Patriotic Salute

The Kent County Medical Society would like to thank all of the Veterans and especially our Physician Veterans. KCMS would also like to thank the 100+ members and spouses that joined us in honoring physicians that served in the military.

Tom Peterson, MD named Executive Director for Quality, Safety and Community Health

Tom Peterson, MD, has been promoted to executive director of quality, safety and community health at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. Peterson previously served as the medical director of quality with the children's hospital and medical director for Spectrum Health Healthier Communities.

Dr. Peterson will direct safety and quality initiatives. He will provide leadership to achieve national best practice performance levels in patient safety and will direct implementation of evidence-based medicine practice.  He will represent the hospital on a local, regional and national level to promote children's health and community advocacy. 

Dr. Peterson is a graduate of Intermountain Health Care's Advanced Training Program in Health Care Delivery Improvement and the Harvard School of Public Health project management certificate program.

Click here for the complete article.

Dr. Donald Condit & Dr. Patrick Droste

Doctors Donald Condit and Patrick Droste were recently mentioned in the Business Section of the Grand Rapids Press (September 27, 2010 VOL. 28, NO. 40) in the article titled "Reaction to Pennant Health Alliance" (front page and continued on page 4).

Holiday card requests

Requests for the KMF holiday card contributions will be sent out soon. Watch your mail. Donations will be due November 15.

Get involved in changing the future

Are there aspects of medicine that you believe can be improved with the right input by physicians? Do you believe you can help guide future legislative action to make positive change in the delivery of health care? Then you are asked to consider serving as a Delegate to the Michigan State Medical Society representing Kent County. There are open positions expected in 2011 and your leadership and passion are welcome.


Delegates and Alternate Delegates are encouraged to participate in the annual MSMS House of Delegates, to be held in Kalamazoo, MI on Friday, April 29 on Sunday, May 1, 2001. A maximum of two meetings will be held prior to the House meeting to craft suggested resolutions. Historically, Kent County has had a very strong presence in the process and is recognized as a leader in participation. Contact Patricia Dalton at (616) 458-4157 for additional information.

Open board positions in 2011

The KCMS Board is seeking members interested in serving on the KCMS Board. If you are interested in serving the Membership and provide direction and leadership for a three-year term, please contact the KCMS office at 458-4157 or email us at kcmsoffice@kcms.org.


The Board meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. in addition to its quarterly Membership meetings and other member events.


Thank you for your consideration.

Remember to pay your dues!

MSMS has sent out dues invoices. Pay your dues by December 31, 2010 and you will receive a voucher for an MSMS CME event! Don't miss out!

KMF Board welcomes Timothy J. Waalkes

Representing the community, Timothy J. Waalkes was elected to the Board of the Kent Medical Foundation in the fall of 2010. He is an attorney with Vespoor, Waalkes, Lalley, Slotsema & Talen in downtown Grand Rapids.

Mr. Waalkes graduated from Calvin College and Wayne State University. He worked for two firms in the Lansing area before joining the firm in July 2004. He specializes in estate planning, probate administration, business law and general civil litigation.

He has been a member of the Optimist Club of Grand Rapids since 2004. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the National Committee for Planned Giving and the West Michigan Estate Planning Council.

We welcome Mr. Waalkes to the Kent Medical Foundation Board.

Dr. Paul Farr

On Wednesday, September 28, Gastroenterologist and KCMS member, Dr. Paul Farr encouraged WLAV Morning Show listeners to schedule a colonoscopy. Radio show DJs, Kevin Mathews and Tim Cusack were enlightened as to the benefits of early detection of colon cancer and colorectal diseases.

Welcome new KCMS Members!

Dr. William Cunningham accepts position at MSUCOM

Dr. William Cunningham has accepted a position at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine effective January 1, 2011.  He will be reporting to Dean Strampel and will focus on the presence of osteopathic medicine in West Michigan.

Dr. Cunningham will have additional external duties with Metro Health as assigned to him by Mr. Faas and will have a MSUCOM office in the Physician Office Building.  Dr. Cunningham has been with the Metro Health team for twenty-one years.

Honoring Congressman Vern Ehlers

The Kent County Medical Society and Kent County Osteopathic Association would like to thank the 100+ members that joined us in honoring retiring Congressman Vern Ehlers and attending the Candidates' Forum.


KCMS and KCOA would also like to thank the candidates who were able to join us and participate in the candidates’ quarrel/forum.

We are adding a new date to our CME Event!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
   
    Saturday Morning-January 22, 2011
                         &
    Saturday Morning-February 26, 2011


CME Educational Opportunity

Donald R. Bohay, MD

Dr. Bohay was recently highlighted in an article for The Wall Street Journal.  To read the article please click here.

