Community Ventures

In February 2020, a team of 20 medical providers and administrative staff from Covenant Medical Outreach (CMO) traveled to remote Nyeri County, Kenya to provide treatment and resources to many under-served patients. EPS physician, Ashley Gray, M.D., was honored to collectively help over 900 patients during the week-long journey. The team established a community medical clinic at a local church and saw patients with varying medical needs such as hypertension, chronic pain, heart failure, and acute needs over 2 days. Patients were supplied with education, medication, and resources for follow-up care through CMO’s local ongoing-care team. “The range of cases of was interesting,” said Dr. Gray. “We had several cases of patients with arthritis from work-related jobs, who were grateful for ibuprofen. Then we treated a small baby with pneumonia and abnormal vitals, who ultimately was transferred to a hospital for higher-level care.”

Afterwards, Dr. Gray and team established another 2-day medical clinic at a local school where she treated pediatric patients from a different medical aspect, such as distributing vitamins, eyeglasses, providing de-worming, etc.

Later in the week, Dr. Gray visited The Cheerful Special Home, a local, non-profit transitional home for mentally handicapped young adults. She and her colleagues interacted with residents by distributing toys, stickers, and playing games. “All of the home’s adults are now verbal,” noted Dr. Gray. “This was not always the case when they first arrived as residents.”

Dr. Gray finished her trip with home visits to local community members who could not attend the clinic earlier in the week. Upon returning home to Phoenix, Dr. Gray mentions having: “an appreciation of what you can do and how much you can do with just a few resources. Even some medicine for the local patients was a huge benefit. We also saw a significant improvement with medical advice and caring conversations.”

To learn more about CMO’s mission and events, please visit their website: http://www.cm-outreach.org

Long-term EPS veteran, Alan Molk, M.D., recently co-authored and published a book regarding the difficult decisions regarding end-of-life care. Written by two emergency medicine physicians,Saving Lives, Saving Dignity, offers a unique perspective for people affected by life-limiting conditions. Is modern medicine the answer to prolong life? Or how can you help your loved one have a dignified passing? This book discusses these topics from both a medical and a personal perspective. To learn more and order your copy, please visit www.savingdignity.com.

Dr. Teresa Wu continues to revolutionize emergency medicine with her expertise in Simulation. At the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)’s 2019 conference, Dr. Wu gave several lectures on topics pertinent to the emergency medicine community, such as “Nightmare ENT Emergencies: Sore Throats Can Kill” and “Bent, Broken, & Backed Up: Treating Urologic Emergencies in the ED.” She was also interviewed by ACEP’s Frontline and SAEM’s podcasts about her work in Simulation and Education. In addition to her work as the EM Ultrasound Director at Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix and an Associate Professor, Simulation Curriculum at University of Arizona’s College of Medicine, Dr. Wu was ultimately named one of the top Simulation leaders in the country by ACEP. Congrats, Dr. Wu!

Dr. Teresa Wu was recently showcased in the University of Arizona College of Medicine’s series highlighting the important work of women in academic medicine. The article titled: “Women in Medicine: Trailblazers, Advocates, and Leaders,” emphasizes Dr. Wu’s impressive education and current professional achievements. Dr. Wu serves as the director of the Simulation Curriculum and an associate professor in Emergency Medicine at the college, where she has overseen the development of one of the most dynamic simulation curricula in the United States. Her published researched and work has led to remarkable advances in medical simulation, education, and point-of-care ultrasound.

Click here to read the entire article.

With the recent devastation in Texas after Hurricane Harvey, volunteers from across the country are contributing to relief efforts, including search-and-rescue missions.

No stranger to such disaster sites, Dr. Steven Reinhart has volunteered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for more than 20 years. He has aided in missions involving the 1995 Oklahoma City bombings, September 11th attacks in New York City, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. “In Hurricane Katrina, we had the opportunity to actually pull live victims out of houses and homes that were stranded,” Reinhart said. “That, in itself, was very rewarding. To be able to actually feel like you were providing something for humankind.”

Dr. Reinhart shows daily dedication to patients in the Phoenix community as an emergency medicine physician with EPS for more than 31 years.

To read more about Dr. Reinhart’s remarkable experiences, click here for the entire article originally published on azcentral.com.

Congratulations to EPS physicians, Dr. Robert Baron & Dr. David Streitwieser, for their honors as 2017 Top Doctors in Emergency Medicine by PHOENIX magazine. Both doctors have worked for EPS since 1982 and currently serve in leadership roles.

2017 also marks 10 years of Top Doc honors for Dr. Baron & Dr. Streitwieser.

Dr. Teresa Wu and sister, Dr. Tina Wu, discuss some of today’s biggest obstacles facing EM educators and administrators. Read her article “Wu’s Views: What Are the Greatest Obstacles Facing EM Educators and Administrators?” in Emergency Physicians Monthly by clicking this link.

