible following Ascension’s announcement in May 2018 of their commitment to their Northern Michigan hospitals through an initial $50 million investment. The expanded emergency and Level II trauma center provides an increase in capacity, enhances the flow of patient care and improves access.

Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital Receives Reverification as a Level II Trauma Center Ascension St. Mary’s has been reverified as a Level II Trauma Center by the Verification Review Committee (VRC), an ad hoc committee of the Committee on Trauma (COT) of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement recognizes the trauma center's dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients.

Ascension St. Mary's was the first hospital in the Great Lakes Bay Region to become a Level II Trauma Center for adults in 2008. The ACS-COT verifications are the gold standards for trauma program verifications. The reverification recognizes the high standard of care provided to injured adults at Ascension St. Mary’s and reflects the dedication of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.

28

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

“Being reverified as a Level II trauma center is a momentous achievement and testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and physicians,” said Kelly Bourdow, Ascension St. Mary’s Trauma Program Manager. “ Our patients have, and will always be, our top priority and this reverification is a continued step in ensuring they get the life-saving care they need quickly.”

Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the COT's Consultation/Verification Program for Hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers in which participants provide not only the hospital resources necessary for trauma care, but also the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients. This spectrum encompasses the prehospital phase through the rehabilitation process.

Physician Receives Designation The American Board of Surgery (ABS) recently announced that Vasanth Stalin, MD, successfully completed the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) Focused Practice Designation (FPD) Examination and has obtained a Designation of Focused Practice in MBS. Dr. Stalin was the first amongst the currently practicing bariatric surgeons in Michigan to obtain the American Board of Obesity Medicine Board certification, and he also engages in the medical management of obesity. His area of expertise includes gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, duodenal switch, lap-band, intragastric balloon, revisional bariatric surgery, gastric neurostimulator for gastroparesis, transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), nissen fundoplication for GERD, paraesophageal hernia repair, therapeutic endoscopy, esophageal manometry and other general surgical procedures like hernia and gallbladder surgery.

Dr. Stalin has been a minimally-invasive surgeon for more than a decade. He is also the Director of Bariatric Surgery at Ascension St. Mary's Hospital, which is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program. This recognition certifies that the highest standards of quality and safety are being met. Weight-loss services available at Ascension St. Mary's Hospital include: • Duodenal switch • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass • Sleeve gastrectomy • Revisions of previous weight-loss surgeries • Weight management program For more information about bariatric surgery, recovery and support that can benefit your patients, call (989) 907-8716 or visit Ascension Medical Group Bariatrics page.

Welcome New Providers Ascension Medical Group is pleased to welcome the following new providers to our employed medical staff.

Selina Akbar, MD

Toby Blosser, AT

Internal Medicine AMG Primary Care Towne Centre

Athletic Trainer AMG Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Carlyn Hinish, DPM

Jasleen Kaur, MD

Podiatry AMG Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Rheumatology AMG Rheumatology

Pragna Dholakia, NP Cardiology AMG Riverfront Cardiology

Sports Medicine AMG Orthopedic & Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine/Ortho AMG Orthopedic & Sports Medicine

Cardiology AMG Riverfront Cardiology

Electrophysiology AMG Riverfront Cardiology

Angela Ritter, PA

Joginder Singh, MD

Tiffany Wirtz, NP

Family Medicine AMG Family Physicians Gratiot

Taylor Sinda, PA Plastic/

Urology Placed with TriCity Urology

Melissa Fritch, NP

Medical Oncology AMG Medical Oncology & Hematology

Christopher Kukla, PA Alexey Levashkevich, MD Michael Mishkin, DO

Marisa Mohammed, PA Anirudh Penumetcha, DO Amanda Petzold, PA

Neurosurgery AMG Neurosurgery

Leigh Gilpin, DO

Orthopedics AMG Orthopedics

UroGynegology AMG Obstetrics & Gynecology - Genesys

Cardiology AMG Riverfront Cardiology

Sefako Phala, MD

Patchawan 'PorPor' Phunwutikorn, PsyD

Family Medicine AMG Bay City Family Physicians

Psychology AMG Bariatrics

January 2022

Invitation to Participate in Leadership Development Series CMU College of Medicine Office of Faculty Development would like to invite you to a new virtual Leadership Development Series! The series will feature regional leaders who have had to navigate a health system through the challenging COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to make a very positive impact on our community. Throughout the series, our leaders will cover a range of topics and provide insight on their particular leadership style and philosophy.

