This website offers information about the Department of Family Medicine clinical sites, physicians, clinical research, and links to patient resources within UMHS. To find the care you need see our list of Family Medicine health centers.

For a listing of Family Medicine physicians see the UMHS Physician Directory then search under "Specialty/Department" within "Family Medicine." For UMHS referral information see Services for Physicians.

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NEWS

April 4, 2013: Palliative Care Program Expands

Phillip E. Rodgers, M.D.

UMHS recently announced its new academic Adult Palliative Medicine Program that will aim to increase the number of physicians specifically trained for palliative medicine. Philip Zazove, M.D., the George A. Dean, M.D. Chair of Family Medicine led this effort as the chair of the palliative care program’s steering committee.  Phillip E. Rodgers, M.D.,assistant professor, Karen L. Musolf, M.D., assistant professor and Thomas A. O’Neil, M.D., lecturer are also involved with this program that will expand clinical care, education and research opportunities related to adults with chronic debilitating disease and poise the institution as a national leader in the emerging field of palliative care. Family Medicine provides this service at Chelsea Family Medicine.

“We are building on over a decade of strong, interdisciplinary commitment to high quality palliative care at UMHS,” says Dr. Rodgers. “We have seen the difference it has made in the lives of thousands of patients and families we’ve worked with in our hospitals, and a growing number in our clinics. Our new APM structure will allow us to strive for excellence across our missions—patient care, education and research—in the service of providing all patients and families the best care possible.” 

Dr. O’Neil adds, "Palliative Medicine is a key part of the patient centered medical home. It allows patients to have access to experts in symptom management, with a focus on quality of life, while they are receiving aggressive treatment for their chronic, sometimes terminal, diseases by their specialists and primary care physicians. I find it gratifying to teach the principles of Palliative Medicine to the students and residents who occasionally work with me in the Palliative Medicine clinic."

Read more about this exciting new program at uofmhealth.org and the Health System Headlines and see a quote board for comments from faculty.

 

March 29, 2013: Integrative Medicine - Managing PCOS

The work of Sara L. Warber, M.D., associate professor, was featured on the Von Voightlander Women’s Hospital’s blog, Women’s Health Program.  Dr. Warber discusses ways to manage PCOS using holistic methods in Beyond Conventional Medicine.

 

March 8, 2013: Leaders and Best in Family Medicine

Twelve Department faculty members were named among the country’s Best Doctors in Family Medicine according to StyleLine Magazine. 

Congratulations to all the honorees, including:

• Barbara S. Apgar, M.D.
• William E. Chavey II, M.D., M.S.
• Michael D. Fetters, M.D., M.P.H., M.A.
• Joel J. Heidelbaugh, M.D.
• Masahito Jimbo, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
• Michael S. Klinkman, M.D., M.S.
• Christina W. Krause, M.D.
• Karen L. Musolf, M.D.
• James F. Peggs, M.D.
• Phillip E. Rodgers, M.D.
• Eric P. Skye, M.D.
• Lourdes Velez, M.S.

Read more in the UMHS Headlines or see the complete list (PDF).

 

March 4, 2013: Developments in the PCMH

David C. Serlin, M.D., assistant professor, has been named the Department’s first Patient-Centered Medical Home Medical Director.  In his new role, Dr. Serlin will he will help lead us as we endeavor to implement a quantum leap forward in our clinical operations, more focused on population management. Kathryn M. Harmes, M.D., lecturer, and Heather L. Holmstrom, M.D., lecturer, will also be involved in this exciting new project. 

 

March 1, 2013: New UMHS Guidelines

Ebony C. Parker-Featherstone, M.D., lecturer, has completed work on the UMHS guidelines for Common Breast Problems and Maggie A. Riley, M.D., assistant professor, has worked on the guidelines for Obesity Management and Prevention. Both sets of guidelines were presented at a recent faculty meeting. Drs. Parker-Featherstone and Riley join a significant number of department faculty who have helped oversee the program for guideline development and have volunteered as members of clinical teams to development and update guidelines.

 

February 8, 2013: Family Physician Serves on Prominent Guideline Panel

Joel J. Heidelbaugh, M.D., FAAFP, FACG, associate professor in family medicine and urology, was recently named as the sole primary care member of the American Gastroenterological Association's Guideline Panel on Immunomodulators and Anti-TNF Biologics in Moderate to Severe Crohn's Disease.

