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If you’re healthy, and you stay healthy, life is always much better. That’s why our goal at The Corvallis Clinic is for everyone to “Have a healthy day, every day!” Our focus is on better ways to keep you healthy, as well as treat you when you’re not. No wonder the Oregon Health Authority has recognized us for providing the highest level of patient-focused primary care in Oregon. We have 39 primary care providers practicing here together with 72 other specialists, assuring your care is comprehensive, coordinated, and convenient. Speaking of convenience, we have full service clinics in Corvallis, Albany, North Albany, and Philomath, some like Pediatrics with extended hours. Plus a walk-in, Immediate Care Center in Corvallis open every day. And QuickCare Clinics in Corvallis and Albany also open every day, with same day, online appointment scheduling. If you’d like recognized care that’s focused on you and your family’s well-being, give our Find-a-Physician representative a click or a call. Because we want everyone to have a healthy day, every day! 541-757-3757 | www.corvallisclinic.com
Lifesaver
Weight loss helps Tim Young survive heart surgery ( PAGE 2)
Meet The Clinic’s new chief medical officer ( PAGE 8)
A fresh approach to diabetes management ( PAGE 10)
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VOLUME 14
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We Want Your Child to Have a Healthy Day, Every Day That’s why our pediatrics clinic is open every day of the week: Monday through Friday, from 8 to 6, and weekends, 10 to 2. The pediatricians at The Corvallis Clinic aren’t just easier to see. They’re doctors with expertise and experience you can rely on. And, they practice here together with 112 other specialists, providing pediatric care that’s comprehensive, coordinated, and convenient. We think you’ll find pediatric care at The Corvallis Clinic is great for your kids, even better for your schedule. Because we want everyone to have a healthy day! Call now to schedule an appointment at 541-754-1278. Find complete health care at any of our locations: Pediatrics 541-754-1278 | Family Practice 541-754-1987 | North Albany Village 541-926-3441 Philomath Family Medicine 541-929-2922 | Waverly Drive/Albany 541-967-8221
Surgery Center honored with Leading Participant Award ( PAGE 5)
The Corvallis Clinic Surgery Center has been recognized by the Oregon Patient Safety Commission as the leading participating ambulatory surgery center in the state. Jonathan Evans, D.O., Clinic orthopedic surgeon and Clinic Surgery Center Medical Director, stands far right with 13 of the 32 center staffers. Bottom row from left: Angie Lester, GI technician; Cheri Peterson, RN, operating room nurse; Krista Bass, RN, Infection Preventionist; Shelley Hurlburt, GI technican; Crystal Barber, supervisor of Materials Management, ASC technicians and surgical technologists. Top row from left: Mark Denham, certified surgical technologist; Jo Molyneux, ASC Tech I and nursing assistant; Jen Coppock, RN, operating room nurse; Shameka Mingo, certified surgical technologist; Jessica Ratcliff, ASC tech I; Sheila Gragg-Thompson, ASC tech I; Nancy Franssen, RN, Clinic Surgery Center Director; Jason Mayer, ASC Tech III. See page 5. Photo by Ryan Gardner/Visual People Design
Inside 5 6 7
Younger Memorial Fund Former pediatrician’s family starts fund for child-abuse prevention
Surgeon says goodbye Dr. Robert Dodds retires after 25 years of service
Sound Reasoning Listening devices not limited to hearing aids
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Contact solution Lens specialist’s expertise brings things into vision
Alzheimer’s research Trials studying potentially disease-slowing drugs
A publication of The Corvallis Clinic. 444 NW Elks Drive, Corvallis, OR 97330 541-754-1150 Send comments or questions to Judy Corwin, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at judith.corwin@corvallisclinic.com. www.corvallisclinic.com
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We’ve Got A Doc For That
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Classes & Research
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More than 100 providers in 27 specialties serving the mid-Willamette Valley at these locations: Asbury Building | Aumann Building North Albany Village Philomath Family Medicine QuickCare | Surgery Center Walnut Boulevard | Waverly Drive/Albany
‘The weight loss saved me’ All the hard work was paying
“Tim really embraced the weight
off for Tim Young on that Saturday
loss program as a true lifestyle
in August 2015 at the Albany
change,” Dr. Curtis said. “He made
Half Marathon.
exercise a major part of his life and
Nearly two years after he
tracked his progress. He changed
sought help at The Corvallis Clinic
his diet and eating habits.”
Weight Loss Center, two years
Young was also prescribed the
from when strolling a mere block
appetite-suppression drug Qsymia.
left him exhausted, Young mixed
“The medication helped with
light jogging with walking to finish
appetite control,” Dr. Curtis said,
the 13.1-mile course.