Stephen C. Bloom, D.O.

The Kent County Medical Society would like to congratulate Dr. Stephen Bloom on being elected chief of staff by Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.

Bradley P. Bengston, M.D.

KCMS member; Dr. Bengston was recently highlighted in the Business Section of the Grand Rapids Press on July 24th, 2010.

To physicians who have served our country...

Save the date-CME Update

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
    KCMS CME Update

    Saturday Morning-February 26, 2011
    CME Educational Opportunity

Grand Haven Triathlon

Congratulations to Phil Wise, MD, George Steinhardt, MD and Todd Cooper who came in 2nd in the team competition at the Grand Haven Triathlon on July 11, 2010.

Meet the Candidates

Thank you to all that attended the "Meet the Candidates" meeting.

Legislative Breakfast Meeting

Thank you to all that came to the Legislative Breakfast Meeting at the Masonic Temple.

Tim D. Fritz, MD

KCMS member, Dr. Tim D. Fritz talks to the Grand Rapids Business Journal (June 14, 2010 VOL. 28, NO. 24) about "broken heart syndrome" in the article titled "Doctor investigating emotional risk on heart" (page 17).

Metro Health Hospital-Physician of the Year Award

The Kent County Medical Society would like to congratulate William J. Rozell, DO on being named Metro Health Hospital's Physician of the Year. 

Micheal D. Dickinson, MD and James F. Byrne, MD

Dr. Micheal D. Dickinson and Dr. James F. Byrne were highlighted in the Grand Rapids Business Journal (June 14, 2010 VOL. 28, NO. 24) in the article titled "Spectrum telehealth trial shows fewer readmissions for patients" (page 20).

David Baumgartner, MD

KCMS member, Dr. David Baumgartner was highlighted in the Grand Rapids Business Journal (June 1, 2010 VOL. 28, NO. 22) in the article titled "Saint Mary's creates new docs' group" (front page and continued on page 9).

Alliance for Health elects KCMS physicians for the 2010-2011 year

Alliance for Health elected John M. MacKeigan, MD as officer.  Also, named as standing committee chairs are Gregory J. Forzley, MD and Khan Nedd, MD.

Jay P. LaBine, MD, has been appointed medical director at Priority Health.

Jay P. LaBine, MD, appointed medical director at Priority Health

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - March 17, 2010) Priority Health announced today that Jay P. LaBine, M.D., has joined its staff as medical director. LaBine most recently served as chief of staff at St. Mary's Health Care in Grand Rapids.


In his new position, LaBine will work in the company's Medical Affairs department where he will be responsible for utilization management, reducing per capita costs and building provider relationships.


Prior to joining Priority Health, LaBine also served as chief of surgery and trauma director at St. Mary's Health Care. His experience as a surgeon will complement the expertise of the Priority Health medical staff, which includes pediatrics, family practice, internal medicine, geriatrics, hospice/palliative care and psychiatrics.


LaBine holds a bachelor's of science degree from North Dakota State University in Fargo. He earned his medical degree from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine in Grand Forks. He also completed a fellowship in trauma and critical care at the University of California at San Diego Medical Center in San Diego.

Joseph J. Junewick, MD

Joseph J. Junewick, MD, FACR, has been inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Radiology.

John R. Vydareny, MD

The Kent County Medical Society would like to congratulate John R. Vydareny, MD.  He received the Community Champions Award from Molina Healthcare of Michigan.

KCMS-Executive Director

After having conducted an extensive national search over several months, the Kent County Medical Society Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Patricia W. Dalton, MPA, MA has been appointed to serve as Executive Director of the Kent County Medical Society. 

Ms. Dalton has been serving as Interim Executive Director since June 2009. 

She holds Masters Degrees in both Public Administration and Organizational Communications from Western Michigan University.  She has served as a consultant to organizations assisting in medical office management, leadership, and development challenges. 

Ms. Dalton has previously served as the first Executive Director of the Kent County chapter of Project Access, a joint program of the Kent County Medical Society and the Kent County Osteopathic Association.

Lee P. Begrow, D.O.

Lee P. Begrow, D.O., has received the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award from Lyman Briggs College (LBC) at Michigan State University. In making the selection, Dean Elizabeth Simmons remarked, "Dr. Begrow is recognized for achieving the highest level of professional accomplishment and making a positive impact in his community. The recognition that he has received from his peers and patients has led him to be named as a top family physician in both "The Grand Rapids Press," and "Grand Rapids Magazine."