"What we see and do as primary care physicians is quite different from gastroenterologists.  Thus, it's exciting having someone of such high caliber as Dr. Heidelbaugh involved in this panel.  It's a wonderful opportunity to make sure that the primary care perspective is included as we move forward into the new age of taking care of patients with Crohn's and other autoimmune diseases." said Philip Zazove, M.D., the George A. Dean, M.D. Chair of Family Medicine.

As a part of this panel, Dr. Heidelbaugh will assist in writing and developing a novel core guideline and evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of Crohn’s Disease.  Additionally, he brings the unique perspective of a family physician to a national cohort of subspecialty gastroenterologists.

Dr. Heidelbaugh was honored to be appointed to this position and notes, "This is a fantastic opportunity for family medicine to play a national role in specialty guideline development."

 

February 8, 2013: Family Medicine in the News

Keri L. Denay, M.D., lecturer, spoke with The Michigan Daily about the outbreak of flu that haw swept the nation this winter and what doctors and the health system are doing to fight it.

Dr. Denay noted, “Flu activity can be difficult to predict and varies from season to season. This year, the flu activity has peaked earlier when compared to last year.”

Read the complete article in The Michigan Daily.

 

January 21, 2013: Health Maintenance Exam Guidelines for Women

Maggie A. Riley, M.D.

Maggie A. Riley, M.D., assistant professor, Margaret L. Dobson, M.D., lecturer, Elizabeth K. Jones, M.D., lecturer, and Nell Burger Kirst, M.D., lecturer published “Health Maintenance in Women” in the January edition of American Family Physician. The authors state, “The health maintenance examination is an opportunity to focus on disease prevention and health promotion. The patient history should include screening for tobacco use, alcohol misuse, intimate partner violence, and depression.” The publication makes recommendations for care in many areas including: social and mental health; sexual health; heart, brain and bone health; and cancer screening.

Dr. Riley notes,  “An annual examination is a chance for physicians to strengthen their relationship with patients and to discuss issues important to the individual patient such as family relationships or end-of-life care. This is also an opportunity to improve delivery of preventive health recommendations and lessen the patient’s anxiety about any concerns they may have.”

Read more at umhsheadlines.org or see the complete publication at aafp.org (subscription required).

 

December 5, 2012: Ectopic Pregnancy

Sahoko H. Little, M.D., Ph.D., lecturer, and Pamela G. Rockwell, D.O., assistant professor, medical director-Domino’s Farms Family Medicine, have written a paper that was recently published in the Journal of Family Practice, “Ectopic pregnancy: Zero in on these lab and imaging clues.”

The authors discuss ways to make reliable clinical decisions including hormone tests and transvaginal ultrasounds, as well as treatments of ectopic pregnancy.

“Quantitative ß-hCG measurements and transvaginal ultrasound findings interpreted in light of a ß-hCG ‘cutoff’ can reliably guide clinical decisions,” says Dr. Little.

Read more online: http://www.jfponline.com/Pages.asp?AID=10884&issue=November_2012&UID=.

Full citation information: Little SH, Rockwell PG. Ectopic pregnancy: Zero in on these lab and imaging clues. J of Fam Prac, vol 61, no 11, Nov 2012.

 

October 31, 2012: Dr. Peggs Talks to WebMD About the Risk of Hypothermia in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

With power out and temperatures dropping in Hurricane Sandy's aftermath, keeping warm is more than a comfort issue. It's a matter of life and death.

In its early stages, hypothermia -- too-low body temperature -- is hard to recognize. That makes it especially deadly, as many people don't know it's happening and become unable to take care of themselves.

James F. Peggs, M.D., professor, associate chair, spoke to WebMD about the warning signs of hypothermia, and about those who are at greater risk, including elderly people. Read the rest of the article to learn more.

 

October 24, 2012: Adolescent Immunization Rates

The U-M Hospitals and Health Centers (UMHHC) recently released results of the fifth annual Adolescent Survey that included primary care patients who turned 13 between January and December 2011. Vaccines for Tdap and meningococcal for males and females, and HPV4 rates for females were included. The overall scores exceeded the UMHHC 2015 goal of 90% for Tdap and meningococcal vaccine and have surpassed the current National rate, the State rate and the 2012 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) 90th percentile benchmark. 