Dr. Wu has been with EPS as an emergency medicine physician since 2015. She is also an Associate Professor and Simulation Curriculum Director at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Director of the Ultrasound program and Fellowships for BUMCP, and the creator of the app: SonoSupport.

Dr. Marvin (Todd) Clever, along with the Buckeye Fire Department was honored to accept the 2016 Desert Peaks Award for Public/Private Partnership from the Maricopa Association of Governments. This prestigious award recognizes individuals and partnerships who exhibit commitment to regionalism through cooperative efforts.

Joining EPS in 2008, Dr. Todd Clever now serves on the EPS Board of Directors as a Member at Large. He is the Prehospital Medical Director at Banner Estrella Medical Center as well as Medical Director for the Avondale, Buckeye, & Tolleson Fire Departments and Buckeye SWAT. Initially launching as a pilot program, paramedics and fire department members have drastically reduced hospital readmission rates by making house calls to recently discharged patients and assisting with common issues, such as taking prescriptions and monitoring vitals. In 2016, the community paramedicine program earned Abrazo Healthcare’s EMS Heroes Award and has cared for over 200 patients.

Dr. Teresa Wu explains how point-of-care-ultrasound (POCUS) to systematically work through a differential diagnosis can save patients’ lives. Read her fascinating article “Systematic Science” in Emergency Physicians Monthly by clicking this link.

Dr. Wu has been with EPS as an emergency medicine physician since 2015. She is also an Associate Professor and Simulation Curriculum Director at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Director of the Ultrasound program and Fellowships for BUMCP, and the creator of the app: SonoSupport.

ED Medical Director and EPS Physician, Moneesh Bhow, M.D., was featured in The Arizona Republic‘s “Ask a Doc” series on January 27, 2017. In his article, Dr. Bhow helps clarify when patients should visit an emergency room, urgent care facility, or a primary care physician. Click here to read the entire article on AZCentral’s website.

On January 3rd, Dr. Moneesh Bhow was interviewed by local Phoenix news channel FOX10 about the MedLink center inside Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. Via MedLink, EPS physicians help passengers 35,000 feet in the air with medical emergencies. Click the link below to learn more about MedLink and the differences in working with patients that you can see compared to those traveling internationally.

http://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/227136095-story

This past week Devyn Michelotti, Administrative Assistant & NEISS Coordinator at EPS, generously volunteered her time at a free dental clinic for local residents through the Central Arizona Dental Society Foundation. The 2-day clinic was able to serve over 2,000 patients with free medical, dental, and vision services at the AZ State Fairgrounds, many of whom cannot afford preventative care.

When recounting her experience, Devyn says “I had the opportunity to speak with a patient today who was so grateful to have been given this completely free resource from the ER at the hospital I work at! I love seeing things come full circle. Such an inspiring event, and wonderful learning experience. I even got to assist on a patient who received a complete maxillary extraction due to immense infection and decay, and was fit for dentures the same day! His appreciation and smile from ear-to-ear at the end was so moving, I had to hold back the happy tears. He said he couldn’t even remember the last time he smiled. Such a humbling experience to work with others who share a love for giving back to the community.”

Click to learn more about the Central Arizona Dental Society Foundation.

EPS Board of Director members, Moneesh Bhow, M.D. and David Streitwieser, M.D., ventured to the annual NBAA-BACE conference in Orlando this week to represent EPS’ partnership with MedAire, an International SOS Company. Every year, over 27,000 industry professionals gather at the National Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition where MedAire has had a strong presence over the past 25 years.

MedAire, the leading aviation medical and security services provider, offers free cholesterol screening to convention attendees along with a personal discussion about their individual cholesterol health with Dr. Bhow or Dr. Streitwieser. At that time, the doctors calculate participants’ 10-year risk of having a cardiac event, based on their cholesterol results and other risk factors.

As part of their long-standing partnership with MedAire, EPS physicians provide real-time emergency medical assistance to MedAire’s aviation and maritime clients 24/7 from the MedLink center at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. Dr. Bhow has served as MedAire’s Assistant Medical Director for nearly 10 years while Dr. Streitwieser has served as Medical Director since MedAire’s inception 30 years ago.

Founded in 1998 upon Christian principles, Window of Hope works to alleviate human suffering through medical and humanitarian relief efforts around the globe. As founder and director of Window of Hope, Dr. Lindgren has led numerous medical mission outreaches and disaster relief efforts around the world.

Dr. Lindgren graduated from Western Washington University before completing bible and ministry training through Global University and Calvary Temple Church in Bellingham, Washington. He attended medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle and is board certified in emergency medicine, as well as disaster medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics.
Dr. Lindgren collaborates with Convoy of Hope and has worked with the U.S. Military, The World Health Organization, World Vision, Mercy Ships, Puresa Humanitarian and Operation Blessing Africa. He is passionate about helping those in need and working in partnership with other organizations to maximize the impact of international relief efforts.

