20 minute read
From Farm Boy to Family Physician - Michael J. Slavin, MD
By Michael Slavin, Jr.
As a young boy, my dad never dreamed of becoming a doctor. He spent time in the field picking crops, playing baseball, climbing trees, swimming in the ditch that ran by the family farm, helping his father at the family gas station, listening to the Tigers on the radio, living the idyllic farm boy life. The exuberance and innocence of youth are sometimes tempered by tragedy, however, and such was the case for Michael Slavin and his eight siblings. At age 47, Sergeant Stanley Slavin finally succumbed to wounds sustained fighting in World War II and left a 10-year-old Michael fatherless. Michael considered joining the priesthood, completing his studies at the seminary in Saginaw, but life changed again when Eleanor Slavin passed away at the age of 49, and a now 18-year-old Michael and his eight siblings were parentless. The older siblings took turns caring for the younger, and as tragedy befell another branch of the family, they also took turns caring for a quadriplegic cousin who had lost both of his parents and all his siblings.
Advertisement
Peak Performance is your source for Professional PC Tech Support onsite or in-home. We specialize in virus removal, hardware troubleshooting, preventative maintenance and performance improvements for all brands of PC’s.
With over 15 years in the industry, you can be sure the job is done right.
IT Specialist to the SCMS and many physician practices
Call today to schedule an appointment 989-272-8123
The experience of caring for this cousin inspired Michael to care for others, so much so that he abandoned a desire to teach mathematics and changed his college career path to medicine. Without parents or scholarship, Michael paid for college and medical school by taking out loans and by working any job he could find: Jarring pickles at a pickle factory, landscaping at a cemetery, working demolitions for the county road commission and joining the U.S. Air Force. Things had not gotten easier by then, but after finding his lovely young wife, Mary, he now had a partner with which to share his life’s joys and burdens. All physicians take up the responsibility of caring for their fellow man, but few have done so with the level of dedication and compassion that have defined my Dad’s career. Anyone who has met him at any point between the early days of his private practice to his role as Medical Director would have met the same person. He has always been the man who put everyone else’s needs before his own. He has always been the man who focused on his family, his patients and his colleagues before himself. Early in his career if it meant staying up all night delivering a baby and then going directly into a 12 hour day at the office, he would do it without a complaint. Later in his career, if it meant staying up until 3 a.m. to prep for a 7 a.m. meeting and then head to another 12 hour day at the office, he would do that without a complaint too. Though he retired last year, I believe I can say without hyperbole that he has had a significant and lasting impact on the quality of medical care in Saginaw. Because he has spent his life doing what he loves, caring for people, he would never in a million years ask for gratitude or even think it was due. That is exactly the reason that I ask you now to find a way to thank him. Dad’s email is mjslavin@chartermi.net and I know he’d love to hear from you.
On behalf of our family, thank you!
Ascension St. Mary's Presents a New TAVR Approach at National American College of Cardiology Meeting
Catheter based aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure has become the gold standard for managing aortic valve stenosis (a/k/a narrowed heart valve), a disease that can lead to shortness of breath and heart failure. Medical procedures like TAVR can be associated with its own complications such as needing a pacemaker after the procedure or renal (kidney) dysfunction because of the contrast dye used during the procedure. The structural heart team at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw has developed a new approach to implanting the balloon expandable valve to minimize the potential TAVR associated complications. The new approach was presented as an abstract at the American College of Cardiology meeting. Safwan Kassas, MD, Director of the Structural Heart Program at Ascension St. Mary’s, has shown the new approach has led to the lowest published TAVR related pacemaker rate of three percent compared to the national average of 8.5-10 percent. This also has led to a low procedural contrast amount between 8-14 CCs per procedure as compared to the national average of more than 60 CCs, thus reducing renal dysfunction adverse events. For questions about heart valve care at Ascension St. Mary’s, please contact Brandi Horgan at (989) 907-8080.