Congratulations to Domino’s Farms Family Medicine for achieving the highest overall rate for the category of “up to date with both Tdap and meningococcal vaccines” with an increase of 13.9% from last year, and a perfect score of 100%.

Congratulations to Chelsea Family Medicine for achieving a 22.4% increase in Tdap rates, the largest increase from last year for all the health centers.

“This is a great example of how our team-based patient-centered medical home model can help us deliver outstanding care to our patients,” says Jean M. Malouin, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor, associate chair for clinical programs, Regional Medical Director—Ambulatory Services.

The UMHHC and the Department are committed to delivering quality healthcare to all patients, and continually strive to make improvements.

 

July 19, 2012: Dr. Locke is the new director of Integrative Family Medicine

The Department is pleased to announce that Amy B. Locke, M.D., assistant professor, as the director of Integrative Family Medicine (IFM).

Taking over from Sara L. Warber, M.D., associate professor, Dr. Locke will oversee the integrative medicine fellowship and medical student/resident educational efforts, work with leadership at Briarwood Family Medicine to maximize the IFM clinical practice, and help promote scholarship in integrative medicine.

“I am excited for the opportunity to build on Sara’s years of work at the University of Michigan and look forward to collaboration with individuals and programs across the University. My long-term vision is to develop the integrative medicine programs at the University of Michigan into core components of the University, Medical School and Department of Family Medicine. I believe further development of integrative medicine will have an enormous and lasting impact on those who train and seek care at the U-M. I hope to shepherd the IFM clinic towards sustainable models of care that respect the tenants of integrative medicine,” says Dr. Locke.

Dr. Warber inaugurated the medical school curriculum in 2001, founded the integrative medicine clinic in 2003, and led the fellowship starting in 2006, but her history with integrative medicine goes back to 1998 with the start of the U-M Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Center, where she served as co-director. She will be focusing on her research, particularly the beneficial effects of the natural environment on health, and has committed to working with Dr. Locke to ensure a smooth transition.

“This is a wonderful development to have IFM recognized by establishing this directorship. Dr. Locke is an outstanding choice to carry this program into the future, given her demonstrated commitment to integrative medicine and her excellence in leadership,” says Dr. Warber.

Dr. Warber will also continue to direct the interdisciplinary program called University of Michigan Integrative Medicine (UMIM), that brings together researchers, educators, clinicians, and staff from across the University who are interested in integrative medicine. 

“I’m very excited and thankful that Dr. Locke is willing to take on this role, and I anticipate significant success for the program in the upcoming years under her guidance. I would also like to thank Dr. Warber for her years of dedication, service, and innovation in the program,” notes Philip Zazove, M.D., professor and interim chair.

For more information, visit University of Michigan Integrative Medicine online.

 

June 20, 2012: Family Medicine in the News

Pamela G. Rockwell, D.O., associate professor, spoke with Redbook Magazine and was featured in an article entitled "4 Summer Health Hazards." The article discusses the increased risks of yeast infections, athlete's foot, kidney stones and headaches during the summer months.

June 4, 2012: Family Medicine in the News

Margaret A. Riley, M.D., assistant professor, was featured on NPR discussing high blood pressure in children and her recent review of data published in American Family Physician entitled "High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents" (subscription required). "A physician often will put the blood pressure value in their notes, but they won't address it as high because they won't have recognized it as an abnormal value for that specific child," Dr. Riley says, adding, "I think clinicians are used to seeing a number like 100 over 60, and that looks good at first glance, but if you actually look at that for a specific child's age and height, then it may be high for them." This also appeared on CBS Detroit.

June 4, 2012: Family Medicine in the News

Amy B. Locke, M.D., assistant professor, was featured in an article in US News and World Report. In the article entitled "How to Avoid the Biggest Health Risks" Dr. Locke said, "If a lifestyle overhaul seems overwhelming, remember that adopting even a few good habits is better than doing nothing. It's about taking it one step at a time."