“but the credit for weight loss
It was one of many such events
goes to him for making these large
in which he and his wife, Ali, had
changes in his lifestyle.”
participated during his journey to lower weight and better health. But, after this one, something was off.
“For some odd reason, it At his heaviest, Young weighed 377 pounds and had a body mass index of 53. A person is considered obese with a BMI of 30 and above. Photo courtesy of Tim Young.
“I didn’t feel right,” Young said
clicked with me,” Young said of the regimen he undertook to drop his weight to about 277 pounds at the time of the half-marathon. Ali
said it had changed their life. “We would go out, not just sit
From “couch potato” to jogger
at home.” And, he also was no longer pre-diabetic.
The 5-foot, 9-inch Lebanon resident weighed 377 pounds
Then came the days right after the half marathon.
and was pre-diabetic in October 2013 when he first saw
Experiencing chest pain, dizziness, sweating, and fatigue,
Dr. Brian Curtis, a Corvallis Clinic internist and Weight Loss
Young went to the emergency room at Lebanon Community
Center medical director, and Sandy Lovelady, Dr. Curtis’
Hospital. He was referred to Good Samaritan Regional
certified medical assistant. “His body mass index (BMI) was
Medical Center, where he was admitted. Tests found a
53,” Dr. Curtis said. A person is considered obese with a
blockage in his left coronary artery.
BMI of 30 and above.
So, after two years of progressing from short, easy strolls,
Ali, Young’s wife of 18 years and an RN who is the
to power walking, to light jogging, and eventually to partici-
employee health nurse at Samaritan Lebanon Community
pating in numerous road races, Young faced a new hurdle:
Hospital, had always been concerned about his eating and
by-pass surgery.
lack of exercise. “When we’d go shopping, he’d have to sit
“The weight loss saved me”
on a bench and wait for me.”
Ali was dismayed when her husband got sick and had to
“I used to be the biggest couch potato,” the 48-year-old
Tim Young credits his wife, Ali, with coaxing him to drop 100 pounds, a weight loss he cites as saving his life when it came to having coronary artery by-pass surgery. Photos on cover and above by Ryan Gardner/Visual People Design. 2
Young said. “My wife tried to get me to do something for
have heart surgery. “I said to him, ‘you’ve done all that work
some time. I finally said ‘yes’ to appease her.”
… and now’...” However, it was all that work that played a huge part
But from this “appeasement,” came forth a new man. 3
continued on page 4
“I have a different husband. He encourages me now. He’s the one who gets up at 5 a.m. and says, ‘let’s go.’” ALI YOUNG
“I’m far from done”
in making it possible for Young to look forward to more half-marathons.
Starting from scratch after surgery, Young is back jogging
Dr. Nervin Fanous, the cardiothoracic surgeon who
3.5 miles four to five times a week, plus lifting weights. He
operated on Young, said the 100-pound weight loss
has special praise for two staffers in the Cardiac
drastically reduced the risks involved with the surgery.
Rehabilitation Department at Samaritan Lebanon
“Patients who carry a lot of extra weight have trouble
Community Hospital who helped get him back to this point:
getting out of bed after major surgery,” said Dr. Fanous,
Rachel Lasselle, lead case manager and exercise specialist,
who was with Samaritan Heart & Vascular Institute at the
and Raechel Graham, exercise specialist.
time of Young’s surgery and now practices at Salem
“The surgery has been life altering,” Young said. “It has
Hospital. “Patients who are debilitated before surgery tend
made me rethink how I want to live my life and what’s really
to do worse after. His weight loss prior to the surgery
important.” To that end, he eventually left his job as a truck
promoted earlier post-operative ambulation, and therefore
driver and is now seeking a less stressful job.
less risk of debility and the need for discharge to a nursing
“I have a different husband,” said Ali, who herself has lost
home to deal with such issues as bed sores. Also, surgery on
40 pounds. “He encourages me now. He’s the one who gets
a person with a large BMI is technically challenging.”
up at 5 a.m. and says, ‘let’s go.’”
Young is convinced he wouldn’t be here today if he hadn’t
Young said he realizes now that the only person who
shed those pounds. “The weight loss saved me,” he said.
prevented him from losing weight was himself, and he tries
“Dr. Fanous was awesome. And I thank God every day for
to spread that message to others.
Dr. Curtis and Sandy Lovelady.”
“I’ve seen the change in me, especially since the surgery.
“I am glad we could be part of his medical team,” Dr.
I tell my friends to get checked; don’t let things go, and just
Curtis said. “This is an example of the Weight Loss program
be positive. Anything you do is better than doing nothing.
serving in a ‘consultant’ role while his primary care was
“I feel like there is nothing I can't physically do if I want it
outside The Clinic.”
bad enough. I hope to have a long life ahead of me. I’m far from perfect. I fight my demons still. It’s a hard road, and I’m far from done.”
