Pulse on Health by Jeff Hansel

Distinguished Alumni Awards at Mayo Clinic - updated

Mayo Clinic has announced its 2009 Distinguished Alumni Awards scheduled for presentation Aug. 14. 

***Note:  This version is updated with a correction from the source.***

"This award recognizes the exceptional contributions of Mayo alumni to the field of medicine, including practice, research, education and administration," says a Mayo announcement.

According to the announcement, recipients include:

• Dr. Franklyn Knox

"Dr. Knox is a professor of physiology and medicine at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and former chair of the Department of Physiology, former director of Education and former dean of the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic. He chaired both the University of Minnesota Rochester Area Advisory Committee and the Greater Rochester Advocates for Universities and Colleges helping to bring a branch of the University of Minnesota to Rochester.

Dr. Knox is internationally recognized as a leader in renal physiology and has trained more than 100 research fellows. His studies on the regulation of sodium and phosphate metabolism in the kidney were recognized by a National Institute of Health Career Development Award and by the Ray G. Diggs and Robert W. Berliner Awards of the American Physiological Society. He is author or co-author of 282 peer-reviewed articles."

• Dr. Irwin Schatz

"Dr. Schatz is a professor of medicine at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu. He was chair of the Department of Medicine and led the residency program at the University of Hawaii for more than two decades. He completed a fellowship in internal medicine at Mayo Clinic in 1961.

Dr. Schatz has published almost 100 articles about orthostatic hypotension, cardiovascular risk factors and medical education. He was a major contributor to the Honolulu Heart Program, a longitudinal study with 44 years of follow-up in Japanese-American men. He was instrumental in questioning the ethics of the controversial Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male conducted between 1932 and 1972 by the U.S. Public Health Service. Dr. Schatz's letter to the study's author, discovered by a reporter in the early 1970s, was the only one from a physician to complain about the study. A subsequent article in the Wall Street Journal precipitated media attention about informed consent and led to major changes in how patients are protected in clinical studies."

• Dr. Sheldon Sheps

"Dr. Sheps devoted his career to the relationship between vascular disease and hypertensive target organ injury. He has made seminal contributions in the development, management and understanding of the natural history and treatment of renal vascular hypertension.

Dr. Sheps was asked to join Mayo Clinic by the then leadership of the vascular sections. He focused on rare forms of vascular diseases, including vasculitis, and has an international reputation in the diagnosis and treatment of adrenal pheochromocytoma. He was actively involved in the investigative protocols examining the efficacy of drugs for management of hypertension, and in the collection of data for seminal manuscripts on fibromuscular renal artery disease. For six years Dr.Sheps chaired the Division of Hypertension (now a part of Nephrology) at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

He became a member of and eventually chair of the Committee on Hypertension of the American College of Chest Physicians. He also was asked to serve as the American College of Chest Physicians representative on the National High Blood Pressure Education Program. Because of his constructive efforts on this committee, he assumed chairmanship of the working group for the Sixth Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure — the standard guidelines by which hypertensive therapy in the United States is measured and which has served as the basis for many organizations worldwide. Dr. Sheps has authored nearly 300 papers, abstracts and editorials.

In retirement, Dr. Sheps has been active as a mentor for faculty interested in hypertension research and has served as section editor of all three editions of the American Heart Association Hypertension Primer, editor-in-chief of Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure, and associate editor of the Third Edition of the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. He serves as an associate medical editor of the Mayo Clinic health information Web site, MayoClinic.com. Dr. Sheps also serves as a consultant to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, World Health Organization and American Health Organization."

• Jon van Heerden

"Dr. van Heerden is a professor of surgery and vice chair for Education in the Department of Surgery at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, and a Mayo Clinic emeritus professor of surgery. Dr. van Heerden, a national and international leader in general and endocrine surgery, spent 32 years at Mayo Clinic, where he performed 28,000 operations, and trained more than 350 surgical trainees and dozens of fellows.

Dr. van Heerden has published more than 443 peer-reviewed articles, three surgical textbooks, 64 book chapters, dozens of editorials and 15 videos. His research prowess was acknowledged by the Oliver Cope Meritorious Achievement Award from the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons in 2004."