May 16, 2012: Dr. Hudson Named MAFP Physician of the Year

The University of Michigan is in her blood. Undergraduate degree, medical school degree, residency training, faculty appointment, medical director, and now: Stefani A. Hudson, M.D., lecturer, medical director–Ypsilanti Health Center, has been named the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians 2012 Family Physician of the Year.

Of the award, Dr. Hudson says, "I feel truly blessed to be recognized by my peers for this award. As I shared with Dr. Zazove, it was an honor simply to be nominated. I accept the award on behalf of the University of Michigan Department of Family Medicine. You are my teachers, friends, and extended family. Thank you for inspiring me to do my very best each and every day."

She practices the entire range of family medicine including prenatal care, and cares for patients with a wide range of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. In her role as medical director at a residency training site, she works with faculty physicians, resident physicians, and staff to ensure a smooth-running operation, while meeting institutional, insurer and state-mandated quality expectations.

Dr. Hudson is very active in her community, including working with the Hope Clinic, a non-profit organization that offers free care for those who are underserved or poor in the Ypsilanti area. In her role with the Hope Clinic, she is able to involve resident physicians and medical students, and leads by example of the value of service.

Her work in the community also includes working with Community Support and Treatment Services (CSTS), a county-based group that provides mental health care, youth and family services and much more. Her guidance has significantly helped CSTS to provide caring, appropriate health services for high-risk county residents. Since 2010, she has been serving as a primary care consultant and nurse practitioner supervisor for the CSTS/Washtenaw County Health Organization. She has served on a number of committees including the UMHS Ambulatory Care Operations Committee, the Department's Diversity Committee and the Washtenaw Health Initiative.

She was nominated by Philip Zazove, M.D., professor and interim chair, chosen because of the phenomenal work she does both with the Department and externally for under-served populations.

"I often hear from people about the good work she is doing. She is a genuine and caring person, always with a smile on her face, a willingness to listen, and a strong sense of compassion that is the crux of her leadership. I was happy to nominate her, and am thrilled that she won," says Dr. Zazove.

Letters of nomination not only came from the interim chair, but also from CSTS, Hope Clinic, colleagues and several patients.

Trish Cortes, BSN, MSN, director of the Washtenaw County Community Support and Treatment Services says, "Dr. Hudson meets people 'where they are' in their understanding of the disease process and the functional impact that medical conditions have on person well being. She is a skilled clinician adept at managing the biological and psychological aspects of illness, and she aggressively advocates to insure that the social needs of her patients are adequately addressed."

Dr. Hudson earned her medical degree from University of Michigan Medical School (2003), and completed her residency training with the U-M Department of Family Medicine (2006). She has been the medical director at the Ypsilanti Health Center since 2007, which won the UMHS Clinical Program of the Year award in 2010 under her leadership.

Read more at MAFP.

March 22, 2012: Dexter Family Medicine Helps with Tornado Relief Efforts

The faculty and staff at Dexter Family Medicine have always been very active in their community. With the recent tornadoes that hit the village, they again show their commitment and dedication to the people of Dexter. In addition to regular patient care, they have started a support group open to anyone affected by the storm.

The support group starts this Friday, March 23, 2012, at 6 p.m. in the lobby located at 7300 Dexter-Ann Arbor Road, Dexter, Mich., 48130.

Sue Pellerito, M.S.W., social worker, has volunteered to lead this group, and she will be joined by a representative from the American Red Cross. She is part of the U-M Ambulatory Social Work Group, and has been the on-site social worker at Dexter Family Medicine since 2010. While she is there on Fridays each week, her role is to provide whatever social work services are needed, from individual short-term supportive therapy to connecting people with all manner of resources, including supportive therapy.

“When Annette Coy, the office manager at Dexter Family Medicine, called me to report that the clinic staff has been observing patients who were showing the signs and symptoms of stress directly related to the tornado, we talked about how there may be a gap in support for adults that are not connected to the supports in place through the schools. I called the Dexter Township and Village officials, and learned that there were no support groups in place,” says Ms. Pellerito.

Responding to the sense of urgency, the health center faculty and staff quickly rallied, and developed plans for the support group. The support group offers a place for people to tell their story, share their experience of loss and fright, and validate each other’s experiences. It also offers a place to share the more positive aspects of survival, realizing that it can be coped with, how to move forward, and how this may have brought to light the friends and neighbors they did not realize they had, or may have created a greater connection to the community.