Ascension St. Mary’s Welcomes CMU Health Residency Program to Their Riverfront Building
Ascension St. Mary’s welcomed CMU Health and their internal medicine residency program to Ascension St. Mary’s Riverfront building at 1015 S. Washington Avenue in Saginaw. On Monday, July 19, CMU Health internal medicine and infectious disease patients began going to a new and larger office area on the third floor of Ascension St. Mary’s Riverfront building. The care site was newly renovated to improve patient comfort and includes a spacious waiting area, 14 exam rooms, access to an onsite laboratory and other medical specialties. “Ascension St. Mary’s has been a part of what is now CMU Health and its graduate medical education programs for more than 50 years,” says Stephanie J. Duggan, MD, President and CEO, Ascension Michigan Northern Ministries. “Our clinical collaboration continues with the 2020 signing of a 25-year commitment with CMU and Covenant for medical education in the Northern Michigan region. The relocation of CMU Health’s internal medicine residency program and infectious disease practice to Ascension St. Mary’s Riverfront building will further our respective missions of enhancing access to patientcentered, compassionate care.” The internal medicine practice at CMU Health is a patientcentered medical home and has some of the region’s foremost specialists in adult medicine and the treatment and prevention of complex diseases and illnesses. CMU Health internal medicine residents and faculty physicians provide care for adult patients, 18 years of age and older. Providers focus on disease prevention and health management and treatment of conditions, including diabetes and its complications, gastrointestinal conditions (constipation, diarrhea, abdominal complaints), heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, non-obstetric needs of pregnant patients, preventive health care, primary care of patients with HIV and Hepatitis C, screening and prevention of cancers, sports medicine and travel medicine and immunizations. “The expansion of the CMU Health footprint, made possible by Ascension St. Mary’s, allows us to continue the mission of improving the health of our community through education,” said Samuel J. Shaheen, MD, Executive Director, CMU Medical Education Partners. “Saginaw is becoming an even more important healthcare destination, fostered by the partnership between CMU College of Medicine, Ascension St. Mary’s and Covenant Healthcare.” Ascension St. Mary’s Riverfront is also home to other specialty care offices including cardiology (Michigan CardioVascular Institute), pulmonology and critical care, primary care, bariatric services, diabetes education, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and outpatient laboratory draw center. The CMU Health internal medicine office can be reached at (989) 746-7500.
Ascension St. Mary’s Welcomes New Providers
Ascension St. Mary’s is pleased to welcome our newest members to the medical staff. These providers are now caring for individuals at their office locations and Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in support of our mission to better serve our community.
Selina Akbar, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and provides primary care for individuals age 14 and older. Previously with McLaren, Dr. Akbar joins the Ascension Medical Group Primary Care Towne Centre team located at 4705 Towne Centre Road, Suite 204, in Saginaw Township. The office can be reached by calling (989) 780-2455. Dr. Akbar obtained
her medical degree from Sylhet Mag Osman Medical College and completed her internship and residency at DMC - Sinai Grace Hospital in Detroit.
Neal Bhatt, MD, is the medical director at Ascension St. Mary’s Seton Cancer Institute. As a radiation oncologist, Dr. Bhatt is an integral member of a multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care, providing evidence-based care at Seton Cancer Institute locations in Saginaw, Marlette and West Branch. His primary areas of interest are in the management of head and neck malignancies, thoracic malignancies, and gynecologic malignancies with extensive HDR/LDR brachytherapy, SBRT, SRS, IMRT and IGRT experience. Dr. Bhatt is a graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine. He completed an internship at the University of Illinois School of Medicine/ Presence St. Francis Hospital and radiation oncology residency program at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Dr. Bhatt can be reached at (989) 907-8115.
