EMERGENCY MEDICINE WITHOUT BORDERS – VANCOUVER B.C.

Be sure your calendars are marked and your planned set to attend the 2nd Annual Emergency Medicine Without Borders meeting, May 11-13, in Vancouver, B.C.

If not click here to access conference information and a registration form.

Click here to download information on entering a poster competition for this meeting.

The list includes 28 situations ranging from surgery performed on the wrong body part or the wrong patient to foreign objects left behind in surgery. It also covers death or serious disabilities caused by contaminated drugs or devices, and burns suffered in the hospital.

The resolution is similar to agreements in other states and leaders of the provider associations expect hospitals, physicians and surgery centers to comply.

Last year, the CMS announced that Medicare would stop reimbursing medical providers for the extra care that results from some adverse events, and nationally, most large insurers recently said they would also end such payments.

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WHO IS YOUR HERO?
Who has made a difference in your life? Who do you respect for their commitment to their community, their patients, their specialty? ACEP would like recognize those individuals through the “Heroes of Emergency Medicine” campaign. The initiative has already started to generate newspaper and Internet articles and it is presenting a positive public image of our members and our specialty. Make sure your colleagues and your chapter, section and committee Heroes are properly recognized. Send in your nominations today by going to http://my.acep.org/site/PageServer?pagename=heroes

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PHYSICIAN-OWNED HOSPITALS FAULTED ON EMERGENCY CARE
A recent report by the Department of Health and Human Services found that 55 percent of 109 physician owned hospitals reviewed had emergency departments -- and that the majority of those had only one bed, underscoring a long-standing concern about the rapid rise in the number of such hospitals. Fewer than a third of the hospitals had physicians on site at all times, and 34 percent relied on dialing 911 to get emergency medical assistance for patients in trouble, according to the report.

Moreover, 7 percent of physician-owned hospitals failed to meet Medicare requirements that a registered nurse be on duty at all times and that at least one physician be on call if none are in the hospital, the report found. Twenty-two percent failed to address in their written policies how emergency cases should be evaluated and treated when they arise.

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services does not require participating hospitals to have emergency departments, but the agency does mandate that they keep written policies for handling emergency needs. It also says they cannot rely on 911 services as a substitute for their own first-line emergency care, though there is no prohibition on calling 911 to transfer a patient to another hospital.

Congress is expected to pursue new patient safeguards and stronger laws governing physician-owned hospitals when lawmakers take up Medicare legislation this year. Congress considered, but did not pass, proposed new restrictions on such hospitals last month in the year-end fight over a bill that averted a 10 percent cut in the fees that Medicare pays doctors.

Safety is just one element of a contentious debate over physician-owned hospitals, many of which have opened since the mid-1990s. There are about 180 such hospitals operating or in late stages of development, up from about 110 in 2001.

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STUDY ESTIMATES DEATHS DUE TO LACK OF HEALTH INSURANCE
A lack of health insurance can be fatal, according to a study released Jan. 8 by the Urban Institute. The nonpartisan research group's report estimates that 137,000 Americans died between 2000 and 2006 because they lacked health insurance. The study employs the latest data on insurance coverage from the U.S. Census Bureau, extrapolating findings from a 2002 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, which estimated 18,000 Americans died in 2000 because they were uninsured. The new report uses the same methodology as the IOM report, which found working-age Americans without health insurance are more likely to receive too little medical care and receive it too late, be sicker and die sooner.

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URGENT SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR PATIENTS NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES
The University of WA asks your help to Identify Patients Newly Diagnosed

We are conducting a new experimental research study at the University of Washington Clinical Research Center (and 5 other University Sites in the country) to try to stop the complete destruction of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas.

Individuals must enroll in this study within 6 weeks of their Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and must be at least 14 years of age. Most of the insulin cells are already killed by the time the diagnosis is made, but approximately 20% are still working. Without any therapy, the remaining 20% of cells will be killed within a few months or years after diagnosis.

This experimental therapy uses a monoclonal antibody to try to save the remaining 20% of the insulin cells from further attack. Saving even a few insulin cells in the pancreas is very important because it can greatly help to control blood glucose levels.

Research has proven that keeping blood sugar levels closer to normal significantly reduces or eliminates the complications associated with diabetes such as eye, heart, kidney, nerve and blood vessel problems.

