Spokane County Medical Society - The Message - Summer 2023

SUMMER THE A Newsmagazine of Spokane County Medical Society Fentanyl: 2023 Update SCMS Finding the Joy in Medicine Art, Poetry and Essay Contest 2023 Contest Winners Announced SCMS MEMBER HIGHLIGHT Geoff Jones, MD



2023 Officers and Table of Contents Board of Trustees: President’s Message.....................................................................................................................................2 Erin Medina, MD MEMBER COLLEGIALITY President SCMS Member Highlight Geoff Jones, MD….......................................................................................4 Okechuwku Ojogho, MD Membership Recognition for April - August 2023............................................................................6 President-Elect New Members.................................................................................................................................................6 In Memoriam....................................................................................................................................................6 Saima Ahmad, MD SCMS 2023 Calendar of Events..............................................................................................................7 Secretary-Treasurer Reflections on the WSMA Leadership Development Conference..............................................8 Dawn DeWitt, MD COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Immediate Past President Fentanyl: 2023 Update................................................................................................................................9 Trustees: MEDICAL EDUCATION SCMS Finding the Joy in Medicine Art, Poetry and Essay Contest H. Frank Andersen, MD 2023 Contest Winners Announced.....................................................................................................11 Judy Benson, MD Michelle Drobny, DO SCMS FOUNDATION Laura Fralich, MD Spokane Medical Student, Atrina Gharai, Named Recipient of Bill Sherman, MD, David Hornby, PA-C Memorial Scholarship 2023...................................................................................................................12 Theo Orchard, PA-C SCMS Foundation Awards AED to Madeline Holmes, First Responder of the Year.........12 Aaron Saunders, MD Classifieds...................................................................................................................................................... 13 Francisco Velázquez, MD Karen Wildman, MD SCMS Mission Serving as the guardian of community health and wellness Newsmagazine Editor: while leading and promoting the professional practice of medicine. Okechukwu Ojogho, MD Spokane County Medical Society The Message. A newsmagazine published by the Spokane County Medical Society. Advertising Correspondence: SCMS Publications Attn: Shelly Bonforti PO Box 650, Veradale, WA 99037 509-325-5010 [email protected] All rights reserved. This publication, or any part thereof, may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the Spokane County Medical Society. Authors’ opinions do not necessarily reflect the official policies of SCMS nor the Editor or publisher. The Editor reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length, as well as the right not to publish submitted articles and advertisements, for any reason. Acceptance of advertising for this publication in no way constitutes Society approval or endorsement of products or services advertised herein. The Message | Summer 2023 | 1

President’s Message HOW I LEARNED TO Most of my time with SCMS has been over Zoom. I got to APPRECIATE THE know my fellow Board Members through two-dimensional IMPORTANCE OF COLLEGIALITY boxes on my computer screen. When we had our first member mixer in 2+ years last August, it was like walking Here we are, approaching the halfway out of a gray hole into the light. Even my shy introversion point of 2023! I hope everyone is was overcome by the delight of just being in the same enjoying the early summer so far. In garden as my colleagues and being able to talk with them May, I had the pleasure of attending face to face. the WSMA Leadership Development Conference in Chelan. You can read more about that later Being able to meet colleagues across specialties and in the issue. At the conference, one of the things I enjoyed organizations is a unique benefit of membership in the most was catching up with other SCMS members. SCMS. It just doesn’t happen elsewhere. And we can’t Some of these folks I knew previously through work, but continue to offer events like membership mixers without most I met through SCMS. the support of our members and sponsorship from local businesses and healthcare organizations. Thank you for Member Collegiality/Volunteerism is one of the 4 Pillars of your continued membership with SCMS. Please invite your Focus of SCMS, and in my opinion is one of the greatest colleagues to join and encourage your organizations to benefits of membership. I will admit that prior to COVID-19, cover the cost of membership. And please join us for our I didn’t attend many social events with SCMS. I didn’t summer Membership Mixer, which will be held August know of anyone else that was going, and attending an 22nd in the Spokane Chronicle Building downtown. I look event with a bunch of people I don’t know is nightmare forward to seeing you there! n fuel for a shy introvert like me. I joined the Board of Trustees in 2020. There was one dinner at the Spokane Erin Rose Medina, MD Club in February, and of course, shortly thereafter, 2023 President, Spokane County Medical Society everything shut down. OUR COMMUNITY’S ONLY NONPROFIT HOSPICE, SERVING PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES SINCE 1977. “AS MEDICAL DIRECTOR, I am honored to work with an amazing team of professionals, all focused on the same goal of helping each patient have the best life they can for as long as they have.” – Dr. Brian Seppi MeDical Director DIGNITY. RESPECT. COMPASSION. 509.456.0438 hospiceofspokane.org 2 | Spokane County Medical Society