Pulse on Health

By Jeff Hansel, member Association of Health Care Journalists

Health Reporter for the Post-Bulletin newspaper, 18 1st Ave. S.E. in Rochester, Minnesota 55904

About 40 at Klobuchar event

Amy Klobuchar met with about 40 people at the Marriott in Rochester, Minnesota this morning.  I wrongly believed the meeting would be populated by a couple of hundred Mayo Clinic employees — whoever could break away from their normal duties.  Instead, the audience was heavily populated with administrators, politicians (from both parties) and business leaders.  But the panel Klobuchar spoke on included two physicians, a nurse and the managing director of the Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center.

Klobuchar clearly wanted the Mayo staff on the panel to suggest ways for her to incorporate what they do to decrease costs and increase quality into health-reform legislation.  The Mayo staff focused on teamwork and information sharing as two important components that health reformers should focus on, and also on providing incentives so that health systems nationwide will follow similar practices. 

I asked Klobuchar after the panel discussion if she believes health reform really will happen.  

She said she does.  When it costs Starbucks more to pay for health care for employees than for coffee, she said, that creates the political impetus to make change.

During remarks prior to the panel discussion, Klobuchar called Mayo's Health Policy Center "a major intellectual force" in driving health reform.  Mayo will probably be pretty happy about that.

Pulse on Health

By Jeff Hansel, member Association of Health Care Journalists

Health Reporter for the Post-Bulletin newspaper, 18 1st Ave. S.E. in Rochester, Minnesota 55904

Fresh strawberries

A couple of weeks ago I went with the Twin Cities with my daughter to see the "No Doubt" concert, where I discovered the band Bedouin Soundclash and found I love the song "Manny the Tasmanian Devil."  It's fun.  Of course, it's the one song I can't find a good online clip of to let you listen.  Why?  Because it's a song for kids, apparently.  But I like it anyway.  

This is (sound warning) a June 22 No Doubt concert (before the one we saw).  But it starts just like the one we went to.  Before we left Rochester, I picked up some fresh strawberries at the farmers market that were absolutely delicious.  They came in handy later in the day after we walked all over the Mall of America and I needed to raise my sugar levels.

St. Paul put on a great show for us in many ways.  You could feel the 4th of July fireworks in your bones they were so loud (not necessarily the best for one's hearing, but we had a blast, so to speak).  And the sidewalk cafes were awesome, along with Taste of Minnesota, the capitol and the cathedral.  

If you're looking for entertainment, try some music with a sprinkling of St. Paul.  Of course, right here in Rochester we sport free riverside concerts on Sunday nights, including "Survivor" the other night.  So you can get that kind of entertainment locally, or drive a little for the "big name" bands.  In my case, I even discovered a band I never knew about before!

Pulse on Health

By Jeff Hansel, member Association of Health Care Journalists

Health Reporter for the Post-Bulletin newspaper, 18 1st Ave. S.E. in Rochester, Minnesota 55904

Klobuchar seeking Mayo employee input on health reform

Speaking of Sen. Amy Klobuchar, DFL-Minnesota (see the previous post), she plans to meet with Mayo Clinic employees at 10 a.m. this morning.  The purpose?  She wants them to tell her:

• How it is they save money, making Mayo among the most cost-effective health providers in the country.

• How it is they keep one of the highest-quality systems in the country at the same time as being cost efficient (Mayo's hospitals in Rochester are ranked as the second best of all hospitals in the country by US News and World Report).

Only Mayo employees are invited, not the general public.

Pulse on Health

By Jeff Hansel, member Association of Health Care Journalists

Health Reporter for the Post-Bulletin newspaper, 18 1st Ave. S.E. in Rochester, Minnesota 55904

Klobuchar and Medicare and Medicaid fraud

Sen. Amy Klobuchar has co-sponsored a bill with a Congressman from the other side of the political aisle to combat Medicare fraud.  Here, in the words of Democrat Klobuchar's own office, is a description of the bill she is co-sponsoring with a Republican senator:

Klobuchar, Martinez Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Medicare Fraud
 
Senators call for uniform Medicare payments to stop fraud
 
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) today introduced legislation to help stop fraud in the U.S. health care system.  The National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association estimates that more than $60 billion in health care costs is lost to fraud each year.  The Improving Medicare/Medicaid Payment Policy for Reimbursement through Oversight and Efficiency (IMPROVE Act) would require direct depositing of all Medicare and Medicaid payments made to providers.  Regulations currently call for direct deposits, but are not uniformly enforced.
 