Notification process earns Surgery Center top recognition “This award is a great and well-earned honor for The Corvallis Clinic. It demonstrates how fortunate we are to have access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare services in our community.”
Krista Bass, RN, went on a mission last year. While attending the Oregon Patient Safety Forum in early 2015, she was proud to see recognition given to The Corvallis Clinic Surgery Center, where she is infection prevention nurse, for exceeding safety targets established by the Oregon Patient Safety Commission. Krista Bass, RN However, it sparked her to set her sights higher. Her efforts spearheading a written notification process garnered the attention of the commission, which has given the Surgery Center its Leading Participant Award for an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) for 2015. Bass accepted the award at the 2016 Safety Forum on Feb. 26 in Portland. “After the forum last year, I realized our team needed to figure out how to provide written notification,” Bass said. “Being transparent about adverse events was an important first step in addressing patient safety issues.” Currently, 61 ASCs in Oregon participate in the commission’s Patient Safety Reporting Program. In 2015, the Surgery Center was one of only four ASCs in the state to have exceeded the program’s Safety Recognition Targets. The Leading Participant Award winner is chosen among those ASCs that have exceeded the targets. “We tell our patients that we deliver ‘exceptional medical care,’” Clinic CEO Brad Wakefield said, “so it is very gratifying to have the Oregon Patient Safety Commission recognize that we provide the best care of any ambulatory surgery center in the state. Our physicians and Surgery Center team have focused a great deal of effort to achieve this award and recognition, and I want to sincerely thank them for their efforts on behalf of our patients.”
Sen. Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis “This award was made possible by the tireless and diligent efforts of Krista Bass and (Surgery Center Director) Nancy Franssen,” said Jonathan Evans, D.O., a Clinic orthopedic surgeon and the center’s medical director. “We have worked together to create a culture of putting patients first in regards to infection prevention, reduction of preventable mistakes, and the disclosure and reporting of any incidents that did occur. We will continue to work together as a team to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff. Both Nancy and particularly Krista’s efforts are to be greatly admired and appreciated.” Using the Oregon Administrative Rules and laws describing the protections related to written notification and apology, along with guidance from the commission, Bass produced a consensus among Clinic providers, risk management, and administrators on a process to provide information to patients. And what does Bass have planned for 2016? She is excited about creating a standardized program for cleaning staff to follow. “So everybody can be on the same page and work more as a team,” she said. “This award is a great and well-earned honor for The Corvallis Clinic,” said Sen. Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis. “It demonstrates how fortunate we are to have access to highquality, compassionate healthcare services in our community.”
Manage your health record online
Younger Memorial Fund established
Want to see your lab results sooner? Communicate with your provider’s office? Receive appointment reminders? Go to corvallisclinic.com/myccsignup to sign up to My Corvallis Clinic Connection. You will then be ready to access and manage your personal health record in a secure online environment 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from any computer, smartphone or tablet.
A fund in memory of former Corvallis Clinic Pediatrician Dr. Eldon Younger has been established by the Younger family through The Corvallis Clinic Foundation. The purpose of the memorial is child abuse prevention: Next to the love and care displayed for each and every one of his patients, Dr. Younger’s passion was to protect children from child abuse. The Eldon Younger Memorial Fund has been established to carry out this commitment. Contributions in Dr. Younger’s name will be gratefully accepted by The Corvallis Clinic Foundation, 444 NW Elks Drive, Corvallis, OR, 97330.