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MEMBER COLLEGIALITY SCMS Member Highlight Geoff Jones, MD Works at: Top concern in medicine: Newport Hospital and Health Services (Since 2002); My biggest concern in medicine is equity. In our system, University of Washington School of Medicine; Coulee the care for people in rural areas as well as those who are Medical Center disadvantaged and marginalized, is not as good as the care provided for those with resources. It can be absolutely Specialty: heartbreaking. But, I have a lot of hope for the future. Modern medical students are absolutely fantastic people – kind, Family Medicine compassionate, bright and motivated. The future of medicine is in great hands. Why SCMS: Why my specialty: As a physician in Pend Oreille County, our only Medical Society is the Spokane County Medical Society. As a The challenge! I felt that rural family medicine is the toughest practicing physician there I have appreciated the advocacy job in medicine, and the only career I could see in which I and community that the SCMS provides. As a Clinical Dean would never be bored. Overwhelmed on occasion; but never for the UWSOM, I appreciate the strong advocacy for medical bored. And I need to do a job that is needed – to work with education in Spokane and a creative, collaborative space to people on the margins; that no one else wants to work with. develop medical education in our region – both Spokane and I love being an unlimited physician – that I can see and try to in rural areas. help anyone that comes through the door. 4 | Spokane County Medical Society

When I’m not at work: Proud moments in medicine: Spending time with my family, working on our property, There isn’t just one moment – it’s not a single snapshot running, cycling, fishing, hiking, travelling – and following but more of a collage of memories over the years. They all baseball. Trying to beat my family at Wordle every day (and center around relationships, though, that I wouldn’t have had failing most days). any other way. Working with a family and a community as we deal with tragedy and triumph; seeing medical students My go-to activity to unwind: return to the region as exceptionally skilled physicians – moments like that all coalesce together. Exercise and baseball. Best advice: What I read: If you let them, people will usually tell you what’s wrong with I am currently reading 1619; Timothy Egan is another favorite. them” – listen to people and they will help you solve their My favorite fiction author is Ivan Doig; currently active fiction problems. writer is CJ Box. I also am a Hillerman fan. What’s next: What you might not know about me: Continue to work as a rural physician and in Academic I am a baseball nerd; but played competitive volleyball in Medicine for the UWSOM/GU Regional Health Partnership. college and med school. They are both great jobs! n The Message | Summer 2023 | 5

MEMBER COLLEGIALITY Membership Recognition for April - August 2023 Welcome New Members Thank you to the members listed below. April - June 2023 Their contribution of time and talent has helped to make the PHYSICIANS: Spokane County Medical Society the strong organization it is today. Jessica Kohring, MD Christian Draper, MD 60 YEARS 30 YEARS In Memoriam F. Meekin, MD Maria Montenegro, MD 07/01/1963 4/14/1993 50 YEARS Charles Colwell, MD, MPH 07/21/1993 Michael Metcalf, MD 07/01/1973 Donald Ellingsen, MD 07/21/1993 James Watts, MD 07/11/1973 Cynthia Hahn, MD 07/21/1993 40 YEARS William Schulte, MD John Larson, MD 07/21/1993 05/24/1983 Robert N. Notske, MD (June 1939 – March 2023) When your parent needs a helping hand, AND YOUR HANDS ARE ALREADY FULL, TURN TO ROCKWOOD. Assisted living at Rockwood Retirement Communities takes a deeply personal approach. We develop individualized, comprehensive care plans with your parent’s preferences at the center, and with you as our most important partner. Call or visit RockwoodRetirement.org today to learn how we can help. No entrance fee is required. ROCKWOOD SOUTH HILL: 1-866-917-5740 NORTH SPOKANE PALVELLA GLEN: 1-866-964-8249 6 | Spokane County Medical Society