“As a former prosecutor, I saw firsthand how crooks cheated the health care system and stole money that should have been used to provide care for those who need it most – our seniors and most vulnerable citizens,” said Klobuchar. “This legislation can save taxpayer dollars as well as the valuable time and resources of our law enforcement officials.”
 
“Each year, criminals take advantage of our country’s Medicare and Medicaid programs that pay for care for tens-of-millions of seniors and disabled persons. This effort will allow law enforcement to more quickly identify and track Medicare and Medicaid payments to fraudulent providers,” said Martinez, lead Republican on the Special Committee on Aging. “This effort to bring better transparency to all who provide Medicare and Medicaid services will help protect taxpayer dollars and the solvency of our health care entitlement programs.”
 
The IMPROVE Act has been endorsed by the AARP, the National Association of District Attorneys, the American Bankers Association, the Minnesota Bankers Association, the Credit Union National Association and the Minnesota Credit Union Network.  The National Association of District Attorneys called the bill, “…a commonsense, simple cost-saving fix that introduces a simple but key anti-fraud barrier in our health care system.”  The Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services said that this type of legislation will allow the government to trace Medicare payments efficiently.
 
Currently, lax verification and identification requirements at check cashing stores makes it easy for Medicare and Medicaid scammers to commit fraud and disappear without a trace – even overseas. The IMPROVE Act closes this check-cashing laundering loophole.
 
The legislation is sponsored in the House by Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and Mike Arcuri (D-NY).  Senator Klobuchar is also a co-sponsor of the STOP Act, which would provide the Health and Human Services Department and the Social Security Administration with the resources necessary to help prevent Social Security Identity theft and Medicare fraud and abuse.
 
 
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Think it's a bad idea?  Think it's the best idea since sliced bread?  Why not voice your opinion?

1-888-224-9043 (288-5321 in Rochester).

Pulse on Health

By Jeff Hansel, member Association of Health Care Journalists

Health Reporter for the Post-Bulletin newspaper, 18 1st Ave. S.E. in Rochester, Minnesota 55904

Rock joins AHA board

Dr. Michael Rock, chief medical officer of Mayo Clinic's hospitals in Rochester, Minnesota, has been named one of seven members to serve on the American Hospital Association's Board of Trustees.  

Here, in the AHA's own words, is a description of Rock's background:

"Michael Rock, M.D., is the chief medical officer at Mayo Rochester Hospitals/Mayo Foundation in Rochester, Minn.  In addition, he serves as a consultant to the department of orthopedic surgery at Mayo, is a professor of orthopedics at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and has teaching/examining privileges in Biomedical Engineering at Mayo Graduate School.  He continues an active surgical practice. 

Dr. Rock also serves as chair of the hospitals' Financial Analysis and Performance Committee, is a participating member of the Management Oversight Group or Operational Arm of the executive board, a member of the Finance Committee and vice-chair for the Clinical Practice Committee.  He is a member of Mayo's National Policy Board, which seeks to increase dialogue among national stakeholders to improve the health care delivery of the country.  Prior to joining Mayo in 1988, Dr. Rock was an assistant professor in the departments of surgery and radiation oncology at the University of Western Ontario and a consultant to the Ontario Cancer Foundation.  Dr. Rock has been an active member of the AHA Section for Health Care Systems since 2003, and served as chair in 2008.  In addition, Dr. Rock was a member of AHA's Long-Range Policy Committee."

Pulse on Health

By Jeff Hansel, member Association of Health Care Journalists

Health Reporter for the Post-Bulletin newspaper, 18 1st Ave. S.E. in Rochester, Minnesota 55904

The dangers of being an ER nurse

The Emergency Nurses Association has released a study showing more than half of emergency room nurses have been physically assaulted while at work.

Nurses reported being hit, shoved, spit, pushed, scratched or kicked.  One in every four reported experiencing that kind of physical abuse more than 20 times within the past three years.  One in every five reported verbal abuse more than 200 time during that same three-year period.  

