February 2008

It has been my great pleasure to serve as editor of this publication since its inception. It is truly my “baby.” As all things must inevitably change, I am now moving on in my career. This is my last issue as editor. Over the past 18 months, I’ve really gotten to know the medical community of central Florida. We’ve shared laughter and tears, celebrations and sorrows. Your stories have inspired and motivated me, as I’m sure they have done for all our readers. I’ve learned a lot, too. Some examples:

or jump around like a cheerleader, you may get a smile out of them during a photo shoot.

true volunteerism really is.

average person realizes.

Thank you for all you’ve given me during my tenure at Central Florida Doctor. I hope you’ve enjoyed my work as much as I’ve enjoyed bringing it to you.

Send Editorial Ideas To:

[email protected]

For questions or comments on Central Florida Doctor or to receive reprints,

call 407-691-5135 or fax 407-691-5149

4 C E N T R A L F L O R I D A D O C T O R | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 0 8

Central Florida Doctor is published 12 times per year by Barbes Publishing, Inc. Reprints are available — 549 North Wymore Road, Suite 109, Maitland, FL 32751, 407-691-5135. Content of the contributing advertisers does not reflect the opinions of the publishers. Advertisers have proofed respective articles and content is assumed true and correct. Central Florida Doctor is not responsible for the care given by its advertisers. Central Florida Doctor is for informational purposes only and is not meant as medical advice. ©2008 Central Florida Doctor. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication, including articles, may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

PublisherA.J. Beson

General ManagerMichael Hicks

EditorJennifer Still

Lynn Thompson

Account ExecutivesStephanie AutryDina DeMarco

Michelle LacovaraAngie Speas

Graphic DesignersJason Hardy

Christine Tarantino

Office ManagerStacey Cotner

Contributing WritersCamille Dolan

Priscilla Goudreau-SantosHeather Morgan

Photographer Cory Callahan

Ph

oto by Vin

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ED ITOR’S NOTE

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oto by Vin

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2007-2008 ADVISORY BOARD

ON THE COVERDrs. Barry Weinstock, Arnold Einhorn and David Bello of Mid-Florida Cardiology Specialists and Dentist Glenn DiBartolomeo gathered on the Rollins College campus for this early-morning shot.

Photo by Cory Callahan

FEBRUARY 2008 :: ISSUE 20

14Doctors are increasingly growing weary of the complex administrative tasks involved in staffing their practices. But it doesn’t have to be a major headache. Find out how some are handling this issue by outsourcing their HR functions to professional employer organizations.

18Dr. George Ellis finds fulfillment through helping the underserved, both internationally and right here at home. In this profile, he shares how he got involved in volun-teerism and how it has shaped his life and his practice. What opportunities may await you in similar organizations that need your support and expertise?

22CME credits in this subject are required to renew your medical license. But what more can you gain from training on domestic violence intervention? Dr. Alexandra Osorio and Dr. P. Travis Smith are among the physicians who share their own experiences in this story. You’ll also hear from the developer of online training that can make meeting the licensing requirement easier on you.

10February is both Heart Health Month and National Children’s Dental Health Month, so we’re featuring physicians from Mid-Florida Cardiology Specialists and dentist Glenn DiBartolomeo in this issue. They explain how new tech-nologies in their respective disciplines are helping patients, and explore possible links between cardiology and dentistry.

Bradley Block, M.D., Block & Nation, P.A., Family Medicine Kimberley Bourne, M.D., Orlando Diabetes and Endocrine SpecialistsAdrian Burrowes, M.D., CFP Physicians Group Mubashir Chaudhry, DMD, Orlando Pediatric Dentistry Veenod Chulani, M.D., ORHS, Adolescent MedicineGlenn Dibartolomeo, DDS, Restorative and Cosmetic DentistryGideon J. Lewis, Drs. Lewis and Lewis, Foot and Ankle SurgerySean Mahan, M.D., Mammography Screening Centers, RadiologyThad Morgan, DMD, General DentistryS. Catharine Nguyen, D.C., Chiropractic Wellness and Rehabilitation Bryan Reuss, M.D., Orlando Orthopaedic Center, Sports MedicineSteven Rosenberg, M.D., Allergy and Asthma Associates of Central FloridaSrinivas Seela, M.D., Digestive and Liver Center of Florida, P.A.Harinath Sheela, M.D., Digestive and Liver Center of Florida, P.A.Shenin Sachedina, D.O., Central Florida Breast Cancer CenterNeal Silverstein, M.D., Pediatric Care of Altamonte Robert Winter, M.D., Florida Vascular Consultants