MEMBER COLLEGIALITY SCMS 2023 Calendar of Events AUGUST OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER SCMS Summer Member Mixer SCMS Foundation Meeting SCMS Board of Trustees Meeting SCMS Executive August 22, Tuesday, 5:30 pm October 10, Tuesday, 5:30 pm November 15, Wednesday, 5:30 pm Committee Meeting December 13, Wednesday, 5:30 pm SEPTEMBER SCMS Medical Education Committee Meeting SCMS Board of Trustees Meeting October 17, Tuesday, 5:30 pm September 13, Wednesday, 5:30 pm (HOD Caucus) SAVE THE DATE! Medicine 2023 SCMS Virtual Provider October 20, 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Recruiting Fair Watch for more details! September 19, Tuesday, 6:30 pm SCMS Executive WSMA House of Delegates Committee Meeting September 23-24, Saturday-Sunday October 25, Wednesday, 5:30 pm The Westin Bellevue—Bellevue, WA If you have any questions regarding an event, please call SCMS at (509) 325-5010 or email [email protected]. CANCER... IT’S OUR SPECIALTY From chemotherapy, surgery and radiation to clinical research, dietary consultations, lab work, and financial and emotional support, Cancer Care Northwest provides the comprehensive treatment and services your patients need to fight their cancer, restore hope and heal all under one roof. Cancer, it’s our specialty. Learn More @ CancerCareNorthwest.com/referring-doctors The Message | Summer 2023 | 7

MEMBER COLLEGIALITY Reflections on the WSMA Leadership Development Conference By Erin Rose Medina, MD partner. Both my partner and I discussed situations in which we SCMS President had caused harm, both involving situations which had occurred years or even decades earlier. It was surprisingly cathartic to Each year, SCMS sponsors its president to revisit these situations from a fresh perspective and with an attend the WSMA Leadership Development objective third party. It was clearly necessary, as we were both Conference on beautiful Lake Chelan. It was still thinking about these situations so many years later. my privilege to attend this empowering and informative conference this May. The drive to The other most meaningful activity was meeting with my Chelan was spectacular, with sunny skies and colleagues from SCMS and meeting new WSMA colleagues. spring green sage covering the channeled There were dinners, lunches, and ice cream socials where scablands, with only a bit of haze in the air from the wildfires in we could mix, catch up with, and get to know each other. The Alberta. After checking into my room, I peaked out my window weather was gorgeous and the venue, Campbell’s Resort on and was greeted with a breathtaking view of Lake Chelan. Lake Chelan, was perfect. At the conference, we learned about what’s next for healthcare I am your SCMS president, but I am not in any administrative or from a futurist, attacking the problem of physician and other “leadership” role professionally, so I wasn’t sure how much of healthcare worker burnout from a system transformation the conference would apply to me. However, we in the SCMS level, and using restorative justice to address conflicts within as physicians, PAs, trainees, and students, are all in a leadership a healthcare system. We learned about the anti-DEI (Diversity, position in healthcare and in our communities. We all have much Equity, and Inclusion) movement, and managing change in the to gain from events like this. I know I did! I highly recommend real world. the WSMA Leadership Development Conference to all our The most meaningful activity for me was the two-hour workshop members, and I hope to be able to attend again in the future. n on Responding Restoratively to Harm and Conflict. In this workshop, we explored a hypothetical scenario in which someone in a position of power is verbally abusive to a trainee, and the trainee lodges a complaint. Due to the conflict, a nurse is distracted and makes a medication error. In the restorative justice model, all sides are brought together and given space to explore their perspective of the situation and come to a resolution. It seems simple but this is often not what happens in healthcare! We were then invited to break off into pairs and discuss a situation in which we had been harmed, or in which we had caused harm. We were given question prompts to ask our 8 | Spokane County Medical Society