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Orthopedic surgeon Dodds retires after 25 years at Clinic When Dr. Robert Dodds began his practice in the 1980s, CT scans had just been developed and MRIs had yet to be conceived. Plus, with arthroscopic surgery not as technically advanced as today, a surgeon had to get more up close and personal in those days. “The arthroscopes used today have cameras, so you can view the procedure on a TV screen,” said Dr. Dodds, who retired in December after 33 years as an orthopedic surgeon, the last 25 as a hand and wrist specialist at The Corvallis Clinic. “When I first did arthroscopic surgery, I had to actually look through the scope itself. My face would be only six inches from the part of the body on which I was operating, causing increase potential for contamination.” Dr. Dodds was born in North Carolina and grew up in western Pennsylvania. His father was a nurse anesthetist and his mother a registered nurse. He earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1977. He completed his internship at Westchester General Hospital, in Miami, Fla., in 1978, and his residency at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in 1984. His early surgical career was spent in the Air Force, from which he separated with the rank of major. After serving as a locum tenens in various states, he completed a Hand and Microvascular Surgery Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco in 1990, the same year he joined The Clinic. “It was the positive impact that one of my mentors had on me during orthopedic residency training that sparked my interest in hand and wrist surgery,” he said. He said his pride as a surgeon comes from the privilege of enhancing the lives of thousands of Oregonians by surgical and non-surgical means and by intervening at times to salvage life and limb. Just ask Dr. David Grube, his
former Clinic colleague, who was suffering so much pain from arthritis in his thumbs that he faced early retirement. “The joint at the base of both of my thumbs degenerated to the point that I could not turn on my opthalmoscope,” said Dr. Grube, who retired from Philomath Family Medicine in 2012. “The thumb has many nerve endings and is used in everything we do manually. (Dr. Dodds) performed a procedure that took a tendon from my forearm and transplanted it to a space where he had taken out a bone in my hand, at the base of my thumb.” Dr. Grube said it not only saved his career, but his life. “My thumb pain was the first thing I thought about in the morning,” he said, “and the last thing I thought about at night. After the surgery, when patients would ask me how my thumbs were, I had to think for a second, because they never bothered me again. Today, almost 20 years later, I am pain free, functioning fully. “I referred many patients to (Dr. Dodds) over the years, and they were grateful for his care, as was I for them.” Dr. Dodds has a daughter and two step-children with his wife, Lori, a registered dietitian nutritionist in The Clinic’s Nutrition Department and the program coordinator of the Weight Loss Center. His plans in retirement include attacking a home to-do list, playing more golf and learning the basics of cooking. “I will miss the awesome Clinic physicians and support personnel,” Dr. Dodds said. And the feeling is mutual. “It has been my pleasure and honor to be Dr. Dodds’ practice partner for the past 20 years,” said Dr. Bruce Bynum, an orthopedic surgical colleague. “He was an invaluable mentor during my early years in practice. We have weathered many changes over the years. Bob has always been a calm guiding light during these challenging times. His patients, the Clinic and I personally will miss him greatly.”
S O U N D
R E A S O N I N G
Assistive listening devices: Beyond hearing aids by Diane Bach, BC-HIS Despite the growing number of people purchasing hearing aids, a small segment still resist help. This group may include a parent, a distant relative, or friend whom we are providing assistance. However, those people can still obtain some help for their hearing without the use of hearing aids. Called assistive listening devices, they fill a niche for those who would like to watch television with the volume lower, communicate via the telephone, or just hear conversations better.
Telephone Assistive Devices For some who have severe to profound hearing loss, it is almost impossible to hear on the telephone. Added visual reinforcement, however, can augment their understanding. The CapTel telephone allows people to receive word-for-word captions of their conversations on a screen. The captioning is free, and the phones can be purchased at www.oregoncaptel.com. The Oregon Public Utilities Commission has a program that loans adaptive telephone equipment at no cost to qualifying Oregonians. To download an application, go to http://www.puc.state.or.us/rspf/tdapapp.pdf or call 800-848-4442 to have it mailed. Complete your portion of the application and then give it to your provider who can certify the extent of your hearing loss. In addition, the Sprint WebCaptel is a free web-based service for users to read captions of their phone calls on a computer screen. To register, go to https://portal.sprintcaptel.com/registration.asp. And, there are also amplified desktop style telephones as well as portable telephones that enable the listener to hear a little better.
TV Ears Using infrared technology to transmit sound from your TV to a wireless headset, TV Ears allows you to listen to television at your own level while others can adjust the volume to fit theirs. You can buy TV Ears at www.tvears.com/products, among other online venues.
Other Options The Williams Sound PocketTalker amplifies sounds closest to the listener while reducing background noise. It is placed on a belt clip or lanyard and comes with headphones. Volume, tone and balance control can be adjusted. Even alarm clocks come with options for the hearing impaired. Some have extra volume, while others light up when going off, and some have a vibrating pad that slides beneath the pillow to alert the person. And, for those who do want to try hearing aids, The Corvallis Clinic Hearing Aid Service offers a two- month trial for hearing aids, along with expert counseling and guidance in determining what is best for you. Diane Bach is a Board-Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist at The Corvallis Clinic Ear, Nose and Throat Department. She can be reached at 541-754-1251.
New hours for pharmacy The Corvallis Clinic Pharmacy has changed its hours of operation. It is now open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. “Increased competition from large retail chains and mail-order pharmacies, along with forces that are reducing insurance reimbursement, have prompted us to make the business decision to cut back the hours,” Clinic CEO Brad Wakefield said. “We still will provide the top-notch service that our customers have expected of us over the years.” The pharmacy can be reached at 541-754-1284, with voice mail available 24 hours, seven days a week. It is located in the Asbury Building at 3680 NW Samaritan Drive in Corvallis.