Note: Advisory Board members serve annually. If you would like to be considered, please contact us.

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NEMOURS OPENS NEW CHILDREN’S CLINIC

“The consolidation of locations to one comprehensive clinic will provide convenience for patients, families and physicians

specialists, which is the case for many of our patients,” said Judy Wall, M.D., medical director of the new facility.

Among the features of the new clinic are a color coded

or therapies, and a pet therapy program to improve the children’s

being.

COMMUNITY MOURNS DR. WILLIE NEWMAN

While compiling this issue, we were saddened to hear of the passing of Willie Newman, M.D., who was profiled in our July, 2007

to many underprivileged women and an inspiration to many people whose lives he touched through his rise from humble beginnings to

practice both medicine and law. His vision of, and dedication to, the

he continued working tirelessly to ensure that women from all

whose lives he impacted, in mourning his loss.

“DENTISTRY FROM THE HEART” REACHES OUT TO UNDERSERVED

dental practice will offer treatment to anyone who needs it. Dr. John Gammichia’s office has seven operatories, all of which will be filled on that day with volunteer dentists and dental assistants from

also donated for the event. This will be the third

patients. This year we are looking to do 150,”

is true community. It is a small way for us to give back to the community that we are honored to serve.”

NEW RESIDENCY PROGRAM AT FLORIDA HOSPITAL

and will also have rotations at Florida Hospital Orlando. In addition to the residents, medical students from the region’s medical

opportunity to rotate through the program.

best and brightest physicians who have a passion for delivering

The New Nemours Children’s Clinic Orlando, now open to serve patients.

Willie Newmwn, M.D.

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n

than 400 applicants for the residency program, which will also become a means for recruiting those doctors who demonstrate the

said Dr. Dale Birenbaum

In addition to this new residency, Florida Hospital

Oncology. Florida Hospital is recognized by the American Hospital Association as the largest emergency department system in the United States.

NEW DOCTOR AT NEMOURSSuzanne Jaffe Walters, M.D. has

surgeon who specializes in pediatric and adolescent sports medicine.

in pediatric sports medicine at Harvard

additional subspecialty training in dance

LOCAL DOCTOR IS CONTRIBUTING AUTHORRobert S. Gold,

M.D., FAAP is one of the nation’s leading ophthalmologists contributing to the recently released book, The Art and Science of Ophthalmology. The book is an authoritative, insider’s perspective on the various challenges in this field of

become a successful practitioner.“I was honored to contribute to

ophthalmologist, I believe in the

children’s vision and focused my writing in this area. Success in ophthalmology is the reward of a patient who can see. To me, there is nothing more rewarding than working with children and having them come into the office after giving them glasses or straightening their crossed eyes and seeing big smiles on their

The book can be purchased at bookstores nationwide, through publisher Aspatore’s website, www.aspatore.com, or by

NEW OFFICES OPENEDAdnan A. Khan, M.D. has opened Wintermere Internal

common conditions such as seasonal colds, allergies and flu and skin disorders to more serious medical issues such as heart and lung diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol management, to name a few. His practice covers those who are in their late teens to adults and senior

ins. It is located one mile south of Winter

Carlos Placer, M.D. has opened a new

and offers a comprehensive range of services for patients with

OCMS DONATES TO CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY

members and guests brought over 50 gifts for children in shelter Jessa Heisey

Cliff Rappprevention of medical errors.

Physicians at Florida Hospital are excited about the new residency program.

Suzanne Jaffe Walters, M.D.