Ascension St. Mary’s Loosens Visitor Guidelines
Due to the decreasing community positivity rates and lower number of COVID-19 hospitalizations, Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital recently moved to a Tier I visitation policy, which allows one visitor at a time, multiple persons allowed per day in an acute care setting. Visitors should be at least 18 years old (unless they are the parent of the patient or special circumstances) and not in a high-risk health category such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions. • The term visitor is inclusive of one guardian or support person who is medically necessary to facilitate patient care • One support visitor is allowed in Labor and Delivery in addition to a midwife/doula • One visitor is allowed for outpatient surgery patients must stay in waiting room • Two parents/guardians are allowed for all pediatric patients (21 years and younger) • One visitor allowed in Ascension Medical Group clinics, outpatient radiology and lab if necessary for patient assistance • Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis relative to the patient’s individual needs by the management in the patient care area • These restrictions do not apply to end-of-life visitations
All visitors are required to complete a screening, must wear a hospital-issued mask (no cloth masks) and practice social distancing while in the patient room and any area of the facility. All visitors must stay in the patient room or designated area, and limit visiting other areas in the hospital. They must also sanitize their hands before and after the visit.
Patients who are positive or under evaluation for COVID-19 will not be allowed visitors.
Ascension St. Mary's Introduces My Dining
On June 16, Ascension St. Mary's introduced a new inpatient dining program. My Dining allows inpatients to call Food and Nutritional Services (FNS) anytime - 45 minutes before they would like to eat. They can choose from expansive menu options based on their therapeutic diet. In addition, the majority of the menu is cardiac and renal compliant. Patients that are unable to choose will have the daily chef’s special for each meal. For diabetic trays, FNS will continue to call the nursing unit ahead of delivery.
New DaVinci Robot Arrives
Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital received an additional DaVinci Xi robot. With robotic assisted surgery as an emerging medical technology and helping standardize surgical procedures, patients will receive the highest quality care in the field of minimally invasive surgery. Current services include general, oncology, gynecologic and urologic procedures. With greater surgical precision and enhanced visualization, the DaVinci robot will empower our physicians to provide and allow our patients to receive the best possible treatment for their mind, body and spirit.
Covenant HealthCare Achieves SRC’s Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery Accreditation
Covenant HealthCare has recently achieved accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, recognized for providing the highest quality of care and patient safety by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). Additionally, eight surgeons joined Covenant HealthCare on the journey and became accredited Surgeons of Excellence. Status as an accredited facility means that Covenant HealthCare has met nationally and internationally recognized standards. Not all hospitals and surgeons seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous requirements and inspection process are granted accreditation. “The level of collaboration between surgeons, staff and leadership necessary to achieve recognition as a Robotic Center of Excellence validates Covenant HealthCare’s commitment to ensuring patient safety and quality,” says Aimie Goodrow, Director of Surgical Services. “Consistently delivering safe surgical care using state-of-the-art technology and demonstrating commitment to continuous improvement have been key initiatives for this first-class team, our patients and our community.” Healthcare organizations and surgeons seeking accreditation by SRC undergo an extensive self-assessment and inspection process. This includes physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in the accredited program. The inspection is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization or surgeon improve its care and services. “We’re proud to recognize Covenant HealthCare for their commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this hospital is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.” To learn more about SRC and the accreditation process, visit surgicalreview.org.
(Left to right): Wael Solh, MD (Colorectal Surgery); Todd Richardson, MD (General Surgery); Gregory Sutton, MD (Gynecologic Oncology); Elizabeth Paulus, MD (Surgical Oncology); Sanjeevkumar Kaul, MD (Urology); Maher Ghanem, MD (Hepatobiliary Surgery); Duane Heilbronn, MD (Obstetrics and Gynecology Surgery); and Sujal Patel, MD (General Surgery)
(Left to right): Lindsey LaTarte (Harrison Campus Operating Room Manager), Aimie Goodrow (Director of Surgical Services); and Lynn Miner (Robotics Administrator)
Marcus Atkins, M.S., Joins Physician Relations Team
Marcus Atkins, M.S., has joined the Office of Physician Relations & Regional Outreach as a Physician Liaison. Marcus has 18 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, and most recently worked at a local medical office in a development and sales role. He can be reached at 989.583.4051 (office) or 989.284.2555 (mobile).