Robert Dodds, D.O., will now have more time to cruise in his classic Mustang with his Great Dane, Orbit, filling up the back seat. 8 6
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Family physician Lance McQuillan to begin as chief medical officer in April where I’ve championed the development and growth of a high-quality family medicine residency program, has equipped me to understand how to navigate organizational culture and administrative processes for better care delivery.
Lance McQuillan, M.D., will start as chief medical officer of The Corvallis Clinic in April, replacing Dennis Regan, M.D., who left in April 2015 for a position as an internal medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. “We feel very lucky to have someone of Dr. McQuillan’s talent join us at The Corvallis Clinic,” said Clinic CEO Brad Dr. McQuillan Wakefield. “He is already an important part of the local medical community, and this new position will give him greater opportunity to help continue to improve how health care is delivered in our area.” Currently the program director of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Samaritan Health Services and a physician at Samaritan Family Medicine, Dr. McQuillan said he became a doctor because he “wanted a career that would provide a lifelong challenge” and where he could “work in a capacity to help people.” Dr. McQuillan is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is on the board of directors of the Oregon Academy of Family Physicians. Prior to joining Samaritan in 2009, he practiced at Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, Wash., and at Marshfield Clinic in Eau Claire, Wisc. Dr. McQuillan completed his residency at Family Medicine of Southwest Washington, in Vancouver, in 2006, and his internship at Mercy Redding Family Practice in Redding, Calif., in 2004. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, in Milwaukee, in 2003. Dr. McQuillan answered the following questions posed to him by The Clinic Connection:
What are the main challenges facing healthcare in general and in the mid-Valley in particular? There are substantial challenges facing healthcare locally and nationally that directly impact patients and physicians. Payers are experimenting with reimbursement models that emphasize quality and efficiency of care, and positive outcomes over volume of care. There is much interest in figuring out how exactly to measure high-quality care — which is a moving target — along with increasing regulatory requirements for how and where care is to be documented. All of this is occurring amid the Affordable Care Act, which has increased the number of patients with the ability to seek care, but has not yet substantially increased the number of physicians or other providers able to see those patients. This is particularly true in Oregon with the expansion of Medicaid. In the meantime, the cost of medications and new technology continues to grow. How do you see The Clinic reacting to these challenges? The Clinic has a tradition of focusing on quality and patient-centered care. This focus on quality places its mission in alignment with healthcare industry shifts. The internal medicine and family medicine departments are already engaged in delivery models consistent with industry best practices. The unique size and organizational structure of The Clinic positions it well to rapidly and effectively respond to the changing environment.
How have your previous experiences and roles as a physician help prepare you for the Chief Medical Officer position at The Clinic? I chose to pursue family medicine training because of a desire to provide high-quality, patient-centered (relationship-based), and socially responsible care. Those core principles, incidentally, sound an awful lot like the core values of The Corvallis Clinic — where my fundamental responsibility will be to ensure that the mission and values are being met. In addition, my work as a family medicine physician, where I’m faced daily with a diverse set of problems, has prepared me to meet a similarly diverse set of administrative challenges. And my service as a residency program director,
What will be your main goals as CMO? I’m excited to help navigate the delivery of care that the changing healthcare environment will demand and to help ensure The Clinic keeps leveraging technology to enhance patient experience. I’m also looking forward to help ensure The Clinic continues to meet the needs of the community. While doing all this it’s critical to focus on physician and provider well-being in a stressed healthcare system. I deeply believe that “simple things,” such as relationships, the capacity to listen, and compassion and empathy, are what will be required to solve the challenges that we face.”
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continued on page 9
“I deeply believe that ‘simple things,’ such as relationships, the capacity to listen, and compassion and empathy, are what will be required to solve the challenges that we face” Lance McQuillan, M.D.
What is it about The Clinic that made you want to be its Chief Medical Officer? This is a tremendous opportunity for me to engage the passions that brought me into medicine in the first place — to deliver high-quality, patient-centered (relationshipbased), socially responsible care. I enjoy solving complicated problems, such as the challenges facing healthcare.
What do you enjoy doing when not at work? My wife Katie (a pediatrician at The Clinic) and I are raising three amazing children aged 7, 5, and 2. They bring a tremendous amount of joy in our lives. I enjoy mountain biking on the trails near Corvallis. I also enjoy playing soccer, and our family enjoys exploring the outdoor wonders of Oregon.