Robert S. Gold, M.D.

Adnan A. Khan, M.D.

OCMS President, Connie Micklavzina, M.D.

and Sarah Willard, M.D. with Mary Pernicone, M.D.

C O V E R P R O F I L E

Falling victim to society’s deceiving stereotypes, she didn’t have a clue how clogged her arteries were. She wasn’t the “overweight male smoker in his 50s,” the image that tends to trigger thoughts of heart attacks. She was the “typical” woman in her 30s – and she was on the verge of dying from heart disease. Actually, explains David Bello, M.D., FACC, interventional elec-trophysiologist with Mid-Florida Cardiology Specialists, the caricature of the overweight male clutching his chest in the midst of a heart attack is painfully inaccurate. Heart disease is not only a primary kill-er of men; it’s also the number one killer of women – women who too often don’t recognize the symptoms. “The symptoms vary from general discomfort to chest tightness,” Dr. Bello explains. “Many women just think their bra is too tight,” an assumption that can be devastating as women continue dying from this disease. But new technology is helping patients and physicians quickly determine if that chest tightness really is life threatening or if it’s instead something as simple as a pinching bra or strained muscle. Chest pain is the number one diagnosis for patients entering the emergency room, says Arnold Einhorn, M.D., FACC, FACP, cardi-ologist with Mid-Florida Cardiology Specialists and chief of staff for Orlando Regional Healthcare Systems. Because of the myriad of tests and hours or days spent in the hospital, these patients – and hospi-tals – face enormous costs. But with the new 64-slice CT scan, physicians in the emergency room of Orlando Regional Medical Center can actually visualize the small vessels in the heart, as well as the heart’s movement, to identify any blockage. After a patient is hooked up to the IV and in place, the entire scan takes about 10 seconds, Dr. Einhorn explains.“It’s a process of evolution,” Dr. Bello says. The special resolution available with the 64-slice CT scan has been around for about 18 months, but Orlando Regional Medical Center is the only hospital in the area that uses it in the emergency room, thanks to a significant trial in which Drs. Einhorn and Bello were deeply involved.

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By Heather MorganPhotos by Cory Callahan

While other facilities use the 64-slice CT scan in their cardiology departments, the research conducted by Drs. Bello and Einhorn illustrated the immense benefit of using it in the emergency room, evidenced by the tremendous cost efficiency. “It decreases the length of stay in the hospital for patients, the hospital saves money, the patients save money,” Dr. Einhorn says. “It’s a win across the board.” Just a few months ago, Dr. Bello presented the findings at the American Heart Association Conference, sharing the ben-efits of using the 64-slice CT scan in the emergency room. Few people are selected to present, Dr. Einhorn says – it’s an extreme honor in cardiology.

A DEEPER LOOK The 64-slice CT scan is the only non-invasive procedure available that can quantify blockages in detail, Dr. Bello says. Though patients may still need heart catheterizations after this approach, this initial scan lets physicians know whether or not a patient needs an angiogram. Plus, it’s a lot less costly than a stress test, with the cost for a patient topping out at $1,000. In addition to saving the patient time and money, this technique saves the system about $7,000 to $8,000 per patient, he says. But it’s not just cost savings that make the 64-slice CT scan so appealing. It’s also the lives it saves. Dr. Bello explains that, because this test catches many prob-lems early on, it allows patients with severe blockage in their arteries to undergo surgery quickly, essentially giving them back their lives. But in his eyes, the technology offers even more. Since it helps identify people at risk for coronary artery disease, physi-cians are prompted to administer appropriate treatment, and patients learn to focus on prevention, rather than waiting until a heart attack hits. “My patients keep me motivated,” Dr. Bello says. “I want to find

ways to impact their lives, to translate into better lives for all of us.” Unfortunately, Dr. Bello believes too many people concen-trate on secondary prevention – after suffering a health scare – instead of primary prevention. “Ultimately, the question is in each of us,” he says. “It’s how we feel about our health – hope-fully we can have on impact on the lives of others.”