Our first workshop will feature Stephanie J. Duggan, MD, the regional president and CEO of Ascension Michigan’s Northern Ministries.

When: Friday, June 17, 2022 Time: 2-3 p.m.

When it's time, join your Webex meeting here.

Join by meeting number Meeting number (access code): 2623 080 9556 Meeting password: S6q5xK4BE3E Mark your calendar for Friday, October 21, 2022, from 1-2 p.m.

Our next workshop will feature Beth Charlton, BSN RN, MHA, President and CEO of Covenant HealthCare.

For more ways to join, contact: Nicole Wright, MBA, Coordinator, Training & Professional Development, College of Medicine P: 989-774-7862 | E: nicole.wright@cmich.edu

CMU CME Presents Implicit Bias Training (Required for Licensure) SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, October 8, 2022 Horizons Conference Center 8-11 a.m.

Click HERE for more information

ADVERTISER INDEX All Seasons Skin and Surgery Center Andersen Eye Associates Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network Covenant Healthcare 30

The Bulletin | Late Spring 2022

CMU Awarded $1.1M for Community Service Initiatives Author: Aaron Mills Central Michigan University will receive nearly $1.1 million in federal funding to support two initiatives that will empower the university to serve residents and communities in the state of Michigan.

CMU President Bob Davies said U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, and Congressman John Moolenaar were instrumental in securing funding and support for CMU and its efforts in the community. “We are grateful for the continued leadership and engagement of our federal elected officials,” Davies said.

CMU College of Medicine will receive $960,000 to fund telepsychiatry outreach for mental health services and suicide prevention in rural, medically underserved communities. “Too many people living in small towns and rural communities in Michigan can’t access the behavioral health services they need close to home,” said Sen. Stabenow. “I’m glad to partner with Central Michigan University in their effort to make these critical services more accessible.”

CMU’s College of Medicine will work with local health care providers in Mid-Michigan, including primary care practices, federally qualified health centers and mental health agencies.

The project will expedite and improve access to care while also providing education and training for health care providers in the region.

“This program will build upon existing rural provider practices, equipping them with essential telehealth resources to support Michigan families. The behavioral health capacity increase provided by this program through CMU’s medical school will greatly expand vital patient access for residents throughout our region,” said Congressman Moolenaar.

George E. Kikano, MD, CMU’s Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine, said there is a hidden mental health crisis in the United States, and patients in rural Michigan desperately need care and services. Support for this program will help to address the crisis, he said. “We are grateful to our government representatives who are meeting the needs of their constituents and supporting high-quality services,” Kikano said.

When you have a need for a service, please consider our dedicated advertisers first!

23 13 29 23 2

Covenant Wound Healing Center Jan Hauck – Century 21 Healthway Compounding Pharmacy Lori Krygier Graphic Designer

25 Melissa Morse – Bricks Real Estate 15 Shields Chiropractic 26 Wellspring Lutheran Services Home Health & Hospice 10

9 27 21

™ ™

MAN MAN THERAPY THERAPY MICHIGAN MICHIGAN

You can’t fix your mental health with duct tape.

You can’t fix your mental health with duct tape.

mantherapy.org mantherapy.org

What is Man Therapy Michigan?

What is Man Therapy Michigan?

Man Therapy Michigan reshapes the conversation about suicide prevention and broader men’s mental Man Therapy Michigan reshapes the conversation about suicide broader stigma men’s mental health using stories of hope, resilience and recovery, coupled withprevention humor, to and cut through and healthissues usinglike stories of hope, divorce resilience and recovery, with humor, tackle depression, and even suicidalcoupled thoughts head on. to cut through stigma and tackle issues like depression, divorce and even suicidal thoughts head on.