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Fentanyl: 2023 Update By Francisco R. Velázquez, M.D., fentanyl has also been seized in powder and blocks that S.M., FCAP – Health Officer, resemble sidewalk chalk. This was interpreted as an attempt Spokane Regional Health District to access children and young adults. DEA laboratory data suggests that up to six out of every 10 pills with fentanyl Overdose deaths remain a leading confiscated contained a potentially lethal dose. cause of injury-related death in the United States. The majority of these Sadly, the statistics show that children are being exposed, involve opioids. Most concerning are resulting in deadly outcomes. According to a study published those deaths caused by synthetic recently by JAMA Pediatrics (“National Trends in Pediatric opioids, particularly fentanyl, have Deaths from Fentanyl, 1999-2021”), pediatric deaths, increased dramatically over the past specifically, have increased more than 30-fold between few years. The numbers are sobering. In Spokane County, 2013-2021. Nearly half of these deaths occur at home; the fentanyl-related overdoses increased 1,200% from 2017 to majority are deemed unintentional. Among younger children, 2021. From 2021 to 2022, we saw an additional 38% increase overdosing is commonly due to unintentional access to in mortality, roughly 25.6/100,000 population. As of March 14, fentanyl-laced pills. Overdoses among older adolescents is 2023, according to King County officials, fentanyl has already often a consequence of being unaware that the pills they caused 167 deaths, an average of 2.29 deaths/day compared are taking contain fentanyl. In 2021, we saw the largest to 1.94/day in 2022. increase in overdose-related deaths in the country. Almost 70,000 adults and 1,557 children, including 40 infants and 93 And the numbers keep increasing. According to the Drug toddlers between the ages of 1 and 4, suffered a fentanyl- Enforcement Administration (DEA), 379 million deadly doses related death. During the same period, a three-fold increase of fentanyl, including 50.6 million fentanyl-laced counterfeit in adolescent deaths, particularly between the ages of 15 and prescription pain pills and more than 10,000 pounds of 19 years, was observed. powdered fentanyl (which can be mixed with a variety of other drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines, or heroin, Just as we’re learning about the dangers of fentanyl and as well as used to manufacture counterfeit pills), were seized still trying to find ways to combat its appeal, a new drug in 2022. That is more than double the amount seized in 2021 has entered the scene. Xylazine, a non-opioid sedative - enough to provide a lethal dose to every person living in and analgesic approved for veterinary use only, has been the U.S. In addition, 131,000 pounds of methamphetamines, detected in an increasing number of illicit drug mixtures and 4,300 pounds of heroin, and over 444,000 pounds of is associated with an increasing number of drug-related cocaine were also seized. deaths. The combination with fentanyl is rapidly rising across the country, but it has also been detected in combination There is no question that fentanyl is widely available in with cocaine, heroin, and various other drugs. It was first counterfeit pills, powders, and other forms. According to data identified as an adulterant in drug combinations in Puerto from the Spokane Police Department, in March of 2023, the Rico in the early 2000s, and later as a solitary drug of street value of fentanyl pills is less than $1 a pill, down from abuse known as “tranq.” Between 2020 and 2021, xylazine $4-$6 per pill in the recent past. It’s much more affordable laboratory identification increased in all four U.S. census compared to cocaine at roughly $60-$85 a gram or heroin at regions (Northeast, South, Midwest, West), with the highest approximately $80 a gram. two-year total in the Northeast region and the highest one- year total (2020-2021) in the South, followed by the West. The drug can be injected, snorted/sniffed, taken orally in pills Xylazine-positive overdose deaths increased 1,127% in the or tablets, and spiked onto blotter paper. Fentanyl patches can South, and 750% in the West for the same one-year period. be abused by removing its gel contents and injecting, ingesting, According to the DEA, in 2022, 23% of the fentanyl powder or placed under the tongue or the cheek cavity. A common and 7% of the pills confiscated contained xylazine. source are counterfeit pills that mimic therapeutic drugs such as oxycodone, and amphetamines/amphetamine salts. FENTANYL’S HISTORY In August 2022, the DEA advised the public on the emerging Fentanyl was first synthesized by Belgian Chemist Paul availability of brightly colored fentanyl-containing pills Janssen in 1959 and later introduced in the 1960s as an dubbed “rainbow fentanyl.” In addition, brightly colored The Message | Summer 2023 | 9