PREVENTION + GENETIC MODIFICATION While Drs. Bello and Einhorn are both passionate about pri-mary prevention, they also see the future of cardiology resting in the advancements of genetic therapy and molecular biology. Dr. Bello believes that in the not-so-distant future, specialists will be able to modify genes and eventually eliminate the need for stents; Dr. Einhorn predicts opportunities will open doors for physicians to better evaluate the disease process to effectively determine who’s prone to certain diseases, allowing doctors to treat and prevent diseases in earlier stages. Even with exciting possibilities for the future, both doc-tors stay grounded in their belief that the best way to prevent coronary artery disease is to remember the basics: know your blood pressure, sugars, cholesterol, weight and stress, and enjoy a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.

CONNECTING THE ARTERIES It’s tough to rewrite the past, and too many people neglect their health until it’s too late. While some experience conse-quences in a heart attack or stroke, others’ blockage begins in their peripheral arteries, warning physicians that coronary artery disease could be the next chapter. Unfortunately, peripheral artery disease is way under-diagnosed, explains Barry Weinstock, M.D., FACC, director of the Vascular Intervention Center at Mid-Florida Cardiology Specialists. While 12 million people in the United States have it, only 2 million are diagnosed, and less than 1 million are receiv-

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David Bello, M.D. Arnold Einhorn, M.D. Glenn DiBartolomeo, D.D.S.Barry Weinstock, M.D.


ing treatment. Because peripheral artery disease causes lower body discomfort and movement difficulty, Dr. Weinstock says, people tend to brush off the symptoms as old age or arthritis. But ignoring the symptoms can prove to be detrimental – with such a significant correlation between peripheral artery dis-ease and coronary artery disease, patients who have significant blockages in one should be evaluated for blockages in the other. Actually, Dr. Weinstock says, about 60 to 70 percent of patients with artery blockages fall into the dual category. Until recently, though, people suffering from peripheral artery disease didn’t have many treatment options…but now, Dr. Weinstock says, there are outstanding strategies; a lot can even be treated non-surgically. While he’d like to see better educa-tion for physicians and patients to learn about the condition and its symptoms, Dr. Weinstock is quite pleased that treatment for peripheral artery disease is more aggressive than in the past – it’s now treated a lot more like coronary artery disease. “Patients can have their vessels cleaned out in an outpatient procedure,” Dr. Weinstock says. “The success rate has gone up, and the complications have gone down.”

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE Exciting research trials, in many of which Dr. Weinstock has personally been involved, are opening opportunities – and arter-ies – for patients with peripheral artery disease. People suffering from this condition have severe blockage in their peripheral arteries, limiting the circulation from the knee to the foot; without proper treatment, they could face amputation. While a patient may initially lose a single toe, complications from the amputation could compound and require below-the-knee amputation. After losing a limb, Dr. Weinstock explains, a seden-tary lifestyle could quickly follow, again increasing patients’ risks

for heart disease.Yet the recent OASIS trial, which researched the effectiveness of an orbital atherectomy device, has demonstrated extreme efficien-cy in opening arteries. Already approved by the Food and Drug Administration, this device is similar to the Rotoblator, but the crown is formed eccentrically and actually wobbles on the wire, Dr. Weinstock explains. “Before, a 1.5-millimeter crown on the Rotoblator would create a 1.5-millimeter opening,” he says. “With this device, a 1.5 millimeter crown can create a 2- or 2.5-millimeter opening.” Additionally, the orbital atherectomy device differs from existing atherectomy technologies in its ability to remove hard, calcified plaque – as well as other common types of plaque – using a unique orbiting action. This catheter-based system is used for smaller arteries below the knee, Dr. Weinstock explains, and helps with non-healing ulcers and gangrene on the foot. “It’s a very safe and effective way to open small arteries that we didn’t have in the past,” he says. The research trial found the orbital atherectomy device to have a major complication rate of less than 2 percent – quite remarkable, considering how sick the patients were, he says. Additionally, patients in the study, which is one year out, have had few complications and have yet to suffer any amputations. Orlando Regional Medical Center is the first hospital in the south to use this device. The next stage of trials, Dr. Weinstock says, will be to test this technology in the coronary arteries, especially as it works well to sand away calcification into tiny particles that will wash away in circulation. Even as research is still to come to test the orbital atherec-tomy device in the coronary arteries, its success in removing the plaque from the peripheral arteries helps prevent complications