For more of this story, click here

House of Delegates Meeting Highlights

Daniel B. Michael, MD, PhD, a Wayne County neurosurgeon, was installed as the 145th President of MSMS during the annual House of Delegates meeting in Dearborn.


MSMS officers: Steven E. Newman, MD, President-elect; Richard E. Smith, MD, Immediate Past President; Rose M. Ramirez, MD, House Speaker (KCMS Member); Pino D. Colone, MD, House Vice Speaker; Gregory J. Forzley, MD, Board Chair(KCMS Member); James D. Grant, MD, Board Vice Chair; Michael W. Smith, MD, Secretary; and Edward J. Rutkowski, MD, Treasurer.

2010 AMA Alliance LEAP Award

PROJECT SUMMARY
2010 AMA Alliance LEAP Award White Coat Rally
In October 2009, despite a huge grassroots effort, the State House of Representatives voted 56 ‐52 in favor of a 3 percent tax on the gross receipts of physicians. The fate of the physician tax bill, officially known as the “Quality Assurance Assessment Program” (QAAP), fell into the hands of our Senators. The State Medical Society organized a “White Coat Rally” to educate lawmakers and provide a “powerful visual statement” that physicians were united in their opposition to this tax. On Tuesday October 20th, over 1000 physicians, staff and Alliance members from across the State donned white coats and flocked to the State’s Capital to rally on the steps of the Capital building. In addition, rally participants packed the Senate Appropriations Community Health Subcommittee meeting. It was standing room only for the undeniable, rock‐solid testimony given by the State Medical Society President and the State Medical Society’s Immediate Past‐President. On October 28th, the Senate voted 32‐4 to reject the proposed tax on physicians!


DESCRIPTION OF GOALS
The goal of the White Coat Rally was to “show” our State legislators how much opposition there was to the proposed physician tax bill. Planning included setting the date and spreading the word via publications, websites and emails. Many County Medical Societies and Specialty Societies chartered a bus for their physicians, office staff and Alliance members. Participants met at a hotel just a few blocks from the State Capital building. Sack lunches were provided by the State Medical Society as were demonstration signs for participants to hold while marching.
During lunch, several physicians addressed the group.    Then, we assembled to march on the Capital.


IMPACT OF PROJECT ON LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT
The White Coat Rally inspired physicians from all areas and specialties to close down their practices for the day in order to take a stand on behalf of ALL doctors and patients in our State. Alliance members also took time away from their jobs, families and responsibilities to be involved in the rally. Alliance members who were not able to make the trip took part in the event by contacting their Senators on that day.
Our State has above average income and property tax rates. We also have a State Business T ax. In addition to these three taxes, our physicians have subsidized our State’s Medicaid program for over 35 years with 60 cents on every dollar for services provided. Imposing an additional 3 percent in gross revenue taxes would have forced physicians to leave the State or stop accepting Medicaid patients. The 32‐4 Senate vote against the physician tax was not only a huge relief but it impressed upon us all how indeed “together we are stronger”! The White Coat Rally effort and successful result continue to resound and inspire action, reminding us that it is our responsibility to educate our legislators and to never give up fighting for issues that are right for the family of medicine and protective of access to healthcare for all patients.


EFFECT ON AMPAC AND STATE PAC MEMBERSHIP
The effect on our State PAC was profound. Membership grew 10% compared to the same month in previous years. Between forty and fifty additional donations were received in direct response to this project.


BUDGET AND RESOURCE SUMMARY
Many participants in the White Coat Rally provided their own transportation to the Capital. Others arrived on charter busses provided by Specialty groups or County Medical Societies. The first stop was the hotel where participants were treated to a sack lunch containing a sandwich, apple and cookies compliments of the State Medical Society. The Osteopathic Association supplied “campaign” buttons. The State Medical Society provided demonstration signs. The State Medical Society staff welcomed participants and communicated the rally’s plan of action.


IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY
Our State, like many others, is extremely low on revenue sources. Our legislators are looking hard for innovative ways to balance our budget. At first glance, the physician tax appeared to be a win‐win because the dollars raised with the tax were to be “matched” with federal stimulus dollars. In reality, the tax would have hurt communities in our State. The defeat of the proposed physician tax bill will impact our communities in the following ways:
1.    It will keep physicians and their practices in our state and prevent some physicians from early retirement ‐ both of which would have reduced access to health care for our citizens. 2.    It will keep physicians from having to lay off nurses, office administrators, billing personnel
and others in order to make ends meet. These lay‐offs would have further reduced access to health care for our citizens and would have elevated our state’s already intolerable unemployment rate.
3.    It will encourage new physicians to move to our State to set up their practices and raise their families rather than seek less expensive alternatives.
4.    It has brought attention to our chronically under‐funded Medicaid program which may lead to longer term solutions.
The White Coat Rally made a positive impression on our lawmakers. They now realize that the medical community is a force to be reckoned with and having our support is important. The White Coat Rally helped to unify and empower physicians and Alliance members throughout our State. Most importantly, it helped protect our communities’ doctors, patients and health care for all our State’s citizens.