A little contact goes a long way One more contact-lens failure “I was so impressed with her and Dr. Nancy Fisher faced a grasp of my problem and her cornea transplant. suggestion for the type of But she dodged the need for contacts,” Dr. Fisher said. such surgery – at least for now “She patiently spent time – with the expert fitting and showing me tricks to have guidance from Sharon Eng, The success with the lens.” Clinic’s contact lens specialist. Eng said hybrid contact Dr. Fisher was forced to lenses are designed to give retire as an anesthesiologist two people the vision quality of a years ago due to impaired hard gas-permeable lens with vision in her right eye caused the comfort of a soft contact. by progressive cornea scarring, “A hybrid lens is made up of a the result of a chronic infection rigid contact lens in its center first diagnosed in 1995. “I had and soft lens material at its outer tried contact lenses many times border,” she said. “People who “Sharon is a great resource,” retired anesthesiologist over the years, but they caused may benefit from this lens type Dr. Nancy Fisher said of Sharon Eng, shown above, me lots of discomfort,” she said. include those with astigmatism, The Clinic’s contact lens specialist. “I had cataract surgery in high myopia, comfort issues November, and my vision actually got worse. My eye doctor and those who have certain corneal anomalies.” suggested I give a contact lens another try, so I went to Dr. Fisher, who lives in Corvallis, said she has heard from see Sharon.” many other people who are happy with the service they Due to her previous failed attempts with contact lenses, she received from Eng. “Sharon is a great resource for The had little optimism. However, Eng was able to make a difference. Corvallis Clinic and the community. The help she has given “I was successful in fitting Dr. Fisher with a special hybrid me has put off the prospect of the corneal transplant, contact lens,” said Eng, who has been with The Clinic for 25 and I am very grateful.” years. “With the success of this lens, Dr. Fisher’s visual acuity If you have any questions concerning eyeglasses or and comfort were greatly improved.” Her help included contact lenses, call our Optical Center at 541-754-1273, instructing Dr. Fisher on how to properly insert and remove or stop by its location in the Aumann Building, the lens using a small rubber device, along with suggesting a 444 NW Elks Drive, Corvallis. preservative-free disinfecting system to aid in comfort. 9
Diabetes patients get all-in-one care at clinics introduced and really spend the Patient-centered care. time expanding upon this to ensure Coordinated care. that the patient feels comfortable These are two of the many and that all questions have been buzzwords heard concerning answered,” Rickli said. “The ‘warm healthcare. But what do they mean? hand-off’ and support on the same Or, perhaps the better question: day adds comfort to a potentially What do they actually look like intimidating scenario, such as in practice? beginning a new injectable diabetes Look no further than the medication. We provide a great Diabetes Clinics that have occurred deal of follow-through and the last few months at The Corvallis support in this way.” Clinic’s North Albany Village office. Lois James, left, chats with Erin Bartek, RN, In addition, the clinics enable These clinics have provided a team during the most recent Diabetes Clinic at the patients to help achieve their approach to this chronic disease, North Albany Village. The clinics offer a one-day, overall goals more efficiently involving a physician and other one-stop team approach to managing the disease. with one stop. diabetes health professionals. “We are able to communicate information on the spot,” “Physicians often don’t have enough time to spend with Bella said. “If I have blood glucose levels for a patient before patients,” said Dr. Robert Wirth, an internist at North Albany my visit, I can spend our time on other aspects of diabetes Village, who organized the Diabetes Clinics after reading an care. If I know that one of the CDE-RNs focused on article in a medical journal about team-based care for certain medication consistency, I can reinforce that message and add chronic diseases. “Sticking with a plan of care for diabetes is another educational piece that is of interest to the patient.” hard for patients and their families. Lots of ongoing support The care and support do not cease between clinics. Bartek is needed, and a team approach provides for this better.” and Rickli follow up with each patient by phone within two This slant on diabetes management offers patients with weeks, with some in-person visits as well. Bella sees patients providers committed to evaluating their unique needs. who request additional nutrition information. Alan Schrader, a “Each patient faces different barriers and challenges with licensed clinical social worker in Care Coordination, is also their health and diabetes,” said Erin Bartek, RN, who available between clinics for help with both stress management provides additional patient support at the clinics, along with and with social issues that impact self-management. “Stress fellow RN Lindsay Rickli and registered dietitian Deborah management has been recognized as contributing to lower A1C Bella. “By putting minds together from different levels, along with following medication directions, eating backgrounds we can bring forward new ideas to help appropriately, and exercising,” Schrader said. patients live with their disease and simultaneously offer In addition, all the patients continue to see Dr. Wirth for them guidance and someone to call when they need additional support.” their routine visits. Bartek, Rickli and Bella are Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE). Bartek and Rickli are registered nurses with Care “Thank you” Coordination and all three are involved with the Diabetes SelfOne patient who especially appreciates the one-stop clinic Management Education Program (see related story next page). is Lois James. “It is great savings in gas and travel time,” said the 69-year-old Lebanon resident. James is also happy that at the October clinic Bartek correctly showed her how to use Victoza, an injectable diabetes medication prescribed when other oral medications have been unsuccessful in lowering blood glucose levels. At that time, James’ A1C level was elevated at 7.6 percent. According to the American Diabetes Association, normal for people with diabetes is considered below 7 percent. Turns out, she was only giving herself about one-hundredth of the needed dose. “It’s a multi-step process, and the delivery device can be confusing to use until a patient becomes accustomed to the multiple steps,” Bartek said. “When I met with Lois in