intravenous anesthetic. Scientists at Janssen Pharmaceutica EDUCATION IS VITAL developed highly potent opioids as an alternative to morphine which was in use as a general anesthetic and Lack of knowledge and information about fentanyl, and a analgesic since the 1850s. Several of these compounds low perception of potential harm are significant concerns. such as phenoperidine, sufentanil, alfentanil, remifentanil, Surveys conducted (2022) with teens between 13-17 years of carfentanil and fentanyl were developed. Fentanyl, a age demonstrated the perceived risk for fentanyl was lower synthetic opioid, has been used as an intraoperative than cocaine, heroin, or prescription opioids, and just above anesthetic since the 1960s and more recently for pain cigarette smoking. For the same group, general knowledge management. Sufentanil, alfentanil and remifentanil are also of fentanyl was reported in only 31% of respondents, and of clinically used fentanyl analogs. those only 36% reported awareness of fentanyl in counterfeit pills. Other surveys have different percentages but tell the Currently, fentanyl is available in various therapeutic formats same story. such as transdermal patches, buccal/sublingual tablets, transmucosal lozenges, sublingual/nasal spray, and in The reality is that education is necessary for parents and injectable form (vials and ampules). It has become one of the children, given the misconception that an overdose from one most used synthetic opioids in clinical practice. It is currently pill is unlikely. Every counterfeit pill could potentially contain approved to treat breakthrough pain in cancer patients a lethal dose of fentanyl; in actuality, one pill can kill you. It is as well as in post-operative cases. It is a potent Mu opioid important that we provide as much information as possible, receptor agonist, approximately 100 times more potent than and as much education as possible. morphine and 50 times more potent than diacetylmorphine (heroin). It has a half-life of two to four hours, and it’s As providers we have a unique opportunity to educate the metabolized by the cytochrome p450. Although its Mu public on the risks of fentanyl. Ask questions of your patients receptor affinity is similar to morphine, being highly lipophilic, about their recreational drug use, especially of adolescents, it has a faster onset of action given the ability to cross the and help guide them to resources that will inform them of blood-brain barrier and shorter therapeutic action due to the risks and how to be prepared for accidental overdoses redistribution to other tissues and rapid sequestration into among those they care about (keeping Naloxone on hand). body fat. Its respiratory depressant effect can be maximized Warn patients to not use privately purchased opioids and within two minutes of injection. drugs alone. Your short conversation could save a life. n Since 1979, fentanyl and its analogs have been synthesized Your Community in clandestine laboratories and sold as heroin substitutes Healthcare Partner or mixed with other illicit drugs leading to the increase in fentanyl-related overdose deaths. Data from the National INCLUSIVE • LOCAL • PATIENT LED Vital Statistics System shows 599,255 drug overdose deaths between 1979 and 2016, with exponential growth ever Everyone Welcome since. Fentanyl-related deaths were prominent initially in the northeastern U.S., mainly impacting younger people. Medical • Dental • Pharmacy • Behavioral Health STOPPING OVERDOSE WITH NALOXONE chas.org The frequent use of fentanyl primarily affects the central nervous, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems and can cause severe side effects. The hallmark of opioid toxicity is respiratory depression, which can occur with intravenous fentanyl use within two minutes. Naloxone, a fast-acting-Mu-opioid antagonist, is effective in temporarily reversing opioid-overdose associated respiratory depressions. The individual overdosing still needs immediate emergency care after administration. In chronic users, reversing respiratory depression may require multiple Naloxone administrations. Despite its effectiveness with opioids, it is important to remember that xylazine is a non- opioid sedative and analgesic, so the use of Naloxone will not be effective in reversing an overdose where xylazine is included in the drug mixture. 05-011-22-NOM 10 | Spokane County Medical Society