Ms. Pellerito talks about what people may be experiencing in the aftermath of a tornado, “During a tornado people are in survival mode, responding to media direction or their own intuitive sense, to take cover, to stay safe. The sense of focus on survival continues as we literally pick up the pieces, help our neighbors, find our pets, look for valuables, take stock of damages, and call insurance agents. In short, take care of emergency business. “Then as the dust settles, and that sense of survival urgency subsides, we begin to realize what we’ve just been through, what we’ve lost, what it means.”

Although, thankfully, no lives were lost, there are still losses.
“Some lost their home and everything in it, including the things that represent the connections they have to their loved ones, such as pictures or mementos....the tangible evidence of those connections that we cherish. Money saved for retirement may now have to be spent on repairs. Some may feel a loss of safety, security. ‘It won't happen to me’ now becomes ‘It could happen to me again.’ Even those not directly affected by the tornado, may have some stress reactions triggered by prior losses or worry about those they know were in this tornado,” says Ms. Pellerito.

Medical director, Kathryn M. Harmes, M.D., lecturer, says, “Local agencies have been working hard on relief efforts, and we wanted to find a unique way to participate and serve the community we love so much.  Many of our employees live in Dexter and have been affected as well as our patients.   We are very fortunate to have been relatively unaffected despite being so close to the most heavily damaged neighborhood.”

March 1, 2012: Washtenaw Health Initiative

Leaders from the Department of Family Medicine are working on a program called the Washtenaw Health Initiative.

As part of a county-wide effort that includes representatives from the University of Michigan Health System, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, health plans, county government, community services, and physicians, Matthew A. Bazzani, administrative director healthcare, Tricia C. Campbell, Ypsilanti Family Medicine health center manager, Grant M. Greenberg, M.D., M.H.S.A., M.A., assistant professor, Chelsea Family Medicine medical director, and Stefani A. Hudson, M.D., lecturer, Ypsilanti Family Medicine medical director, are working to increase enrollment of uninsured and eligible patients into Medicaid for primary care services, and developing a system to optimize the social support patients often needed such as transportation and medication assistance.

Much of their work is focusing on Ypsilanti Health Center where 70 percent of patients are either enrolled in Medicaid, have no insurance or are underinsured.

“This is an important initiative in terms of recognizing and seeking to address unmet needs in our community, and can serve as a model for collaboration with other health systems and agencies in the county,” says Dr. Greenberg.

In addition to addressing current health care needs, the group’s work is focused on the future, when, in 2014, federal health care reform is expected to be more fully implemented. Suggestions for future strategies, pilot programs and planning efforts are being established in the following areas: outreach; primary care capacity and care; mental health; substance use; and dental care.

Of the initiative, Dr. Hudson says, “We are delighted to participate in this effort to improve access to coordinated care for Washtenaw County residents while simultaneously participating in planning efforts which will address capacity challenges and closing service gaps prior to 2014.

“We now have the opportunity to share initiatives which have already begun at our health center and within the U-M Department of Family Medicine while we learn about what other clinics and institutions have done. It is truly all about teamwork.”

For more information, visit the Washtenaw Health Initiative website, http://washtenawhealthinitiative.org/.

February 29, 2012: Reducing Congestive Heart Failure Hospital Readmissions

Two faculty members are helping patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) stay out of the hospital. CHF is a condition where the heart cannot adequately pump blood to the rest of the body, which is often the result of coronary artery disease or hypertension.

In addition to treating patients with CHF, coordinating their care with subspecialists, and managing patient outcomes, William E. Chavey II, M.D., M.S., associate professor, service chief, and Grant M. Greenberg, M.D., M.H.S.A., M.A., assistant professor, Chelsea Family Medicine medical director, are looking at the broader issue of hospital readmissions due to complications from the condition.

Drs. Chavey and Greenberg are working with a group called the Greater Washtenaw Care Partners that includes others from the University of Michigan Health System, Integrated Healthcare Associates, and Huron Valley Physician Associates.

The effort has a dual approach including clinical measures such as treatments, and how to improve the transition from hospital or skilled nursing facility to home, where it is most likely for patients to get confused and when errors happen.