Continuation of Care The first of the Diabetes Clinics occurred in July 2015 and have continued every three months. They center on a group of Dr. Wirth’s patients who face particularly hard challenges with the disease, resulting in high Hemoglobin A1C readings, which show a person’s average levels of blood glucose over the preceding three months. The participants first see Dr. Wirth, and then either Bartek or Rickli, before ending the appointment with Bella. “It is wonderful to be able to take the information and a recommendation that a primary care provider has 10
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New hope for Alzheimer’s through clinical research
October, I asked her to demonstrate to me the multiple steps and one essential step was being missed. Therefore, we were able to work together for her to learn its proper use.” At the most recent clinic in February, James’ A1C was down to 6.2 percent. “That’s incredible,” Bartek said. As a result of her improved A1C, James is able to cut in half the dose of another medication also for blood-glucose lowering that has potentially dangerous side effects. James reported her energy level is higher now than last July. “I’ve gotten out and walked with my husband and grandchildren,” she said. She has lost 11 pounds and is thinking about water aerobics. “I feel like I can be more active.” When patient and RN met again during the February visit, James offered a big “thank you” to Bartek. “Thank you,” the RN responded, “I’m just really happy for you.” A happy patient and a happy provider: Picture perfect patient-centered, coordinated care.
by Julie Carrico The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 5.1 million Americans aged 65 and older are currently living with the disease, and it projects this number will increase to 7.1 million in 2025 and 13.8 million in 2050. New large scale clinical trials, however, may offer some hope. They involve studying treatments that have the potential to affect the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s and slow – or maybe even halt – its progression. The four drugs currently approved for the treatment of symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease have a common therapeutic approach: to boost communication between nerve cells in the brain. The most recent treatment was approved by the FDA in 2003. And while these medications may help manage symptoms, they can’t halt disease progression and the associated mental decline. But many of the new “disease-modifying” treatments being studied focus on preventing the deposit of amyloid protein, which is a plaque that essentially coats the brain. These deposits are believed to cause damage by blocking cell-to-cell communication and may even trigger an inflammatory response that leads to the destruction of brain cells. The new treatments aim to disrupt the deposit and thus potentially slow or stop the disease. The Clinical Research Center has already participated in one such study and is getting ready to participate in another, called the Amaranth Study. Volunteer patients will undergo an extensive screening process to determine if they qualify for and can safely participate in the study. All patient volunteers must meet study criteria for a diagnosis of mild Alzheimer’s disease and be between 55-85 years old. Volunteers also must have a study partner, someone with whom the volunteer has regular contact and who can attend all study visits and provide input on the volunteer’s mental functioning and overall health. Potential volunteers can use an online tool to see if they might qualify at theamaranthstudy.com. If you’d like more information about this study or any of our other clinical trials call the Clinical Research Center at 541-766-2163, or send an email to research@corvallisclinic.com or go online to www.corvallisclinic.com/research and fill out our Research Study Information Request form. And, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/corvallisclinicresearch.
Diabetes self-management program earns certification The Corvallis Clinic has been awarded the prestigious American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate for a quality Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program. ADA acknowledges that The Clinic’s program offers high-quality education that is an essential component of effective diabetes treatment. Programs that achieve recognition status have a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide participants with comprehensive information about diabetes management. Several staff members have been instrumental in achieving this recognition and have obtained status as Certified Diabetes Educators (CDE). Deborah Bella, Ph.D, registered dietitian in Nutrition Services, as well as Erin Bartek, BSN and Lindsay Rickli, BSN, registered nurses in Care Coordination work together to lead this new DSME program. CDEs earn their certification by passing the Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators administered by National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE). According to the NCBDE, a Certified Diabetes Educator “is a health professional who possesses comprehensive knowledge of and experience in pre-diabetes, diabetes prevention, and management. The CDE educates and supports people affected by diabetes to understand and manage the condition. A CDE promotes self-management to achieve individualized behavioral and treatment goals that optimize health outcomes.” “The overall objectives of DSME are to support informed decision-making, self-care behaviors, problem-solving and active collaboration with the health care team and to improve clinical outcomes, health status, and quality of life,” Bella said.