To read more about Window of Hope’s mission and projects, please visit their website: http://windowofhope.org/

U.S. News & World Report has released its annual rankings for best hospitals…and two EPS facilities, BUMCP and BEMC, have ranked #2 and #4 of Best Hospitals in AZ respectively.

With regards to specialties, BUMCP was ranked nationally for nephrology and geriatrics. BEMC was awarded national recognition for pulmonology.

Now in its 27th year, the annual list by U.S. News & World Report recognizes hospitals that excel in treating the most challenging patients. The publication showcases more than 720 of the nation’s roughly 5,000 hospitals. Fewer than 150 are nationally ranked in at least one of 16 medical specialties.

Click to view the entire list: http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals

Dr. Teresa Wu (Emergency Medicine) and Dr. Bob Raschke (Critical Care) recently hosted a multidisciplinary point-of-care ultrasound course here at the Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix SimET Center. Dr. Wu is a world-renowned expert in simulation and point-of-care ultrasound and the Director of the Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Program and Fellowships for EPS and BUMCP. She also serves as the Simulation Curriculum Director for the University of Arizona, College of Medicine-Phoenix.

Dr. Wu, and a team of our excellent educators from EPS, partnered up with the Critical Care departments from BUMCP and the VA to provide a multidisciplinary ultrasound course for numerous Banner providers. Drs. Teresa Wu, Jason Grimsman, Aneesh Narang, Cody Thorstenson, and Elliott Cropp utilized advanced simulation trainers and state-of-the art ultrasound machines to help educate emergency physicians, critical care specialists and surgeons from the region. To sign up for future courses, please check out www.SonoSupport.com.

Teresa Wu, M.D. published her article “The Elephant Test” yesterday with Emergency Physicians Monthly providing excellent tips and case studies for point-of-care pelvic ultrasonography.

Dr. Wu has been with EPS as an emergency medicine physician since 2015. She is also an Associate Professor and Simulation Curriculum Director at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Director of the Ultrasound program and Fellowships for BUMCP, and the creator of the app: SonoSupport.

Click here to read Dr. Wu’s article “The Elephant Test”: http://epmonthly.com/article/the-elephant-test/

Longtime EPS provider, Patty Campbell, ANP-BC, ENP-BC, is proud to volunteer with Liberty Wildlife’s Rescue and Transport team. As part of her service, Patty responds to calls about injured animals, captures the critter (if needed), and takes it to Liberty Wildlife for evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation and final release into the wild.

During the Spring and Summer, Patty also serves on Liberty Wildlife’s Orphan Care team. She helps feed and care for thousands of orphaned birds until they can be released back into the wild. One hummingbird even made a special connection with Patty. Upon her release, “Annie Hummer” stayed behind and made a home in Patty’s yard, which has been certified by the National Wildlife Federation as a wildlife habitat. Patty’s young hummingbird has a wonderful haven to grow and learn from older hummingbirds nearby.

To learn more, volunteer, or make a donation, please visit Liberty Wildlife’s website.

EPS attending physician, Dr. Bentley J. Bobrow, is also a professor at the UA Colleges of Medicine – Tucson and Phoenix and co-director of the UA Emergency Medicine Research Center – Phoenix, part of the UA Department of Emergency Medicine. He serves as medical director for the Bureau of Emergency Medicine Services and Trauma System at the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). PHOENIX magazine recognized Dr. Bobrow for his extensive pre-hospital emergency medical services systems work to improve health outcomes, including cardiac arrest, stroke, traumatic injury and traumatic brain injury. For several years he also has been a leader with the ADHS SHARE program, which combines all links in the “chain of survival” to get the right patient to the right hospital in the right time frame. His efforts, publications and training to address emergency medical services dispatch have been adopted by the Clinton Global Initiative and are now being implemented internationally.

About the University of Arizona Health Sciences
The University of Arizona Health Sciences is the statewide leader in biomedical research and health professions training. The UA Health Sciences includes the UA Colleges of Medicine (Phoenix and Tucson), Nursing, Pharmacy and Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, with main campus locations in Tucson and the growing Phoenix Biomedical Campus in downtown Phoenix. From these vantage points, the UA Health Sciences reaches across the state of Arizona and the greater Southwest to provide cutting-edge health education, research, patient care and community outreach services. A major economic engine, the UA Health Sciences employs almost 5,000 people, has nearly 1,000 faculty members and garners more than $126 million in research grants and contracts annually. For more information, please visit uahs.arizona.edu.

Original Story Link:
UA Health Sciences Leaders Among Phoenix Magazine’s Top 25 `Maestros of Medicine’