Dr. Bergman was introduced as the incoming LCMS president at the LCMS annual meeting held on December 12 at Lovell's in Lake Forest. The festive holiday atmosphere was enjoyed by all. Holiday music was provided by the John Bishop Jazz Duo.
Dr. David Foosaner, outgoing LCMS president, thanked everyone for their support during his term and was given the traditional presidential plaque. He also presented a year-in-review (see article below).
Drs. James Milam (Lake County's trustee to ISMS) and Scott Cooper (ISMS Vice President) gave presentations at the meeting. Dr. Milam spoke about current issues in governmental affairs, including the current debate over Medicare reimbursements. Dr. Cooper gave his advice on how best to recruit new members.
Attendees were also treated to a presentation by Steven Byers and Nancy Williamson from Friends of Hackmatack. According to Mr. Byers, the Lake County area supports the highest concentration of the state's endangered and threatened species.
Friends of Hackmatack is working to establish the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge in the northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin. The refuge will conserve the area's unique natural landscapes, plants and wildlife; link existing open space areas; create recreational opportunities and provide long-term economic benefits to the residents of our region. Go to the Friends of Hackmatack website for more information.
President's Message LCMS Annual Dinner Meeting, December 12th, 2011 By David Foosaner, MD — President
2011 has been another successful and meaningful year for all of us.
We have come a long way from when LCMS was first organized by eight doctors, in November 1855. Our predecessors gathered on horseback, along the banks of the Des Plaines River, to share stories about rather primitive and experimental medical practices, and to learn from each other what techniques worked best to address the various injuries and other health needs of citizens within Lake County. Leeches, mud packs, wooden splints, tinctures of various concoctions and prayers were not uncommon treatments for numerous ailments.
The practice of medicine continues to evolve as does the regulatory environment that fights for control of so many of our practice decisions today. Today, so often, instead of treatment methods, we gather to discuss new laws and health care financing. And, now, more than ever, none of us knows precisely what the future holds for medicine in the United States. Challenges to President Obama's plan to change health care delivery in the US continue, and we all know that regulatory changes are increasingly difficult to keep up with at the state and national level... another reason we rely so much on our professional organizations. These are issues and changes that we monitor at LCMS on your behalf. Our State Medical Society and the AMA effect change and communicate with our legislators and regulators on behalf of our profession and our patients as well. We may not see the county, state and AMA at work every day, but there are with us, monitoring change, encountering local and national legislators and other movers and shakers in health care as often as we can.
I am very proud to have had the opportunity to serve as your president this past year. We have conducted some highly successful educational programs, held our annual and unique doctor/lawyer dinner with members of the Lake County Bar Association, produced another successful Mini-Internship program for lay leaders in our community to learn first-hand what the practice of medicine is all about, and solved numerous individual concerns for our members as we always have, on a daily basis. Our BCBS group insurance program remains a popular membership benefit as well. Members can retain this coverage when they move from one practice to another, and they can retain it even after they retire, at any age.
I want to encourage each of you to continue to support organized medicine, which serves as our voice with our legislative decision makers. I hope you encourage your colleagues to join as well. I hope you enjoy a relaxing evening and a great holiday season, no matter what you celebrate.
Thank you again for your continued support.
News from the Lake County Health Department
Pertussis — The Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is alerting the public about an outbreak of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) in Lake County and surrounding areas. As of December 8, health officials reported 138 confirmed cases, which is the highest number of cases reported in Lake County in five years. For more information, contact the Health Department's Communicable Disease Program at: (847) 377-8130 or visit their website.
November 30, 2011: Novel Influenza A (H3N2) Virus Reported in Iowa — On November 20, 2011, CDC confirmed three cases of swine-origin triple reassortant influenza A (H3N2)(S-OtrH3N2) virus in three children in Iowa. All three children were in contact with one another, however, none had a known recent exposure to swine. Iowa has increased surveillance for influenza-like-illness to detect any additional cases of infection with this novel virus. To read the entire memo, click here.
LCMS News Briefs
• Have something to sell? Need some office equipment? Want to hire a new staff member? Members and non-members now have the opportunity to advertise on the LCMS web site. Member rates: $30 for 60 words Non-members/businesses: $60 for 30 words. All ads will run for 60 days on the website and in one edition of our e-newsletter. Click here to review the LCMS Ad Policy.
• The AMA Interim Meeting was held November 12-15 in New Orleans. Physicians from every state and specialty gathered to set policy on issues of most importance to the nation's doctors and their patients. Issues addressed included national drug shortages, prescription drug abuse, campaign to pass private contracting bill, new scope-of-practice policies, stopping the implementation of ICD-10 code set, and guidelines for health insurance exchanges. For all details of these actions and more, click here.
• We've moved! The LCMS offices have moved. In October, LCMS moved to The Conway Office Suites on South Waukegan Road. Our new address is 810 S. Waukegan Road, Suite 104. The phone, fax and email contact for LCMS remain the same.
• From ISMS, this reminder: "Face Time" Required to Certify Home Health Care/Hospice — In accordance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services modified certification and recertification guidelines for home health care and hospice services in April 2011. The new regulations require "face-to-face" encounters between physician and patient for certifying and recertifying home health/hospice services on or after January 1, 2011. Get more information in the October Illinois Medicine EXPRESS.