Man Therapy Michigan provides men approaching crisis, and the people who care about them, a place to Man Michigan men approaching crisis, andown the people who care about them, a place to go andTherapy learn more aboutprovides men’s mental health, examine their and consider a wide array of actions go and learn more about men’s mental health, examine their own and consider a wide array of actions that can put them on the path to treatment and recovery, all within an easy-to-access online portal that can put them on the path to treatment and recovery, all within an easy-to-access online portal at www.mantherapy.org. at www.mantherapy.org.

20 Point Point Head20 Inspection Head Inspection Visitors can take the 20-Point Head

Visitors 20-Point Inspection to getcan thetake run the down of howHead they excel Inspection to get the run down ofmental how they excel and where they can improve their health; and where they can improve their mental health; it’s anonymous and free! it’s anonymous and free!

>>> >>>Get GetInvolved Involved<<< <<< Click here to sign-up for updates Click here to sign-up for updates

Statistics about Suicide11 Statistics about Suicide in Michigan in Michigan

10

th thleading cause of death

7766..55

leading cause of death

communities did not have % of of communities did not have enough mental health % providers enough mental health to serve residents to servetoresidents inproviders 2020, according in 2020, according federal guidelines to federal guidelines

Refer a guy to mantherapy.org Refer a guy to mantherapy.org Follow us on social media Follow us on social media

Meet Dr. Rich Mahogany...

Meet Dr. Rich Mahogany...

a character created to greet visitors, make them a character created to greet visitors, make them feel at ease and provide an overview of what feel at ease and provide an overview of what they will find and explore during their visit. they will find and explore during their visit.

He’s a man’s man who is dedicated to cutting He’s a man’s man who to cutting through the stigma withisadedicated fresh approach. through the stigma with a fresh approach.

Project part of state-wide initiative, Preventing Suicide in Michigan Men (PRiSMM), funded through a Project part state-wide Preventing Suicide Department in Michigan Men (PRiSMM), fundedServices through a five-year grantofawarded by initiative, the U.S. CDC to the Michigan of Health and Human five-year grant awarded by the U.S. CDC to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) (MDHHS) [1] American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Data from CDC 2019, Verified Jan. 2021) [1] American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Data from CDC 2019, Verified Jan. 2021) aws-fetch.s3.amazonaws.com/state-fact-sheets/2021/2021-state-fact-sheets-michigan.pdf aws-fetch.s3.amazonaws.com/state-fact-sheets/2021/2021-state-fact-sheets-michigan.pdf

mantherapy.org mantherapy.org

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Saginaw, MI 48605 PERMIT #52

350 ST. ANDREWS ROAD | SUITE 242 SAGINAW, MI 48638-5988

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

2022 KEY PROVIDERS

These Area Businesses Support Saginaw County Medical Society Membership Meetings. When you have a need for a service, please consider our Key Providers.

CALENDAR OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS FOR 2022-23* Tuesday, August 16, 2022 - CMU College of Medicine, 1632 Stone Street, Saginaw Board Meeting - 5:30 p.m.

There is no Membership Meeting in August.

Tuesday, September 20, 2022 - 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.

Speaker - Thomas J. Veverka, MD, MSMS President “The Future of Medicine” Speaker - Alison Arnold, Ed.D., Director, Interdisciplinary Center for Community Health & Wellness, Central Michigan University “Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)” Email meeting notices will be sent in early September.

Online reservations are required.

Saturday, October 8, 2022 – Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State Street, Saginaw CMU CME presents “Implicit Bias Training” (required for licensure) Time: 8-11 a.m.

Click HERE for more information

All statements or comments in The Bulletin are those of the writer, and not necessarily the opinion of the Saginaw County Medical Society.

Tuesday, October 18, 2022 - 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.

Program - Candidates’ Forum for the November election Email meeting notices will be sent in early October.

Online reservations are required.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022 - 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.

Tuesday, January 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.

Joint with the Saginaw County Dental Society Speaker - TBD Topic - TBD Email meeting notices will be sent in early January.

Online reservations are required.

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 - CMU College of Medicine, 1632 Stone Street, Saginaw Board Meeting - 5:30 p.m.

There is no Membership Meeting in February. *subject to change

Joan Cramer/SCMS | Office 790-3590 | Fax 331-6720 | Cell 284-8884 | jmcramer@sbcglobal net | www.SaginawCountyMS.com