A report about the study, titled "Violence Against Nurses Working in U.S. Emergency Departments" says violent incidents were triggered by:

• Patients or visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Psychiatric patients undergoing care.

• Crowding.

• Wait times.

• Nurse shortages.

Male ER nurses were even "more likely than their female colleagues to indicate having experienced workplace violence."  

Pulse on Health

By Jeff Hansel, member Association of Health Care Journalists

Health Reporter for the Post-Bulletin newspaper, 18 1st Ave. S.E. in Rochester, Minnesota 55904

Deer Creek Speedway hosts fundraiser

Coming to Spring Valley, Minnesota: PaPaPalooza Concerts for a Cure

"No other concert this year boast such an amazing lineup!" says an event announcement. "Southeastern Minnesota will play host to five well-known bands, as well as a few celebrities...."

When:  Sunday, August 17, 2009 starting with pre-game at 2 p.m. and concerts continuing until late.

Where:  Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minnesota - 25262 Highway 63 in Spring Valley

Admission:  $10 for students age 11 to 18, $25 for adults, children under 10 are free

Get tickets:  From www.PaPaPalooza-ConcertsforaCure.com or www.deercreekspeedway.com.

Funds get donated to: Mayo Clinic cancer research and the American Cancer Society.

Events:  Concert by the Ballas Hough Band, bean bag toss, live music by Jesse Smith, silent auction

Pulse on Health

By Jeff Hansel, member Association of Health Care Journalists

Health Reporter for the Post-Bulletin newspaper, 18 1st Ave. S.E. in Rochester, Minnesota 55904

New Rochester veterans clinic to open

Many in southeast Minnesota have served on military assignments in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the globe recently.

Now, the Veterans Administration is working to localize medical care for veterans, and vets in Rochester have brand new medical digs.  The new VA Community-based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) plans an open house.  Organizers have invited area community members, including civilians and veterans, to take a look inside the clinic, which has already begun seeing patients.

Time:  4 p.m.

Day:  Monday, August 10, 2009

Location:  3900 55th Street N.W. 

Expected to attend:  

• Dr. Mike Koopmeiners, CBOC medical director at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center

• U.S. Congressman Tim Walz, DFL-Minnesota

Program:  Brief remarks and tours

Pulse on Health

By Jeff Hansel, member Association of Health Care Journalists

Health Reporter for the Post-Bulletin newspaper, 18 1st Ave. S.E. in Rochester, Minnesota 55904

Public Pine Island panel - resolution 09-020

Pine Island, Minnesota has announced a public forum about the new interchange along U.S. Highway 52 that's planned to serve the planned $1 billion Elk Run biotechnology project.

The city learned Friday that $14.56 million from the Minnesota Department of Transportation has been awarded for construction of the approximately $35 million (not counting land donation) interchange.   Money to make up the difference will likely come from the developer, possibly federal reinvestment act funds and even a "fair share" repaid to developer Tower Investments by Pine Island not in cash but through decreased taxes for a period of no more than 9 years.  Pine Island City Administrator Abraham Algadi said the tax increment financing (TIF) would occur only if Tower meets job-creation criteria that include high-paying jobs at biotech-related business.

Tower attracted venture-capital firm Burrill & Company, which is funding the biotech project.  

“The purpose of this moderated forum is to update the community and stakeholders on the latest developments and answer questions,” says an invitation letter sent by Algadi.

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Monday, Aug. 3

Location: Pine Island, Minnesota school cafeteria, 223 1st Ave. S.E.

Agenda: 6 p.m. open house with public viewing of project maps, 6:30 p.m. panel discussion with question-and-answer period after opening statements.

MinnDOT reported that two other interchanges were funded:

●  Highway 15/Stearns County Highway 120 interchange in St. Cloud/Sartell, $10 million  ●  Interstate 94/Wright County Highway 19 & 37 near Albertville, $5.44 million 

Pulse on Health

By Jeff Hansel, member Association of Health Care Journalists

Health Reporter for the Post-Bulletin newspaper, 18 1st Ave. S.E. in Rochester, Minnesota 55904