Julie Carrico is Associate Coordinator of The Corvallis Clinic Clinical Research Center. 11
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BEHAVORIAL HEALTH Marcie Courter, Psy.D. | 541-754-1288
An Informed Mind is a Healthy Mind
Dr. Courter, who is located at The Clinic’s Waverly Drive office in Albany, decided to become a psychologist when her experience as a substitute teacher sparked in her a desire to do more for children who had suffered abuse. She has a person-centered approach that focuses on where a person is in the healing process. Dr. Courter has a Bichon Frise named Hunter and enjoys raising orchids, baking sweets, and having lunch at the beach with friends. She is a licensed clinical psychologist.
FAMILY MEDICINE Yvonne Keep, FNP-C | 541-967-8221 Yvonne Keep, who sees patients at The Clinic’s Waverly Drive office in Albany, will take the time to get to know you and your healthcare needs. “My job is to motivate people and tell them what’s important for optimum health. Nurse practitioners are all about preventive care and managing diseases together.” She lives on a farm outside Lebanon with her husband and son, and she enjoys hiking, knitting, quilting, and photography. Ms. Keep is board certified in family medicine by the American College of Nurse Practitioners.
GASTROENTEROLGY Royce Ryker, FNP-BC | 541-754-1988 Ms. Ryker believes a “one-size-fits-all approach” does not apply to digestive health management. “I evaluate the whole individual, not just the disease. When focusing on digestion, multiple facets will often need to be addressed in promoting health and healing. Helping to discover ways to improve someone’s health and well-being is both a passion and my focus in caring for an individual.” Ms. Ryker and her husband have three children. She raises Labradoodles and volunteers in youth programs and ministries.
NUTRITION/WEIGHT LOSS CENTER Laura Luczkiw, RDN, LD | 541-754-1370 Ms. Luczkiw (pronounced Looch-Q) decided to pursue the nutrition field when her father took her to see a dietitian after recovering from what she called an “unhealthy relationship” with food. “The dietitian was the first person who truly seemed to understand what I was going through. I wanted to be able to help others in the same way.” She likes to get to know each person and figure out what their personal motivations are for their health. “From there, I aim to guide them as they work toward healthy realistic goals that they are excited to meet.” She is a registered dietitian nutritionist and licensed dietitian.
To learn about classes and events offered on important health issues that matter to you and your family, see www.corvallisclinic.com. Healthy Baby
Clinical Research currently enrolling studies:
Each Healthy Baby session features one of our expert pediatricians. Pediatric topics include normal newborn appearance, crying, sleeping and bathing, development, medical care and problems, nutrition and breastfeeding.
Cardiovascular: Dr. Brian Curtis Hypertriglyceridemia (high triglyceride levels) Endocrine: Dr. Michael Chen Type 2 Diabetes
Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Asbury Dining Room April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1, Dec. 6
Neurology: Dr. Richard Lafrance Post Stroke Walking Deficits
Register: 541-738-2075 or www.corvallisclinic.com/classes
Pulmonology: Dr. Vincent Gimino Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
PSYCHIATRY/BEHAVORIAL HEALTH Herbert Harman, M.D. | 541-754-1288
Baby Bundle
While working with severely depressed patients, medical student Herbert Harman found his calling. “I was fascinated to see how quickly some of the patients responded to treatment. I went home at the end of the day with a full heart, and I knew Psychiatry was where I belonged.” Dr. Harman enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, and their goldendoodle. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Each Baby Bundle session features Clinic obstetricians discussing childbirth, including signs of labor, birthing options, pain relief, when to call your doctor, partner help during labor and choosing your baby’s doctor.
Women’s Health: Dr. Amey Lee Contraception To learn more about ongoing and upcoming studies at The Corvallis Clinic Research Center, or to learn about becoming a study volunteer, see www.corvallisclinic.com/ research or call the Research Center at 541-766-2163. Also, visit our blog by going to www.corvallisclinic.com, clicking Blog and then selecting Clinical Research.
Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Asbury Dining Room May 11, Aug. 10, Nov. 9 Register: 541-738-2075 or www.corvallisclinic.com/classes
PULMONARY MEDICINE/CRITICAL CARE Susan Ferguson, M.D. | 541-754-1272 Dr. Ferguson says medicine is fulfilling for her not only because of the intellectual challenge, but also because of the relationships she gets to build with people. “My overall approach is one of relating to each person as an individual with an emphasis on ‘shared decision-making’ between me and my patient. They are the expert on them; I am the expert on their problem; and together, if done correctly, we will come up with the best plan.” Dr. Ferguson is an avid gardener and usually has a huge vegetable garden and potato patch every year.
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Natural Childbirth Class The Corvallis Clinic now offers a natural childbirth class that provides simple, effective techniques based on how the human body works during labor. The class meets every Monday for 10 weeks from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Asbury Dining Room at The Corvallis Clinic. For the class schedule and to register, visit www.corvallisclinic.com/naturalchildbirth. 13