“Gum disease is not causing heart disease, but there appears to be a link between the two.” Doctors Weinstock, Einhorn and Bello discuss the possible links between heart and dental health with Dr. DiBartolomeo.

heart.org.

of raising awareness about the importance of good oral health. For more information, visit www.ada.org/prof/events/featured/

gkas/index.asp.


-

for patients down the road, saving them from pain, amputations, and, potentially, heart disease. “Our main goals,” Dr. Weinstock explains, “are to reduce death, reduce heart attacks, and reduce strokes.” THE BIGGER PICTURE While major risk factors – obesity, diabetes, tobacco use – trigger red flags for physicians, they also trigger red flags for dentists. Not only do these signs warn cardiologists of health con-sequences, but they also warn dentists of the increased risk of periodontal disease. The link between oral health and heart health has been sus-pected for some time now, but it has yet to be confirmed, explains Glenn DiBartolomeo, D.D.S. “Gum disease is not causing heart disease, but there appears to be a link between the two,” he says. Because periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that causes chronic inflammation, it alters the serum levels in the blood stream, Dr. DiBartolomeo says. As a result, the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are elevated; similarly, the CRP levels in patients suf-fering from heart disease are also elevated. “We in dentistry aren’t just drilling and filling patients’ teeth,” he says. “We’re really concerned about overall patient health and understand we have an impact on a person’s total health.” Most patients with gum disease don’t even know they have it – yet more than half of all people over 18 have some form of gum disease, Dr. DiBartolomeo says. Because it’s usually painless, it tends to go undiagnosed until their next dentist appointment. But if the regular check-ups are neglected, the infection continues to grow…and so do the consequences. If the bacteria in the plaque triggering the infection aren’t removed, explains Dr. DiBartolomeo, the toxins will eventually cause deterioration in the supporting bone around the teeth. By then, it’s only a matter of time before the patient begins to lose teeth. But periodontal disease is pretty preventable – proper per-sonal hygiene practices, especially daily flossing and regular pro-fessional care, are critical to ensuring adequate oral health. Yet oral health extends beyond regular cleanings, beyond prevention, detection, or intervention of periodontal disease. With a deep understanding of the important role dentists play in their patients’ overall health, Dr. DiBartolomeo is quite excited about new diag-nostic tools available for dentists to diagnose oral cancer at earlier – more treatable – stages. A special light source now allows dentists to see potential precancerous tissue changes that may have previously been hidden to the eye. After the patient cleans the oral tissues with a one-minute rinse, the dentist shines the light source into the mouth; if there are tissue changes, the light will fluoresce differently, prompting the dentist to take the next step. Then, the dentist applies Toludine-blue stain on the affected tissue. It’s then rinsed off, and any stain remaining on the tissue dictates a referral to a specialist to check for oral cancer. “Without this tool, we wouldn’t be able to see these things until they got to a later stage,” Dr. DiBartolomeo says. Prior to this technology, clues leading to oral cancer detec-tion were found as dentists felt for changes in lymph nodes and looked in the mouth for swelling, lesions, or a change in tissue color. But by the time it’s visually seen, it’s often in a later stage. With 30,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year, it’s the sixth-leading form of cancer in the world, Dr. DiBartolomeo explains. And while most oral cancers are very treatable if caught early, one person dies from this disease every hour, he says – largely because of the later stage at which it’s discovered. But Dr. DiBartolomeo is hopeful that, as more dentists use this diagnostic tool regularly, more lives will be saved. “The future is just getting better and better,” he says. And as technological advancements continue opening doors for medical and dental treatment and diagnostic opportunities, the future seems to hold amazing possibilities.

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ing number of medical practices are throwing in the towel and

employment administration and benefits management to payroll processing and recruitment.

