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News Click here for archived stories.
Wilderness & International MedicineSpring 2008 Conference
05/02/2008
Wilderness Medicine ConferenceScheduled for April 22The Central Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program willpresent the 3rd Annual Wilderness Medicine Conference on April 22. Sponsored by the residency’s Wilderness and International Medicine Program, the event will feature presentations by experts on a variety of topics. The conference is being offered free of charge and is open to anyone with an interest in wilderness medicine. The day’s agenda will feature the following: “Medical Decision-Making in Medicine, Mountaineering and Daily Life” with Paul Hoehner, M.D., an anesthesiologist who practices with Central Maine Heart Associates in Lewiston. Hoehner is also a theology doctorate candidate. “The North East Ridge of Everest” with Bill Yeo of Durham. Yeo, a professional guide and mountaineer, will discuss his May 2006 Everest expedition. “Frostbite” with Bina Maharjan, M.D., and Michael Gravatt, M.D., physicians with the CMMC Family Medicine Residency, and trauma surgeon David Sooriash, M.D., “Snake Bites in Central America” with Kirk Silver, M.D., 2007 graduate of CMMC Family Medicine Residency Program “Environmental Stewardship: Bells of Everest Project” with Jeff Clapp, founder of Bells of Everest. “Wilderness Medicine Aspects of Mt. Katahdin Summit Attempt March 2008” with the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine Wilderness Medicine Club. A wilderness medicine mock code scenario will also be explored as part of the day’s events. A light lunch will provided. The event will begin at 11:45 a.m. and will be presented in the Chairmen’s Rooms, 12 High Street Medical Office Building, lower level. For more information or to register, email fredaji@cmhc.org or call 795-2803. 04/22/2008
"Cultural Broker”The communities of Lewiston and Auburn, located on opposing shores of the Androscoggin River in south-central Maine, have seen a heavy influx of immigrants over the past several years. Some 4,000 East Africans, primarily from Somalia, seeking to escape the ravages of a long civil war, have relocated in the area, presenting healthcare providers with both interesting challenges and unique rewards.The Central Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program, established in the late 1970s as a training program for family doctors, has become an important healthcare resource for the immigrant community. In fact, nearly 25 percent the program’s patient population is comprised of Somalis. Because the Somali language has only been written for about 30 years, many of the immigrants do not read their native tongue. Even for those who do read the language, there are many adaptations required to convey American English linguistic concepts into Somali. For some time, the residency program employed the services of translators to communicate with the immigrants. Not long ago, however, the program introduced a “cultural broker” to improve communications. The residency’s cultural broker, an Ethiopian-born female immigrant who spent many years living in Somalia, was located through a Somali community organization. She provides an array of benefits for the program’s East African patients, most arising from interpreting-translation services. She makes reminder calls to patients, accompanies them to service locations, and works to assure that details are appropriately tended to. She has been instrumental in developing various pertinent signage, handouts and letters. A great benefit that the cultural broker provides to residency staff members, including all care providers and support staff, is education regarding Somali culture. Understanding the customs and traditions of the Somali people has significantly improved the residency program’s overall ability to provide care for the immigrant community. The residency program’s collective knowledge – the ability to understand people, their history, and their traditions – is enhanced on a daily basis. The program’s compassion has improved, not only for this immigrant community, but for all patients. The educational opportunity that has been provided to the CMMC Family Medicine Residency Program is immeasurable. The Central Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program operates from facilities at the Oscar Treat Turner Family Medicine Center, located adjacent to the Medical Center. Since its inception in 1978, the residency program has graduated over 150 family physicians who practice from Maine to California, and in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, New Zealand and Norway. Many residency graduates have established practices in Maine, including the central Maine area. Among its graduates have been physicians from throughout the world. By Reggie Albert, Administrative Director, Central Maine Family Medicine Residency 11/21/2007
Former Medical Student HonoredBingham Scholar Student wins poster contest
10/30/2007
Faculty PresentationsMembers of the Family Medicine Residency Program faculty give many regional and national presentations at STFM (Society of Teachers of Family Medicine) meetings. This is a snapshot of the presentations for the 2007-2008 academic year.October, 2007 AAFP Annual Scientific Assembly ~ Chicago, IL #1 - 100 Shades of Gray: The Art and Science of Clinical Decision Making – Presented by Donald R. Woolever MD Abstract: Decision making in the clinical setting is a very complex and dynamic process that requires the application of a wide spectrum of skills. Some will approach the clinical question like an equation, while others will view it as a free-flowing exchange, and still others will apply research concepts. These varied approaches point back to the perennial conflict between the art and the science of medicine. The process is further complicated by the role of the patient. The patient’s educational level, adherence, skills and home support all impact on the practical application of the clinical decision. Emotional issues elicited by the patient encounter will also often influence a provider’s approach to the clinical question. Whether utilizing algorithms, applying the scientific process or consulting colleagues, clinical decision making can be facilitated by considering probabilities, establishing a treatment/intervention threshold and being consistent. As advocated by the “Future of Family Medicine” project, a formalization of clinical decision making processes has the potential to improve the quality and safety of patient care. Northeast