Author Archive
Whooping Cough Occurring in Epidemic Numbers in WA
Posted by: | Comments“Whooping cough sounds like an old time disease,” said Tony Giefer, MD, MPH, and Medical Director of Orcas Medical Center. “We wish it was a thing of the past, but whooping cough — pertussis — is now occurring in epidemic numbers in the state of Washington.”
As of mid-April of this year, according to the San Juan County Health Department, there have been more than 1000 cases in Washington, which is more than in all of 2011.
“The vaccine used before 2005 was only for children under seven years old,” said Giefer, who holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, “so there was no booster for adults. Now the ‘Tdap’ immunization protects against three diseases — tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis — and can be used in people of all ages.” Read More→
Students Study the Human Body with Help from Local Physicians
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Dr. Jim Litch talks with Salmonberry School students Emma Freedman, left, and Tashi Litch.
In recent weeks, fourth and fifth-grade students at Salmonberry School, on North Beach Road in Eastsound, have explored many aspects of the human body with guidance from their teacher Paul Freedman and two Salmonberry School parents who are local physicians.
“Dr. Jim Litch presented a terrific lesson on the structure and function of the human spine,” said Freedman. “He focused on keeping the spine and the nerves it contains strong and healthy, and on avoiding injuries when bike-riding and diving. He also talked about the diagnostic process for spinal injuries and conducted some experiments on our ability to sense temperature changes.”
“What’s the best thing you can do for your health?”
Posted by: | CommentsHere’s a clever, nine-minute video posted by Dr. Mike Evans, an associate professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of Toronto, and a staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital.
In this video, Dr. Evans presents convincing evidence for a single treatment or “intervention” that can have a positive impact on your health and improve your quality of life.
Visit Dr. Mike’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/DocMikeEvans
More Coats for Orcas Kids from Island Hospital Program
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Alison Shaw, left, of Orcas Medical Center and Erin O'Dell of the Orcas Family Resource Center.
At least 25 more Orcas Island children will have new winter coats this year, thanks to an ongoing program sponsored by employees of Island Hospital of Anacortes, with contributions of $1,000 from the Orcas Medical Center (OMC) staff and Orcas Medical Foundation (OMF) members.
According to Erin O’Dell, Orcas Family Resource Center Director, the 25 new coats were delivered to the Resource Center on December 2 by Alison Shaw, the Medical Center Practice Administrator.
“These coats are going to families in need, with children who did not receive one of the many winter coats donated earlier this year by Island Hardware and Supply,” said O’Dell. “So many families are in need right now. This additional program came along at just the right time.” Read More→
Orcas Medical Foundation and Island Hospital working together.
Posted by: | CommentsIn keeping with the timeline announced in April, Orcas Medical Foundation (OMF) has completed its planned affiliation with Island Hospital of Anacortes. Island Hospital management of the Orcas Medical Center (OMC) practice took effect on August 16, 2011. Both the medical and administrative staffs of OMC are now employees of Island Hospital.
“Our goal is to enhance patient care and add a major level of financial stability to Orcas Island health care,” said Norm Zimlich, OMF Board President. “On the revenue side,” he said, “reimbursements by government and private insurance are more favorable to a hospital-affiliated practice. On the expense side, Island Hospital can handle many administrative matters more cost-effectively. Their purchasing power lets them acquire medications, supplies and equipment for less.” Read More→
Foundation posts Q&A about Island Hospital affiliation plan
Posted by: | CommentsOrcas Medical Foundation (OMF) has posted detailed “Questions & Answers” regarding a planned affiliation with Island Hospital of Anacortes, following its announcement of the plan at its annual members’ meeting in April. Click Here.
OMF is the non-profit organization that owns the Orcas Medical Center building and contracts for the management of its practice, Since 2006, Dr. Tony Giefer’s practice, Orcas Medical Center, PLLC, has managed the Medical Center practice. Before that , from 1992 to 2004, the practice was managed by Island Hospital.
“We believe that affiliation with Island Hospital will add a major level of financial stability to Orcas Island health care,” said Norm Zimlich, incoming OMF Board President.
Steps toward a bright future for health care on Orcas Island.
Posted by: | CommentsAt its annual members’ meeting on April 26, the Orcas Medical Foundation (OMF) announced two big steps in its campaign toward a bright future for health care on Orcas Island. The first step is the addition of Dr. Jim Litch to join Dr. Tony Giefer and the medical staff of Orcas Medical Center (OMC). The next step is a planned affiliation between the Foundation and Island Hospital of Anacortes.
Outgoing OMF Board President David Sarver and Island Hospital CEO Vince Oliver announced the preliminary affiliation plan, following months of discussion and analysis by the two organizations. The preliminary plan, which begins the process leading to a formal contract, calls for Island Hospital to manage the OMC practice beginning in August. Under the plan, both the medical and the administrative staffs of Orcas Medical Center will become employees of Island Hospital. Read More→
Dr. Jim Litch joins the staff of Orcas Medical Center.
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Dr. Jim Litch
Dr. Jim Litch, MD, DTMH, has joined the staff of Orcas Medical Center. He lives on Orcas Island with his wife, Dr. Rachel Bishop, and their two children.
Jim is experienced in family medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, infectious diseases, men’s health and travel medicine. “I look forward to seeing patients of all ages,” said Litch, “from babies to seniors. It’s what I have trained to do. It’s what I love to do.”
Jim began coming up from Seattle to Orcas in 1994-95 as a locum tenens (temporary physician), filling in from time to time to cover the practice when a physician was away on vacation.
Orcas Medical Foundation Meeting Set for April 26
Posted by: | Comments“Orcas Island residents from young working parents to retirees – all who are interested in the future of health care on Orcas Island – are invited to this year’s annual meeting of the Orcas Medical Foundation,” said David Sarver, President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
The meeting will be on Tuesday, April 26 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., with light refreshments until 5:00, in the Madrona Room at Orcas Center.
“It should be an interesting meeting,” added Sarver, “and there will be ample time for discussions, questions and answers with the OMF Board. We will also have a report by Dr. Tony Giefer, MD, MPH, of Orcas Medical Center.”
Orcas Medical Foundation is the non-profit membership organization that helps support medical care on Orcas Island, by supporting the medical practice at Orcas Island Medical Center.
Jean Bried PA-C, MPH, provides women’s and men’s healthcare at Orcas Medical Center.
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Jean Bried, PA-C, MPH
Physician Assistant (PA-C) Jean Bried of Orcas Medical Center has practiced women’s and men’s healthcare for most of her career. She trained in primary care and worked during the 80’s and 90’s in adult medicine and surgery at Emory University. She also holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from Emory.
“Each of us has an opportunity every day to do something good for our health.”
Bried believes in helping patients take good care of themselves. In her words, “Whether this involves making a small but tough change or continuing an established healthy lifestyle, we recognize and own that moment. Hearing patients’ stories and helping them determine how to reach their goal is my favorite mission. As I often say, ‘You are the captain of your own ship; my main job is helping you navigate.’ ”