And what doctors and administrators are finding by offload

occupation – treating patients – instead of spending precious

“I think on a broad basis it’s peace of mind that we offer physicians because they’re good at practicing medicine and the

focus on the patients and the practice,” said Administaff Orlando

He continued, “We help with payroll and benefits related issues and also with recruitment and training. That enables them

side of their business and also provide them with benefits plans usually found in much larger companies so they’re able to attract and retain good workers – we level the playing field, so to speak. The other big benefit for physicians is liability protection.”

and regulations and because the expertise to manage small and

many entrepreneurs who started these businesses or medical practices. Today, employees expect comprehensive, affordable health care, retirement savings plans, and other benefits for themselves and their families.

“I think the trend for all markets is that health care costs

a huge plus for companies, and we’re also able to better contain

Administaff serves more than 5,700 client companies nationwide, 100,000 worksite employees and 1,700 corporate employees. Among its many employee benefits, the company now even

ingly popular.”

“We try to stay in front with a number of things indus

first of the year that include deferred compensation plans

I think that some of our doctors will definitely be taking advantage of the deferred compensation plans (similar to

to defer up to 80 percent of their income.”

in Florida, he says, is with recruiting and retention. Ours is one of the top states in the country for wage and hour

mizing liability issues.

“I think right now, certainly, the talent pool is limited (the

so recruitment is one of the ways we can really help a medical

offers us, as a small company, the opportunity to be part of a large

ger. “It gives us better buying power and it offers our employees benefits comparable to those of a larger company. That’s our first perspective: How does it help our employees?”

such as employee training sessions, several times a year. “The training is proactive and interactive so that we can come together as a team and learn better communication and customer service skills so that we can address issues before they become issues. And, the advantage to me as an office manager is that it allows me time to focus on other parts of the businesses rather than the paperwork.”

that the cost is well worth it [about two to four percent of total payroll dollars] because it simplifies the payroll process. I take care

By Priscilla Goudreau-Santos

sick, personal and vacation hours. It frees up my time a great deal so that I can focus on patient care and moving the business for

and have had a tremendous growth and I think it’s because I’ve been able to focus on growing the core business.”

employees and also handles the payroll, benefits, retirement plans

130,000 client employees in Florida and surrounding states, for about a year. “All of our employees are on their payroll under an

responsibilities and we have certain responsibilities to the employ

website where each employee can view their payroll information. The benefit to me and my department is that the site has minimized all those phone calls and emails that we used to get from

to its large number of client employees. We can get better rates on products like workers compensation, employment related compa

believes that the charge for services is very competitive because

in its IT program,” she said. “As far as rate for services, they evaluate each company according to the services they use and I’m

department or not, and the different risk factors involved. We pay a flat fee that reflects services used and I definitely feel that it’s a benefit for our employees. We’re always looking for better ways to provide good service to our clients and I feel that we’ll be in part

Bonita Springs to Jacksonville. Founded in Bradenton, the com

practices are one of its larger client bases.

“I think doctors are very aware of the need for the access to benefits,” he said. “The goal is to run your practice and business and the biggest pain point is the administrative piece, and second

developing job descriptions.”

The company also offers best practice guides about how to

tants that work with clients to limit their risk.

running a business are very universal,” Sokol said. “We actually

They [employer and employee] can login online and the manager can do a performance review and arrange background and drug screening. We have heavy discounts for these services and in cases

best employee too.”

employees leave the company. The single biggest reason was a personal one like getting married, the second most common reason was for more pay, but almost as many companies reported that the main reason people left was because they were fired, more than were laid off, retired or moved away. The survey also uncovered that many applicants last year covered up something negative about their past and almost a third of the reporting com

panies believe that as many as half their job applicants lie to them

of an employee’s annual pay to recruit, hire and train a new employee.

“When you look at the economy we’re in now, we’re providing companies with services at a much more affordable rate. It’s really compelling, especially

is consuming more of your time than it should, you certainly should take a closer look.