As an ER doctor, you may be one of the first to hear of patient's brand new diagnosis. We're asking your help to inform families of this new research therapy. If you, or your patients would like more information on this research, please call Martha Pyne, Clinical Research Coordinator, toll free at 1-888-324-2140, or email at mpyne@pnri.org

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Julie A. McCormick, DO – Seattle
Victoria San Juan, MD – Seattle

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JOB POSTINGS

Seattle - Highline Emergency Physicians is democratic independent group of physicians currently seeking full-time ABEM prepared/certified physician. We are a one hospital, two facility group with 8 hour shifts triple coverage in our high volume facility (45 K visits annually) and single coverage in our low volume facility (15 K visits annually). Friendly work environment with rapid patient turnaround and a planned construction of a new department on the horizon. Flexible scheduling allows for ample free time to enjoy the Northwest's abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Great nurses! We provide competitive compensation and paid malpractice, health and dental. We are a well established group (contract held for 25 years), respected by the medical staff and community. Send CV to Carter Hill MD; e-mail: carterhill@comcast.net or Fax 206-236-8063, Mobile # 206-409-7598. Position is available summer of 2008 for qualified and credentialed candidate!

Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC) is a 425-physician regional referral center located in Seattle, Washington, combining a centrally located tertiary care facility and 8 suburban clinics. VMMC is a progressive organization, on the cutting edge of quality improvement efforts with a new hospital, including a new Emergency Department coming in 2010. We offer great teaching opportunities as well as competitive salary and benefits for excellent, team-oriented physicians. Join our Health Care Team today! We currently have 3 opportunities available at our downtown location for:

• ED Director
We are seeking someone with: clinical excellence, change management, quality improvement experience, leadership, and excellent interpersonal & communication skills to lead our Emergency Department

• Full Time ED provider
Our ED volume is approximately 30,000/yr, seeing predominately complex and critical adult medical cases, and small volume of trauma, peds, GYN.

• Temporary ED provider
Coverage needed from December through April of 2008

Contact Christi Lenz
Professional Staff Services
(206) 341-0149
Email CV and cover letter to: christi.lenz@vmmc.org
Visit our website at: http://www.VirginiaMason.org

Wenatchee Emergency Physicians seeking a BC/BE emergency physician for full time employment and partnership. We see 30k patients per year at a level III trauma center. We offer superb recreational opportunities, excellent physician and nursing staff, a growing community, and affordable housing. Contact Tom Ettinger MD FACEP morsno@charter.com 509-679-9708, Scott Stroming MD FACEP 509-679-3635, or one of our partners at Central Washington Hospital 509-665-6163.

We are looking for a board certified/eligible emergency physician to join our group of sixteen emergency physicians at Northwest Hospital in Seattle. We are a congenial group who enjoys a very good relationship with the rest of the staff and hospital administration. We offer excellent fee for service compensation on a scenic hospital campus in north Seattle with a good patient mix (40,000 annual visits) and superb medical staff. If interested, please send CV to Dr. Bill Johnston (billj@nwlink.com) or call 206-999-1772.

Cruise Ship Physicians wanted for 14-day (or longer) assignments with Holland America Line. Take a break from the ED & enjoy a slower pace on a premium passenger vessel, surrounded by the clear blue waters and beautiful scenery of Alaska, the Caribbean and other itineraries worldwide. Known for setting the industry standard in cruise ship medicine, Holland America Line has been recognized by Conde Nast Traveler and Porthole magazines as having the “Best Medical Facilities At Sea.” Travel to and from ship provided; family travel benefits available. Competitive industry pay & malpractice coverage; limited clinic hours, well-equipped medical facilities, RN and crew physician support staff, officer privileges. Please contact Susan Suver at (206) 301-5279 or send CV to ssuver@hollandamerica.com

Mason General Hospital, Shelton, WA is recruiting for a full-time member of a completely democratic ED group. We are looking for an 8th EM residency trained, EM board certified or board prepared physician to join an existing group of 7 ED docs. Shelton sees approximately 20K visits/year of a good mix of medical, blunt trauma and pediatric patients. We offer paid medical liability insurance, very competitive hourly rate and immediate partner status. Please call Dean Gushee, MD 360-427-6791 or email deangushee@gmail.com.