Covenant Wound Healing Center First in Michigan to Earn Advanced Certification with Distinction
The Covenant HealthCare Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center has been certified as an Advanced Wound Care Program with Distinction by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP), a brand of Accreditation Commission for Healthcare, Inc. (ACHC). It is the only wound center in Michigan and the second in the nation to earn this certification, which recognizes excellence in patient care, quality and safety. “Non-healing wounds can be very difficult to treat and a high level of specialized care is critical to healing,” said Jackie Tinnin, Administrative Director of Cardiovascular & Imaging at Covenant HealthCare. “Our wound care team works diligently with patients and caregivers to ensure trust in our clinicians and makes quality care a consistent priority. We congratulate them on this significant and well-deserved achievement.” To become certified, a wound care program must meet standards demonstrating that it: • Organizes service delivery structures toward advanced levels of care • Drives the adoption of practices that improve outcomes and reduce risk • Benchmarks performance to place data in a meaningful context • Commits to continuous improvement • Provides staff with an opportunity to build skills and receive recognition for achievement • Maintains community partnerships “The Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center at Covenant HealthCare clearly demonstrates a commitment to quality and patient safety,” said Meg Gravesmill, VP of HFAP. “We are proud to certify it as an Advanced Wound Care Center with Distinction through its performance in successfully meeting all program standards with zero deficiencies.”
Established in 2002, the Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center at Covenant HealthCare offers outpatient wound care services provided by a diverse staff of general and orthopaedic surgeons, podiatrists and highly trained nurses and technicians who treat each patient like family. With specialized wound care, the vast majority of patients heal within 16 weeks. For more information, visit www. covenanthealthcare.com or call 989.583.4401.
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
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.
David Gustavison, DO Medical Director 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
EDUCATION Monday Night Medicine Series Health Disparities/Health Equity Education Update
In the fall, MSMS’s Monday Night Medicine Virtual Series, which runs from 6:30-8 p.m., will focus on health equity. The fall schedule is as follows:
• TUESDAY, September 7 (due to Labor Day) - Health Disparities and Health Equity Debra Furr-Holden, PhD, Director, Division of Public Health & Associate Dean for Public Health Integration, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine • Monday, October 4 – Health Education and Equity “Then when you know better, do better.” ~ Next steps in the journey of dismantling systemic racism within health care and beyond. Peter Knoester, MD, Anesthesia Practice Consultants Khan Nedd, MD, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Infusion Associates Matthew Wixson, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Associate Chair, Diversity, Michigan Medicine Lisa Lowery, MD, MPH, Assistant Dean, Diversity and Cultural Initiatives, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine
• Monday, November 1 – AMA Center for Health Equity Other educational meetings through the end of 2021 include: • Wednesday, September 8 – Grand Rounds Series, Information Blocking Follow-up, 12-12:45 p.m.
FREE WEBINAR
• Tuesday, September 14 – Board of Medicine Renewal Requirements, 8 a.m.-1:15 p.m. VIRTUAL ONLY • Wednesday, September 15 – Annual Scientific Meeting, Endocrinology Update, 3-6 p.m. VIRTUAL ONLY • Thursday, September 16 - Annual Scientific Meeting, Otolaryngology, 3-6 p.m. VIRTUAL ONLY • Wednesday, October 13 – Grand Rounds Series, No Surprises Act, 12-12:45 p.m. FREE WEBINAR • Wednesday, October 20 – Annual Scientific Meeting, Dermatology Update, 3-6 p.m. VIRTUAL ONLY • Thursday, October 21 – Annual Scientific Meeting Updates in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, 3-6 p.m.,
VIRTUAL ONLY • Wednesday, November 10 – Grand Rounds Series, Auto No-Fault Changes, 12-12:45 p.m. FREE WEBINAR • Friday, November 12 – Board of Medicine Renewal Requirements, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. LIVE and VIRTUAL • Saturday, November 13 – Conference on Bioethics, 8:45 a.m.–3 p.m. LIVE and VIRTUAL • Wednesday, November 17 – Annual Scientific Meeting, Cardiology 2021, 3-6 p.m. VIRTUAL ONLY • Thursday, November 18 – Annual Scientific Meeting, Updates in Infectious Disease, 3-6 p.m. VIRTUAL ONLY • Wednesday, December 8 – Grand Rounds Series, Open Notes, 12-12:45 p.m. FREE WEBINAR Questions? Please contact Beth Elliott, Meeting Planner, Physician Education, MSMS, office 517-336-5789, email belliott@msms.org. Visit www.msms.org and click on Education.