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IN THE BEGINNING…

agreed to offer his advice and traveled to Honduras, joining the International Aid group. There, they spent time at the facilities, met with the leaders, and discussed how to effectively promote their businesses and improve their operations. Though both hospitals desired ideas, the needs of each were vastly different. Focusing on

better serve their patients. And while he hasn’t received updates on the hopsitals’ progress since his visit,

“There was so much need there,” he says, “that I realized there was also a need here in our own backyard.”

EVOLVING EXPERIENCES

joined other volunteer physicians and nurses to provide healthcare for the unin

he says. “They’re hardworking people with jobs who can’t afford insurance and

And while Shepherd’s Hope gave him a taste of the thrill and satisfaction of vol

seeing patients once a week.

moments for those who walk through his door. Just recently, he welcomed into the office a young woman desperate for help.

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By Heather Morgan

After nearly a decade of volunteering, George Ellis, M.D., MMM, MFACEllis is creating hope and opportunities for organizations that need j His journey began out of pure curiosity…what would happen if he dounderserved kept coming, the volunteering turned into more than an h


she was suffering from two painfully large kidney stones – one in

hope of ever finding relief, meeting him with, “I don’t know if you can help me…”

hope. He did a shockwave treatment on one kidney shortly after her initial visit, and he did the next only weeks later. “Her family couldn’t believe I could treat it and that I could

she could’ve faced kidney failure and lost her kidneys.

INCREASED INVOLVEMENT

the organization’s accomplishments throughout the year. As his contributions to others continued growing, it seemed

tion he continues to hold.

impact people today…it impacts the future of students, the future of medicine, the future of the community. The foundation’s part

greatest goal at the moment – an ongoing effort to raise money to

“The first people to step up to the plate to support this

need to contribute to the education of future physicians so medicine as we know it can continue to be effective, and we can

For the present time, however, today’s physicians have plenty

Florida who struggle just to pay the bills, let alone find money for medical care. In addition to finding free clinics in the area, community members without insurance can receive healthcare from doctors who

board for seven years, fully embracing and practicing its mission.

health insurance and, in return, receive sovereign immunity offering protection from any liability suits.

FINDING FUNDING

how difficult it is for organizations – large and small – to receive appropriate funding to continue services and programs without interruption, cuts, or incredible stresses. So rather than simply acknowledging the issue and trying to help by donating dollars

new level.

Dr. Ellis’ compassion for and service to others hasn’t gone unnoticed. Over the years, he’s been honored with the following awards:

MMM, MFACS, realizes there’s still so much more to do. In addition to serving the underserved, Dr. ns that need just a little help…financially.

appen if he donated some time here, offered some expertise there? The doors kept opening, the more than an hour, more than a day – it turned into a true passion.


FLORIDA HEALTH FOUNDATION BENEFICIARIES

and underserved.

athletic department.

As the Florida Health Foundation continues to grow, Dr. Ellis dreams of endless possibilities and a myriad of ways to support organizations committed to bettering communities through health, scientific, and educational initiatives.

also working diligently to help fund worthy organizations’ endeavors through the Florida Health Foundation, which he established two years ago. The foundation provides monetary resources to organizations with underlying scientific, health, and educational purposes that also have a clear need for additional funding.

organizations trying to get off the ground or trying to maintain a resource for patients. To kick off the year, he asked friends and family to celebrate his recent birthday by contributing to the foundation.

growing the Florida Health Foundation’s resources, allowing it to create a ripple of positive change.

WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

busy, he’s realized that he can make a profound difference in precious lives – and impact the community as a whole – by contrib

responsibility to help their community. “It’s not only a good thing, but it makes you feel good – you’re

when you need the help, and a fellow man will be there for you.”

Dr. Ellis keeps busy not only with hands-on work, but in fundrais-ing and leadership roles.