STFM Annual Meeting ~ Pittsburgh, PA # 1 The Wide World of Contraception: A Workshop to Assess Evidence, Expand Knowledge, and Develop Skills. Presented by: Bethany Picker MD, Donald R. Woolever MD, Denise Cogle DO, Carlos Martinez MD and Terry Ann Scriven MD Abstract: With nearly 15 million couples using some form of contraception, family physicians are often sought out to counsel on pregnancy planning. Emerging technologies and an increased focus on women’s health have brought the risks, benefits and controversies of contraception to the forefront. The number of methods available has increased dramatically, and the family physician must be knowledgeable about all options in order to effectively advise patients. The family physician is ideally suited to work with couples to develop contraception plans that best suit their lifestyle, beliefs and goals for having children. This workshop will review available methods in a skill station model of learning. #2 – What is Health? Presented by: Donald R. Woolever, MD Abstract: What is health? In the rush to implement evidence-based practices and measure outcomes, have we lost sight of what health really is? A normal blood pressure and up to date screening tests do not ensure well-being. Health is much more than medications and procedures. The foundation of the health hierarchy is made up of the most basic of elements: food, air, water, shelter, sleep, love, spirituality. Our current model of care often fails to consider the importance of these building blocks. Implementing healthcare in context and utilizing alternative performance measures, such as self-rated health, may help to refocus our efforts. Working with our patients to find common ground and develop personal health mission statements may lead to the realization of a desired level of “health”. #3 – The Perfect Match: Strengthening the Power of Your Residency Application Presented by: Deborah Taylor, PhD (and Sara Karp, MD from Tufts FMR) Who says “You can’t always get what you want...”? Medical students (I through IV) are welcomed to attend this workshop and: - learn about the Residency Match process (AOA or NRMP), - learn more about the diversity in Family Medicine Residency education, - take inventory of the strengths of your educational and life experiences; - prepare for the residency application process; - add strategies to help increase the power of your application; and - increase your appeal before/during/after the interview day. You will complete a Residency Application Strengths Inventory, receive direct instruction about preparing for the match in MS Years I, II and III, be given tips on producing an effective personal statement, and develop an effective strategy for the interview season including the actual interview day. November, 2007 The Conference on Practice Improvement: Health Information and Patient Education (co-sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine) ~ Newport Beach, CA #1 Contextual Care: A New Model to Improve Adherence, Outcomes and Satisfaction. Presented by: Raj Woolever MD and Reggie Albert Abstract: Contextual Care is the process of incorporating context within the ongoing patient-physician relationship to maximize patient-centered care, facilitate shared decision-making and optimize health outcomes and well being. Contextual Care draws from many well-established care models, but it also incorporates logistical concerns, financial constraints and community resources. Despite its theoretical basis, Contextual Care is pragmatic, intuitive, and highly personal in its application. It was observed in the forward to the Future of Family Medicine project that “patients value an individual relationship with a physician who knows them as a person and who understands the social context of their lives.” Family physicians adjust their approach and recommendations to patients according to many elements which comprise a “health context”. This skill, while often modeled, is rarely taught explicitly. #2 A Comprehensive Approach to Caring for Refugee Populations. Presented by: Raj Woolever MD and Reggie Albert Abstract: With over 20 million refugees in the world and 170,000 new refugees and asylum seekers arriving in the US in 2006 alone, this is a growing population with a unique context and health history. While many refugees primary re-settlement site may be a large US city, increasingly, secondary re-settlement sites are in middle-sized and small cities and towns. Refugees are required to have a full medical exam within one year of their arrival and often arrive with complex medical histories further complicated by language and cultural barriers. Tropical infectious diseases and significant physical and psychological trauma are common. The implementation of strategies and services to facilitate a positive introduction into the health system can result in rewarding relationships and improved health for these families. #3 What is Health? – Presented by Raj Woolever,MD Abstract: (see NESTFM description in prior section) February, 2008 Conference on Families and Health ~ New Orleans, LA #1 – From P4 to C3: The Development of a “Contextual Care” Family Medicine Residency Competency-based Curriculum. Presenter: Deborah Taylor PhD Abstract: While Family Medicine is founded on and the FFM is steeped in language about the care of patients in "context", this session will focus on a community FMRP's attempt to name "context" and to develop a curriculum (including EHR resources) for teaching and assuring competency by residents and medical students in this vital area. Our P4 application, while not accepted, motivated us to persevere with C3 (Contextual Care Curriculum) and I2 (Intentional Interaction). A CD with relevant materials will be handed out to all participants. April 2008 Annual STFM Conference ~ Baltimore, MD #1 - Resuscitating "Seasoned" Behavioral Scientists: A Sharing of Ideas to Rehydrate Our Work and Our Passion. Presenters: Deborah Taylor PhD, Tim Spruill EdD (from Florida Hospital Orlando) and Robert Zylstra EdD (U. Tennessee Chattanooga) Astract: The intention of this gathering is for the current three co-chairs of the Group on Behavioral Science to bring together seasoned (defined as >10 years of experience) Behavioral Scientists for a discussion of current FMRP or FM Department behavioral science curricula, creative teaching methods and competency based evaluation strategies. If you are feeling in need of some new ideas (re-hydration) or need your passion reignited (resuscitation), we hope you will join us. 10/30/2007
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