Health Can’t Wait is a coalition of patients, physicians and health care providers dedicated to putting Michigan patients first and ending delays in patients’ access to health care.
This past spring, the Senate unanimously passed SB 247 - prior authorization reform that reduces the red tape patients and providers are forced to navigate. The bill has now moved on to the House of Representatives for consideration. To be as proactive and productive as possible in the lead-up to this critical fall legislative session, we are asking for your help in reaching out to these lawmakers on SB 247. Making direct contact with Representatives on this issue will go a long way towards helping us duplicate the success we experienced with this legislation in the Senate. We have also produced two new action alerts - one for patients and one for providers - that make it easier for an individual to quickly contact their Representative and communicate the importance of the reforms outlined in SB 247.
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE NOW AND URGE THEM TO VOTE YES ON SB 247 THIS FALL.
SafeHaven™ Now Offering Michigan Physicians & Health Care Providers Resources to Manage Stress and Burnout
New program offers physicians and health care providers with the resources they need to meet the demands of their personal and professional lives.
In an effort to better serve and support clinicians struggling with stress, burnout and the effects of COVID-19, MSMS has launched SafeHaven™ , a comprehensive and confidential physician and health care provider wellbeing program offering clinicians with the resources and support they need to address career fatigue and behavioral health concerns. The Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) conceived and manages SafeHaven™, which is implemented in partnership with VITAL WorkLife. SafeHaven™ was created by the passage of the Virginia legislation, which is the first of its kind in the nation, signed in March 2020. During the 2021 Virginia General Assembly Session, legislation was passed to include additional provider groups to the SafeHaven™ protections including nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and medical, PA, nursing and pharmacy students. The law allows healthcare providers to seek professional support to address career fatigue, burnout and behavioral health concerns with confidentiality and civil protections. SafeHaven™ provides a host of discreet and confidential set of tools and resources that physicians and health care providers can access to stay well, avoid burnout, and connect to their purpose without the fear of undue repercussions to their medical license. “Most who work in health care do not see themselves as heroes and don’t do well seeking help for themselves,
Third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Zion Lutheran Church 454 7th Street, Freeland, Michigan
(Behind Pat’s Grocery Store on Midland Road in Freeland) Caduceus meetings are available to health care industry professionals, and have adopted many of the principles of 12-Step programs. Caduceus meetings are “closed” meetings for recovering health care professionals including, but not limited to, nurses, doctors, dentists and pharmacists. We engage in group discussions where members may want to speak up, ask questions or share thoughts with fellow members.
instead focusing on the needs of others in their care,” said Terri Babineau, MD, CMO of SafeHaven™. “Being only human, health care workers need the opportunity to seek help for mental health reasons without fear of harm to their career. The SafeHavenTM Program offers necessary mental health resources that are truly confidential and actually support health care workers.”
SafeHaven™ resources are available to providers and their families and include the following: • In-the-moment telephonic support, available 24/7 • Counseling sessions • Peer coaching • Legal and financial consultations and resources, available 24/7 • WorkLife Concierge - a virtual assistant to help with tasks, available 24/7 • VITAL WorkLife App providing mobile access to
SafeHaven™ resources For more information about SafeHaven™, please visit MSMS.org/SafeHaven.
Check out this video for more information
safety network Creating a
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