“The key part of this initiative is that it is county-wide. It rests on the understanding that many of our patients use both of the main hospitals in the area and, if we are to impact hospitalizations, then we need to work together,” says Dr. Chavey.

October 26, 2011: Family Medicine in the News

In a recent ABC News article, “1 in 10 Americans Use Antidepressants, Most Don’t See a Therapist,” Lee A. Green, M.D., M.P.H., professor, talks about why the specialty of family medicine is important in screening for and the treatment of depression as well as gives his expert opinion about treatment for the disease.

“It’s a required part of training in our specialty [to treat depression],” says Dr. Green. “We refer patients with the most complex or treatment-resistant depression to psychiatrists for medication management, but that is only a minority of people with depression. Most patients can, and should, get their antidepressant prescription from their family doctor,” he says.

This doesn’t mean that seeing a mental health care worker isn’t necessary as well, however, Dr. Green says: “The concern I have with the low number of people seeing mental health professionals is that they’re not getting the psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, that we know helps with depression. Personally, I don’t believe anyone should be treated with medication alone for depression.”

September 19, 2011: Congratulations to Dexter and Briarwood Family Medicine!
  
As a result of the May 2011 patient satisfaction survey, Dexter Family Medicine, Chelsea Family Medicine and Briarwood Family Medicine have been ranked among the “Top Patient Satisfaction Scores.”

The Health System’s Ambulatory Care Administration honored the health center this achievement in September.

Philip Zazove, M.D., professor and interim chair says, “I am so pleased that Dexter, Chelsea and Briarwood Family Medicine received such high patient satisfaction scores. The honor is well deserved and is a testimony to the wonderful work that our faculty and staff do every day, not only at these locations but at all our sites.”

Thank you for your outstanding service to UMHS patients!

August 22, 2011: Alternative Medicine in the News

In an article in Crain's Detroit Business, Sara L. Warber, M.D., associate professor and director of U-M Integrative Medicine discusses alternative medicine in practice within the UMHS and around southeast Michigan. "At our clinic, we have three family practice physicians and an integrative medicine fellow who are all training in conventional medicine and holistic and alternative medicine. We all come from different points of view. I spent 14 years studying with a Native American healer for spiritual healing, nutrition and herbal medicine," Dr. Warber said. Read the complete article, "Hospitals offer alternative medicine services," in Crain's Detroit Business.

August 16, 2011: Quality Management

Grant M. Greenberg, M.D., M.H.S.A., M.A., assistant professor, who is currently medical director at Chelsea Family Medicine will be taking on additional responsibilities. Dr. Greenberg has been named Assistant Director of the Quality Management Program.

August 9, 2011: Family Medicine in the News

Following the natural disaster earlier this year in Japan, Michael D. Fetters, M.D., M.P.H., M.A., professor and director of the Japanese Family Health Program, talked about the importance of primary care in relief missions. His work is featured in the latest AAFP International Update Newsletter. Read the entire article on page 2 of the publication (PDF).

August 9, 2011: Well-child Examinations

In a two-part article featured on American Family Physician, Margaret A. Riley, M.D., lecturer, Amy B. Locke, M.D., assistant professor, and Eric P. Skye, M.D., assistant professor, discussed promoting health, detecting disease, and counseling to prevent injury and future health problems during well-child examinations. The authors maintain that a child’s yearly physical exam is an excellent time to establish collaborative communication between the child, his or her parent(s) and the physician. Read the abstracts of Part I and Part II on PubMed. Part II, which focused on counseling both parents and children and establishing patterns of behavior that may last a lifetime, was recently featured in the UMHS Newsroom.

“For children between 5 and 12 years old, the counseling aspect of the annual physical is important because children in this age group are establishing patterns of behavior that may last a lifetime,” says Dr. Riley. “It’s important for children to be counseled on leading a healthy lifestyle by their parent or guardian as well as their regular physician.”

The article urges physicians to use the time provided in back-to-school well-child visits as a time for counseling on diet, physical activity, screen time, sleep, high-risk behaviors, and safety. Read the complete article in the UMHS Newsroom. See more news on HealthCanal.com.