MEDICAL EDUCATION SCMS Finding the Joy in Medicine Art, Poetry and Essay Contest 2023 Contest Winners Announced The Spokane County Medical Society’s (SCMS) Medical to incorporate my Best Poem Education Committee is pleased to announce this year’s three passion for dance Human to Human $500 award winners for their Finding the Joy in Medicine Art, and medicine. Poetry & Essay Contest held in March, generously funded by the Spokane County Medical Society Foundation. During my Night Sabrina Crooks, MS1 Float rotation University of The Medical Education Committee (MEC) hosted its third involving 13.5- Washington School annual arts and humanities contest in a continuing effort to help hour night shifts of Medicine promote wellness and social wellbeing among our Spokane 5 days a week, medical/PA students and residents, receiving 18 submissions this year. This contest is one way to show these individuals the my coresidents supportive nature of the Spokane Medical Community, allowing for a platform to engage all the schools involved in UME and and I developed a GME that exist in the community. habit of squeezing Best Essay All current Spokane-based medical residents, medical students in a Dancilates First Day and physician assistant students were invited to submit an entry (Pilates+Dance) by February 15, 2023, in one of three categories: Best Poem, Best Essay or Best Image (unpublished original art, photograph workout during Alyssa Harper, MD or video) about finding the joy in medicine. The winning entries quieter portions of Providence Psychiatry were chosen by the committee’s contest judging panel and each night shift as Residency Spokane were blinded to the entrants’ names and programs. a way to ensure Best Poem “Human to Human” winner Sabrina Crooks provided resident wellness. insight on her inspiration for her entry. “Human to Human is a poem I wrote while considering the perspective of those who I, I created this video and my fellow classmates, have sat with and interviewed in the hospital. These interviews have shown us grief, joy, loneliness, to capture the joyful and hope. When asked what they desire most in a physician, the answer is almost always ‘someone who listens.’ I have attempted ways to incorporate Best Image to capture their feelings inside these stanzas.” health and wellness Joy of Medicine Dance Dr. Alyssa Harper, Best Essay “First Day” winner, acknowledged, “There are many challenges we face on the path to becoming into a resident physicians (the first day of intern year being just one example that inspired my response to this contest). I am so grateful workday, and Paulina Giacomelli, MD to be learning from/with all of the incredible residents and to hopefully inspire Spokane Teaching attendings in my program, as well as each patient I help care others to do Health Center, for. I am genuinely excited for my career ahead. Thanks to every impactful, difficult, and joyful moment we have shared.” the same.” Transitional “The members of Year Residency the contest judging panel were moved and impressed by the heartfelt words and images expressed in all the submissions,” stated committee co-chairs Drs. Chris Anderson and Geoff Jones, “but selected the entries which most closely captured the essence of the goals of the contest.” We’re pleased to present all submissions in the SCMS Finding the Joy in Medicine Art, Poetry and Essay Contest flipbook here. n “As doctors, in order to provide the best care to our patients, we have to take care of ourselves,” stressed Dr. Paulina Giacomelli, Best Image winner. “Dance is my form of medicine, and it was a huge joy to be able to share this activity with my coresidents. In addition to becoming a PM&R physician, I have an extensive professional dance background, most recently being my 4-year stretch as an NFL Cheerleader for the New Orleans Saints while in medical school at Tulane. As a current transitional year resident at Sacred Heart Medical Center, I continue to find ways The Message | Summer 2023 | 11