Alternative Medicine Update Meeting

Thank you to all who attended the Regular Meeting of the Kent County Medical Society!

Alternative Medicine Update & A Tribute to Kent County's Recipients of the MSMS 50 Year Award

---

Alternative Medicine Update Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Watermark Country Club

5500 Cascade Road SE

Social 6:15 PM Dinner 7:00 PM Program 7:45 PM

Join us and learn the most up-to-date information on evidence-based therapies

that your patients may be asking you about.

A Tribute to the 1960 Medical School Graduates

Thomas E. Klein, MD

Mohammad Riahi, MD

G. Jay Rottman, MD

Thomas G. Schwaderer, MD

Gordon F. VanOtteren, MD

---

2010 Inner Circle Honorees

The Kent County Medical Society would like to congratulate Marguerite E. Aitken, M.D. and Francine L. Vagotis, M.D. on being named inForum's 2010 Inner Circle Honorees.  To view the complete listing please see the Grand Rapids Business Journal (April 26, 2010 VOL. 28, NO. 17).

John Key, DO

The Kent County Medical Society's own John Key, DO was in the Grand Rapids Business Journal (April 26, 2010 VOL. 28, NO. 17) in two different articles titled "Additional heart health services pursued at Metro Health" page 6 and "Hospital boards must serve community first" page 14.

Khan Nedd, MD

Dr. Khan Nedd, a member of the Kent County Medical Society was in the Grand Rapids Business Journal (April 26, 2010 VOL. 28, NO. 17) in the article titled "Legal community pursuing diversity" page 19.

Welcome new KCMS members!

Save the date!

Welcome New Members!

Regular Meeting of the Kent County Medical Society - Haiti

More than 80 people joined us for the Haiti Forum. Pictures and heart felt testimonials riveted the audience. If you are curious about volunteering in Haiti please contact the KCMS office or speak to any of the KCMS board members. Click here for list of board members.

Local Physicians tell of their Haiti Experience

Spouses are Invited to the Regular Meeting of the Kent County Medical Society

TUESDAY, March 9, 2010

Social 6:15 PM    Dinner 7:00 PM   Presentation Follows

Watermark Country Club, 5500 Cascade Road SE

Haiti Update

Learn what it was REALLY like to work in Haiti immediately after the earthquake!

First Responder Doctors and Nurses from our area practices share their experiences and pictures!

RSVP FOR: KCMS Meeting Tuesday, March 9, 2010
$25.00 for 1 dinner reservation (KCMS Retired/Life, Spouse or Guest ) or free for (KCMS Active, Resident or Medical Student members)

FAX (458-3305), CALL (458-4157), E-MAIL (kcmsoffice@kcms.org) or

MAIL your RSVP to: KCMS 233 E Fulton St., #222, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

OR  

Click here to register on-line and pay with paypal if necessary...

RSVPs appreciated by Friday, March 5, 2010.

Rose Ramirez, M.D.-The 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan

The Kent County Medical Society would like to congratulate Dr. Ramirez on being named one of The 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal (March 2, 2010 edition). 

Inaugural KCMS CME Update event a SUCCESS

To all attendees:

Thank you for taking time from your weekend to attend the Kent County Medical Society Inaugural CME Update. We hope you found the program to be informative and time well spent.

The KCMS Board of Directors is committed to providing services and benefits that interest you, its loyal members. Feel free to share your thoughts with any of our Board Members or the staff (458-4157 or kcmsoffice@kcms.org).

Some of the attendees

THANK YOU to our speakers for their time and expertise at the Kent County Medical Society Inaugural CME Update. Your professional presentation was very well received. We hope you found your attendance to be time well spent. Your participation contributed greatly to the event’s success.

L-R (Nagib Chalfoun, M.D.; Richard Smith, M.D., MSMS President; Michael J. Madura, M.D.; Raymond Gonzalez, M.D.; Jamie Caughran, M.D.; Emilie Collins, M.D.; Thomas Aaberg, M.D.)

