New Orleans Convention Highlights - November 2009 Student Association e-Newsletter

The 2009 AOA/ACOFP Annual Convention started out with a bang. New Orleans served as an excellent host location with its strong history of culture and music. It lived up to all attendees’ expectations. In addition, the programs and lectures provided at the conference were quite informative and relevant. The student program kicked off with a presentation highlighting LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Healthcare. Chad Coren, M.Ed,.Psy,D., highlighted the healthcare provider’s role in making individuals in such groups feel accepted and comfortable. Doing so makes the patient more likely to disclose pertinent information enabling the physician to provider better care. Some suggestions included providing more options under the “gender” sections of new patients’ paperwork. Rather than limiting to female and male genders for example, he suggested giving the option of transgender and other with the chance to elaborate.

The second speaker, Bryan Drowos, MBA, CFP, spoke on debt management. Not only was he able to provide advice for one’s future as a physician, he also provided information on managing finances and debt as a student. He emphasized avoiding credit cards overuse but suggested that everyone should establish a credit history by using credit cards responsibly.

The student programming concluded with an OMT workshop targeting the lumbo-sacro-pelvic region. Kenneth Nelson, DO, FAAO, FACOFP, and Ann Habenicht, DO, FAAO, FACOFP, served as excellent instructors. The students in attendance were able to get hands-on instruction with optimal time for questions and elaboration.

These student programs were a preview of what is to come March 18-21, 2010 at the ACOFP Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Please plan to attend this exciting week where students can visit the osteopathic Residency Program Fair; share chapter activities; attend the awards luncheon; elect the next national SAACOFP student board members and together expand our knowledge of the latest information in patient care. Mark your calendars!

Special thanks to the Auxiliary to the ACOFP for funding student programs at the AOA and ACOFP conventions!

By Lynn Wilson

The ACOFP Board of Governors met several times during the recent AOA meeting in New Orleans, LA in which almost 800 ACOFP members participated.  The Board got updates on topics that directly impact the practice of medicine - including advocacy related to reforming the SGR and the Patient Centered Medical Home. Many discussions were also held to focus on residency program development and streamlining board certification through the AOA. 

Mark your calendars to attend ACOFP's next big educational opportunity - March 18-21, 2009 at the Venetian/Palazzo in Las Vegas - where we'll have several student lectures, workshops and social events.

		UNECOM Chapter Students

UNECOM’s chapter of ACOFP made their fall visit to their local Ronald McDonald house! Students raked leaves and tidied up the yard, cleaned the guest rooms and bathrooms, and baked delicious pies for thankful guests. Great work, UNECOM chapter!! Anthony Giovanone, OMS-II is chapter president.

Whenever you volunteer for an ACOFP or other community service event, be sure to keep a log for the TOUCH Award! The TOUCH (Translating Osteopathic Understanding into Community Health) Award is given out by the COSGP at each school, and if you give 50+ hours of your time, you will receive a certificate and a pin to wear proudly on your white coat. Any amount of hours you can donate to your community is appreciated, and if you are able to spend 50 hours volunteering throughout the year, you are an all-star! Contact your school’s COSGP president or Community Service person for specific details.

Step 1:
A 57 year old female presents with cardiotoxicity following her treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma with a medication regimen consisting of Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Methotrexate, and Mesna. Which of her medications is most likely responsible for the cardiotoxicity?

1. Cyclophosphamide
2. Doxorubicin
3. Vincristine
4. Methotrexate
5. Mesna

Step 2
A 25 year old male patient has just been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. Given his new medication, which laboratory tests should be monitored every 6 months?

1. Liver Function Test
2. Creatinine
3. TSH/T3/T4
4. ECG
5. B and C
6. A and D
7. All of the Above
   

MacNeal Family Medicine Residency Program
3231 S. Euclid Avenue, 5th Floor
Berwyn, Illinois 60402
Residency: 708.783.3094
Fax: 708.783.3656
 
Michelle Calva
Residency Coordinator
MacNeal Family Medicine Residency Program
Office: 708.783.3913
Fax: 708.783.3656
 
 
Q: Why do you recommend your osteopathic residency program to prospective medical students?
A: The MacNeal Family Medicine Residency program offers many different opportunities to further one's education and training.  We offer a well balanced experience in obstetric, gynecology, pediatrics, geriatrics, medicine, and outpatient experience.  We create well rounded family physicians that are able to handle an assortment of diverse patient populations and clinical situations.  Within this paradigm is where our osteopathic training resides, so that residents can continue honing their OMT skills while learning how to integrate OMT into a busy clinical setting as well as with inpatient care.   

Q: What advice do you give to prospective medical students trying to choose the best residency program for themselves?
A: Interview the program as carefully as they interview you. Look for a commitment to Medical Education. Look for a program where you feel welcome. Check credentials and history of program.

Q: Any other information you would like to pass on to prospective residents for your program?
A: Residency of choice should best suite the individual’s criteria for teaching, learning and developing their skills and tactics for the future endeavors.

Answers to November e-Newsletter Prep Kwon DO Steps 1 & 2.
Step 1:
B. Doxorubicin, a member of the anthracycline class, causes cardiotoxicity due to the formation of free radicals.

Step 2:
Answer: B. Lithium is the treatment of choice for bi-polar disorder. Initial and annual testing include thyroid and renal function tests, as well as an ECG. However, renal and thyroid function testing is recommended every 6 months due to the side effects of the medication. Side effects include acute renal failure, hypothyroidism, and tremor. Lithium toxicity can lead to seizures, coma, and even death. Treatment for Lithium toxicity is dialysis.