Tacoma Emergency Care Physicians, a stable, democratic, two hospital group (60,000 pts./yr.) of 18 board certified emergency physicians, is looking to hire another excellent BC/BP emergency physician for a full-time position (12-14 eight hours shifts/month). We offer the chance to practice challenging, high-acuity emergency medicine in a supportive environment with highly competitive compensation and a quick transition to full shareholder status. New ED at Tacoma General coming on line in 2008!
Please contact Rob Ripley at 206 290 2123 or rip-tecp@comcast.net

Are you considering a change of employment? If so, don't make a move until you give us a call. At any one time we have physician openings across, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Northwest Emergency Physicians-TEAMHealth is the largest employer of emergency medicine physicians in the Northwest. Contact: Emily Simpson (800) 336-8614 x 2115 or email: emily_simpson@teamhealth.com or Lynn Benson at (800)336-8614 ex 2123/fax (253)838-6418 or lynn_benson@teamhealth.com

CRAssociates, Inc. (CRA) is a national healthcare management company that is committed to the delivery of high-quality health care services. We have a need for full-time Emergency Medicine Physician to support the Naval Hospital Bremerton. Requirements include:
· Board Certified as an Emergency Medicine Physician
· Min one year exp in last 3 years
CRA is proud to offer you a team environment, excellent compensation and benefits, as well as company-paid professional liability insurance. Please send your resume to Human Resources at one of the following: Fax: 866-550-1476 (Toll Free) Email: ckm@crassoc.com CRA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Washington, Kitsap Peninsula: We staff two brand-new ED's seeing a total of 60,000 pts/annually and seek a full-time BC EM Physician to expand coverage. Established, progressive, democratic group with excellent compensation and benefit package. Mountain and Ocean recreation opportunities abound. One-hour ferry ride to Seattle. See Website: www.harrisonmedical.org E-mail CV to: Gail Donavan at gdonavan@harrisonmedical.org

Longview- Cascade Emergency Associates is looking for BC/BP emergency physicians. Stable and growing practice in a Level III trauma center. Usually one of the busiest practices in the state, with a census in 2005 of 49,500. Brand new ED under construction. Wonderful family-oriented community located on the Columbia River close to a myriad of recreational opportunities. Democratic scheduling and compensation. Contact Dennis Ford, MD, FACEP, 136 Elk Ridge Dr., Longview, WA, 98632 or dmford2@comcast.net.

Immediate Full-Time Position for BC/BE EM Physician with Kennewick Emergency Physicians, a Democratic Group staffing a single hospital, 30,000 annual visits with moderate acquity on the banks of the Columbia River. Generous Competitive Package, Guarantee plus Incentive Compensation, Liability Insurance included, Relocation Expenses included, Full Partnership Tract in 18 months, 8-11hour shifts, Double coverage during peak hours, average 12-14 shifts/month with 3 weeks off/quarter built into schedule. Enjoy a peaceful lifestyle in this friendly community of approximately 200,000. Take advantage of hundreds of miles of waterways- fishing, water sports and beautiful sunsets- all near the mountains, over 300 days of sunshine annually, over 40 local wineries. Contact Louis K. Koussa DO, FACEP; 509-521-3396 or 509-627-1798 and email your CV to loukoussa@yahoo.com

WANTED: Emergency physicians for bipolar company. Quark (www.quarkexpeditions.com) leases Russian Icebreakers for 10 to 25 day voyages to the polar regions. We are in need of ED physicians willing to serve as ship’s doctor. On any ship, there at most 110 passengers and 50 crew members. No dressing up and no night life except the scenery and animals. Contact Dr. Dan Zak at zak38@aol.com. Please let your colleagues know about this as well.

Looking for FT & PT physicians in Central WA. (180 miles from Seattle). Enjoy this desert garden with the finest fruits and vegetables as well as the home to award-winning wineries! Washington State designated Level-4 Trauma Center with a 17K estimated annual patient volume. Efficient support staff with a great pace & good mix of patients. Medium to low acuity. Qualifications: Board Certified or Board Eligible IM, FP or EM. We offer an A-rated malpractice insurance program with no-tail obligation upon departure. This is an Independent Contractor facility with a competitive hourly rate and generous sign-on bonus! For more information, please contact John Torres, (800) 230-5160 ext. 3025, john_torres@emcare.com Visit our website at www.emcare.com

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