To our generous sponsors:

Thank you for your enthusiasm and participation in the Kent County Medical Society Inaugural CME Update. We hope you found your attendance to be time well spent. Your generous support was appreciated and contributed greatly to the event’s success.

ATMP CONSULTING
AMERICAN PHYSICIANS ASSURANCE CORPORATION
CHEMICAL BANK
FOUNDERS BANK AND TRUST
MSMS CONNECT
NATIONAL CITY BANK- now a part of PNC
PRACTICE MD

REV BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

KCMS Inaugural CME Update - Saturday, February 20, 2010

Click here to register for the event

2010 House of Delegates Candidate Nominations

The election of the President-elect, Speaker, Vice Speaker, AMA Delegates, and AMA Alternate Delegates will be held by ballot on Saturday, May 1, 2010, during the House of Delegates meeting at The Ritz-Carlton in Dearborn.
Candidates for District Director positions will be nominated at the District Director Special Briefings in March/April 2010, and then elected by voice vote of the full House of Delegates on Sunday morning, May 2.
Any MSMS member wishing to run for an open seat or challenge any incumbent listed on the following pages should contact his or her county society president, secretary, executive, or county delegation chair for the formal nomination process on the county level.  To obtain local contact information, please contact Jennifer Finney at MSMS Headquarters at (517) 336-5735 or jfinney@msms.org.
All members seeking election to MSMS offices are asked to complete a Candidate Nomination Form so biographical information about each candidate can be provided to members of the House of Delegates prior to voting.  This form is available through county secretaries, executives, delegations, and Jennifer Finney at MSMS.  All completed nomination forms will be distributed to delegates at the District Director Special Briefings and placed on the House of Delegates web site located at www.msms.org.  Completed forms are to be returned to Jennifer Finney by fax at (517) 337-2490 as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, March 5, 2010.
MSMS ELECTION OF OFFICES AT 2010 HOUSE OF DELEGATES

• The President-elect is elected annually and will become president at the following House of Delegates meeting.  To date, two candidates have announced their candidacies for the President-elect position:  Kenneth Elmassian, DO, Ingham; and Steven E. Newman, MD, Oakland.

Following is a complete list of Kent County and 5^th District offices and Delegates that will be voted upon at the 2010 House of Delegates.

District #5 – Barry, Ionia-Montcalm, Kent, and Ottawa

Todd K. VanHeest, MD, Ottawa
(completed one term)


Speaker (one-year term to 2011 House of Delegates)
Rose M. Ramirez, MD, Kent


Vice Speaker (one-year term to 2011 House of Delegates)
Pino D. Colone, MD, Genesee

President-elect

Candidate(s) to date:
Kenneth Elmassian, DO, Ingham
Steven E. Newman, MD, Oakland


AMA Delegates (two-year term to 2012 House of Delegates)
Incumbents:
Busharat Ahmad, MD, Monroe
Cathy O. Blight, MD, Genesee
Domenic R. Federico, MD, Kent
James D. Grant, MD, Oakland

Resident position will take a seat as an AMA delegate for the term 2010-2012

 Click here to download the Michigan State Medical Society Candidate Nomination Form

Great work in Haiti...

The physicians of Orthopedic Associates of Michigan were on the cover The Grand Rapids Press on Tuesday, February 9, 2010. They were highlighted for their great volunteer work in Haiti. You can read the article at www.mlive.com or you can read their blog at http://www.oamichigan.com/haiti/ for more information on their great work in Haiti.

Gregory Forzley, MD

The Kent County Medical Society's own Gregory Forzley, MD; President Elect, was in the Grand Rapids Business Journal (February 1, 2010 VOL. 28, NO.5) in the article titled "Michigan's physician shortage is a concern".

Women in white: female doctors shape profession

Chronicling Orthopedic Care: Focus Haiti

The Kent County Medical Society proudly highlights its members' work in Haiti.  The many donations of care and compassion are significant and generous.  Please let the KCMS office know of any other things you or other members are doing to support this special humanitarian effort.  By posting these on the KCMS website news blog, we hope to inspire others to participate.  Your colleagues are very proud of the physician-led West Michigan response.  Thank you.

Read more about these efforts in their blog....

Chronicling Orthopedic Care: Focus Haiti

The Kent County Medical Society proudly highlights its members' work in Haiti.  The many donations of care and compassion are significant and generous.  Please let the KCMS office know of any other things you or other members are doing to support this special humanitarian effort.  By posting these on the KCMS website news blog, we hope to inspire others to participate.  Your colleagues are very proud of the physician-led West Michigan response.  Thank you.

Read more about these efforts in their blog....