For more information, contact Bill Bywater, [email protected] the Medical Community Since 1977

Contact Broker for Lease Rates or Sale Price

· 34,862 SF medical building· Designed for large medical practice· 134 parking spaces· One block to ORMC· Two elevators· Immediate Occupancy


neither contain her curiosity nor the contents of her mysterious box (actually, some accounts call it a “jar,” but that does not serve

unleashed all kinds of drama on the other earthlings.

do so could risk your livelihood. The State of Florida doesn’t care what your specialty is. According to the legislature, every third time you renew your medical license, you must include two hours of domestic violence continuing medical education. But now, instead of suffering through yet another tiresome presentation or slogging through

http://www.vlh.com/

ologist, completed the domestic violence course online back in January. When asked if she thought the course had any value beyond

“Absolutely, there were things I didn’t realize, the ‘red flags’ mentioned in the course. I still remember the cases in the course.”

“lack of comfort, fear of offending, powerlessness, loss of control and time constraints.”

patients who had also been victims of domestic violence. “It’s a

added, “There’s nothing you can do.”

Travis Smith said that because of the nature of their practices, there are few instances where they would suspect that a patient was a victim of domestic abuse.

he “may have seen one or two” patients who he suspected were victims of domestic abuse. But typically, he said, most of the

with pneumonia, or for breathing treatments. Still, like all other physicians, every third renewal of his medi

are two ways that I know,” Smith said, of how to get his two units

will be a test at the end,” or he and the other physicians in his practice will receive a booklet and test, which is then mailed in for the

“Online would be more convenient,” Smith said. “Just do it and get it over with. I use the computer a lot so I would consider doing it online.” Jacksonville gynecologist

physician who has taken Harris’s online course in domestic violence.

patients who were probably not telling the truth about an odd bruise. “If they accidentally bruise themselves, they would tell you

almost obligated to report if we see signs of domestic violence.”

The law now reads that any physician … “knowingly treating any

By Camille Dolan

Is there any chance for me to get more

involved,of course..there’s always that

chance; there’s always that patient

that you could get more involved with

and call the primary.


for such treatment, shall report the same immediately to the sheriff’s department of the county in which said treatment is

domestic violence as an everyday topic of conversation was unheard of as early as 30 years ago. Still, it took momentum

professionals to take continuing courses on domestic violence.

signed into law last year mandating ongoing domestic vio

physicians to be aware of it more and to discuss it more.”

treat patients who had experienced domestic violence. “I really cringed when they suggested it, “ Harris admitted. Harris and his colleagues were put in touch with domestic violence advocates, and developed the course available

org.Florida physicians can take the customized course here:

“You could see the patients become real. The course stayed with you.” The program soon received recognition from the

DID YOU KNOW...

dents of domestic violence, and that domestic violence

… Florida has an address confidentiality program that

allows victims to relocate and maintain address con

fidentiality through a post office box administered by

maintain address confidentiality with their schools and


the online course for its effectiveness in randomized clinical trials, specifically:

course said that they would make practice changes in how they handle suspected domestic violence.

ence is an issue they need to address in their practices, stating

their own practices. Additionally, a 2005 report in the American Journal of

behaviors, compared to a control group with no formal training. In the past few years, Harris has received two grants from the

grams around the country. Sanford’s Osorio agreed that Harris’s course was better than the other courses she had taken to keep her medical license current. “Is there any chance for me to get more involved?” Osorio asked, hypo

patient that you could get more involved with and call the primary to let him know there is a situation with his or her patient.” What was especially interesting for Osorio, she said, was “I learned more than the first time I took it [the traditional way]. What I would do isn’t necessarily the best way,” she found out via the course’s gentle suggestions and corrections. At the end of the course, Osorio said, “I learned how to detect it a little bit more. I think we ‘re human beings and as human beings – apart from being physicians – there are always subjects that you are afraid to talk about openly with anybody. That’s when you have to step up and say, why am I here? I’m here to help as many people as I can.”

ber about the myth is that after all the ills, hard toil, heavy sickness

the lid, and Hope flew out, thereby always giving mankind hope in times of misery. Hope – It could be just the prescription your patient needs.

Harbor House

Seminole County Resources Source: www.aardvarc.org

Safe House of Seminole

Orange County Resources Source: www.aardvarc.org


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February 2008

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