SCMS FOUNDATION Spokane Medical Student, Atrina Gharai, Named Recipient of Bill Sherman, MD, Memorial Scholarship 2023 The Spokane County Medical Society interprofessional teams I will be working with Foundation is excited to announce Atrina Gharai during times of hardship and change. I look as the 2023 recipient of the Bill Sherman, MD, forward to implementing these teachings as I Memorial Scholarship. evolve throughout my medical career.” The Spokane County Medical Society This scholarship is for medical students Foundation (SCMSF) is committed to interested in developing their leadership medical education and as a demonstration skills. To be considered, applicants must be a of this commitment offers a scholarship. current medical student attending locally. Each The scholarship covers the cost to attend applicant was required to provide a maximum leadership training at WSMA’s Annual of 250 words statement of interest, one letter Leadership Development Conference in Chelan, of recommendation, and a statement of “Good Washington, held on May 19-20, 2023, including Standing” from their current educational travel to and from Chelan and hotel for two institution. nights. WSMA covers the student meeting Foundation Bill Sherman Memorial The Bill Sherman, MD, Memorial Scholarship registration fee. Scholarship Winner for 2023, Atrina Gharai. Fund was created in honor of Bill Sherman, “I would like to thank the Spokane County MD, who was a psychiatrist in Spokane and Medical Society Foundation and the Bill Sherman, MD, Memorial was passionately interested in medical education and health Scholarship Fund for giving me the opportunity to attend policy. The first consideration of the award is for Washington the Washington State Medical Society’s annual Leadership State students who envision pursuing Primary Care in Spokane Development Conference,” stated Gharai. “As medicine is an County. n ever-evolving field, I am eager to learn more regarding how to be a compassionate and caring leader and member of the SCMS Foundation Awards AED to Madeline Holmes, First Responder of the Year The SCMS Foundation (SCMSF) awarded a certificate for neurological deficits, asked to meet with Maddie and her an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) to the EMS First partner to thank her for saving her life. Responder of the Year, Madeline Holmes, medic with the American Medical Response service, at the annual Spokane Maddie was surprised and thrilled to be awarded the County EMS Awards Ceremony on May 9th. The certificate AED by the SCMS Foundation and hopes, as a verified was presented by Foundation board member Travis Prewitt. responder, that she may have the opportunity to save another life while off duty. In addition to other accolades, her nomination cited an incident in which Maddie helped save a life. She and her The SCMSF provided the AED award to recognize the partner happened to be only one block away from a citizen importance of EMS to the healthcare system in our area and in cardiac arrest. They were first on scene and began an to advance the Verified Responder Program which enables hour of using every option of resuscitation along with trained off duty healthcare workers to respond to cardiac fire agency responders. Recently the patient, who was arrests near their location with personal AEDs. able to return to her family after months of rehab with no 12 | Spokane County Medical Society

Classifieds MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/EVENTS SPOKANE PHYSICIAN FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP Group support is available for physician family members in Spokane. AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS AND ALATEEN REFERRALS Al- During times of stress or crisis, whether it involves your spouse, Anon and Alateen support groups are available in Spokane your children or yourself, a listening and confidential ear is County for family members and friends of alcoholics at which often just what physician families need. The group meets in the men and women share experiences of solving common evening every week. Its members have experience in substance problems arising from living with or loving a problem drinker. use disorders, behavioral health issues and many other common Alateen meetings are for teenage family members and friends problems that occur in families. Limited to physician families and of alcoholics and are not suitable for teens with current drinking their spouses. You are welcome to come to the group as problems. For further information and meeting schedules a couple or alone. Contact Carl at (509) 991-3537 or Bill at contact [email protected] or (509) 456- 509) 710-0636. 2125. Al-Anon and Alateen support groups can supplement medical treatment and counseling therapy. Information provided _________________________________________________ by Al-Anon District 2 Public Outreach Committee. SAVE THE DATE! SPOKANE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY _________________________________________________ PRESENTS MEDICINE 2023 Friday, October 20, 2023. Mark your calendar now and watch for details! OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS is a free 12 step program for people who wish to stop eating compulsively. If you would like Interested Contact Shelly Bonforti, more information, including no cost workshops for your staff, in placing a SCMS Publications please contact: (509) 328-9972. www.oaregion1.org classified ad? Phone: (509) 325-5010 or Email: [email protected] The #1 Hospice Care Provider in Spokane County Per CMS from 10/1/2019 - 9/30/21 Most current data. One of Medicare’s measurements are visits by RNs or Master Social Workers on at least 2 of HorizonHospice.com the final 3 days of life. Horizon Hospice exceeds state and national hospice care expectations, and has for the past 10 years. Horizon Hospice is the only Medicare 5 STAR provider in Eastern Washington. That is why we say, Horizon Hospice provides MORE CARE to patients than any other local hospice. You do have a choice who to refer to. Don’t just say hospice, say Horizon Hospice. The Message | Summer 2023 | 13