Mini-Internship Class of 2011 Standing L to R: Judge Thomas Schippers, Giovanna Carli, Professional Liability Analyst, ISMIE, Judge Michael Betar,
Jennifer Nemetz, Professional Liability Specialist, Claims Division, ISMIE, and Charles ("Chuck") Egner, attorney with
Hinshaw & Culbertson (Joliet). Seated: L to R: Kathleen ("Kate") Nowel, ISMIE Underwriter, Jennifer Johnson, attorney
with Hinshaw & Culbertson (Rockford)
LCMS Mini-Internship 2011 Robotics, Blown Fuses All Part of
The Fun for This Year's Mini Interns
Seven mini interns made rounds at the local hospitals Monday and Tuesday as part of the 22nd annual LCMS Mini Internship program. They all had varied experiences, but said they will remember the program forever. But don't take our word for it, read their comments below.
"I was so impressed with this program. The doctors took so much time and care explaining everything while they were multi-tasking with such skill. You are so professional, while under such pressure every day. The quality of care that is available in our community is so obvious. We have the best of medicine right here in Lake County. I feel so good about what I saw. The professionalism and team work were just amazing. You all work so well under pressure most of us cannot understand. This was an experience I will never forget. Thank you for this opportunity." — Judge Thomas Schippers, Lake County
"This was a fantastic experience. It is so much different seeing everything in person than it is reading about it on hospital and patient records. Everything came into focus. This has been so helpful. I will never forget what I saw and learned. It will absolutely change my approach to my career. I have a better understanding of the medical profession from these two intense days." — Giovanna Carli, Claim Analyst, ISMIE
"I have been a claim specialist for 19 years. I will never look at a case the same way after this experience. I know what a sponge count and a towel count really mean. I saw it happen. Nothing is overlooked. People take their jobs very seriously. They pay attention to the smallest detail. They worked as a team. I truly learned how important the role of a surgical assistant really is. Thank you for this opportunity." — Jennifer Nemetz, Professional Liability Specialist, Claims Division, ISMIE
"I am the one who fainted. I don't remember it. I went right back in. The staff took good care of me. They never had their eyes off of me for a minute. I saw two C-Sections. It was amazing. I learned so much. I loved the orthopedic cases. The doctors were such good teachers. I couldn't get enough of this amazing adventure. Everybody - take calcium! I'm serious." — Kate Nowel, ISMIE Underwriter
"You never get enough detail in a deposition. I learned so much. I saw a case where the patient's anatomy would not allow for the rotator cuff surgery that was planned. The doctor did not give up. The planned procedure did not follow the text book guidelines. The doctor had to adapt. They adapted all day, to each patient. Nothing really follows a plan to the letter. This was an awesome experience. It was invaluable to me in my position. And, I learned that doctors don't eat lunch; they don't stop all day long. They are on their feet all day. I don't know how they do it." — Jennifer L. Johnson, Defense Attorney, Hinshaw & Culbertson, Rockford
"This was a fascinating experience that I will never forget. I gained so much more respect for doctors than I already had. The amount of time that doctors spend on their feet is incomprehensible. Those of us who sit at a desk all day cannot understand how you do it. I learned so much about medicine in our community. It was so impressive to see doctors at work." — Michael B. Betar, Associate Judge, Lake County Circuit Court
"I was so energized by this experience. I will never forget it. I got up very early, drove long distances, and it was worth every second. I was fascinated and I could not tear myself away. I thought, if the doctor can stand here for 5 or 6 hours, so can I. How can I duck out? I could not leave. I spent all day long at Vista. I had to skip an afternoon assignment. Their perseverance and dedication is stunning. They seem to be involved in multiple layers of activity all day long. They never eat. Anyone of the people I met could have served as an expert witness in any one of my cases. They are experts! It will be disappointing to look at the issues I confront on paper now. I learned so much in two days of watching physicians at work and observing the whole operating team operate like a well oiled machine. I will never forget it." — Charles Egner, Defense Attorney, Hinshaw & Culbertson, Joliet
"I think it is incredible what distances people travel from to participate in this program. It is clearly unique. It is such a great learning experience. We are happy to be a part of it and so glad that our staff and the doctors are all such enthusiastic participants." — Larry Stanley, VP Marketing and Business Development, Vista Medical Center East
The State of Illinois is enforcing some new, more stringent rules for licensure and renewal of licenses for many professionals and health care workers. Read items received from the Secretary of State very carefully. Licensure for registered nurses will require 20 hours of Continuing Education credit effective with the renewal period following the 2010-2012 two year renewal. All licensed nurses will be required to obtain proof of 20 hours worth of CE after June 1, 2010, and prior to May 31, 2012 in order to renew their licenses in 2012. CE taken before June 1, 2010 cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.
Visit the web site, www.nursing.illinois.gov/NursingCE.asp for more information. Advanced Practice Nurses holding an RN license should check with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) website for CE requirements. There are many options for qualifying courses, including some online education choices.
Volunteer for the Lake County Medical Reserve Corps.
In response to the outpouring of volunteer support in the days following September 11, 2001, the Citizen Corps. was created by the President. Citizen Corps volunteers work to make sure their families, homes, and communities are prepared in the event of terrorism, crime, and disasters of all kinds. One specialized component of this effort is the Medical Reserve Corps. [Get complete details!]
DISCLAIMER: The links on this web site are provided only for the convenience of LCMS site visitors. LCMS has no interest in, responsibility for, or control over some linked sites. LCMS makes no promise or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, as to the content of the linked sites. In no event shall LCMS be liable for damages resulting from the use of linked sites.
Rebecca Bergman, MD
President
Scott Cooper, MD
Vice President
Illinois State
Medical Society
James Milam, MD
District 1 Trustee
Illinois State
Medical Society
Jane R. Stein,
Executive Director
House of Delegates meeting, 2009
Dr. Foosaner and Dr. Hill with Gale Gand at the Annual Doctor/Lawyer Dinner, March 2011.
Dr. David Foosaner, outgoing LCMS president, thanked everyone for their support during his term and was given the traditional presidential plaque. He also presented a year-in-review (see article below).