August 3, 2011: Acupuncture Provides Relief of Cancer-Related Symptoms

Andrew H. Heyman, M.D., adjunct assistant professor, was featured in the U-M Cancer Center's Living With Cancer Web Series. In the article called "Traditional Healing" Dr. Heyman discusses the use of acupuncture in relieving cancer-related symptoms and side effects, including fatigue, nausea, pain and nerve problems. "Acupuncture is a very safe modality for people with cancer. It can be very beneficial if it is used in combination with more conventional medical therapies," he said. Acupuncture is available at the Chelsea Health Center. Read the complete article at Living with Cancer.

July 8, 2011: 47th Annual Northern Michigan Summer Conference Update

The 47th Annual Northern Michigan Summer Conference Update on Clinical Concerns in Primary Care was held June 20-24, 2011
at the Summit Village of Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire, Mich.

The program, designed to provide family physicians, general practitioners, internists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other health care professionals with an update in the diagnosis and treatment of medical problems confronting them, was a success.

The objective of this course is to update primary care practitioners on a variety of current issues in the diagnosis and treatment of clinical problems commonly encountered in the daily practice of adult and pediatric medicine. This year's course addressed various topics in each of the following areas: radiology, sports medicine, gastroenterology, cardiology, infectious diseases, urology, and healthcare information technology and privacy issues.

This year, the course director was Joel J. Heidelbaugh, M.D., associate professor of family medicine and urology, family medicine clerkship director. Additionally from the Department, Robert B. Kiningham, M.D., M.A., associate professor, director of the family medicine sports medicine fellowship program, served as course faculty and planning committee member.

To learn more, download the brochure (pdf).

May 26, 2011: Best in Family Medicine

Thirteen department faculty members were named among Metro Detroit’s Best Doctors in Family Medicine according to Styleline Magazine. 

 Congratulations to all the honorees, including:

• Barbara S. Apgar, M.D.
• William E. Chavey II, M.D., M.S.
• Michael D. Fetters, M.D., M.P.H., M.A.
• Joel J. Heidelbaugh, M.D.
• Masahito Jimbo, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
• Michael S. Klinkman, M.D., M.S.
• Christina W. Krause, M.D.
• Karen L. Musolf, M.D.
• Donald E. Nease Jr., M.D.
• James F. Peggs, M.D.
• Philip Rodgers, M.D.
• Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D.
• Eric P. Skye, M.D.
• Lourdes Velez, M.S.

See the complete list online at Styleline.

May 26, 2011: Mental Health and Children in Primary Care

Katherine J. Gold, M.D., M.S.W., M.S., assistant professor, was quoted in an article entitled, “Primary care doctors ill-equipped to discuss children's mental health, parents say” that was featured in American Medical News. "The things [families] are asking for are very reasonable," said Dr. Gold, an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School. "[They want] doctors who listen, reduce the stigma of mental health problems and who ask [if they have] concerns about their child's mental health.” Read the complete article online at the American Medical Association. The news was also featured in “e-Update” a newsletter from U-M’s Depression Center.

May 12, 2011: Medical Director Transitions

The Department is pleased to announce that Kathryn M. Harmes, M.D., lecturer, is the new medical director at Dexter Family Medicine. She completed her residency training with the Department (2004), where she also served as co-chief resident. After graduating from the residency program, Dr. Harmes joined a private practice in Stanwood, Mich., where she was involved in clinical operations and became interested in clinical administration. She joined the U-M faculty in 2009 and has been practicing at Briarwood Family Medicine. Since returning to U-M, Dr. Harmes focused her career on leadership and administration, hoping her work would lead to a medical director position.

“I am very excited about my new role, and I am looking forward to working with the faculty and staff at the Dexter Health Center,” says Dr. Harmes.

She replaces Joyce E. Kaferle, M.D., assistant professor, who has been the medical director since 2002. Dr. Kaferle earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio (1991) and completed her family medicine residency training with the Department (1994). Prior to joining the faculty at U-M, she was in private practice in Manchester, Mich. After the transition, Dr. Kaferle will continue her clinical practice in Dexter.

“It was my honor and pleasure to serve as medical director at Dexter Family Medicine for almost ten years. I am happy that I will still be able to focus on seeing patients in Dexter,” Dr. Kaferle says.

The search committee was led by Jean M. Malouin, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor and associate chair for clinical operations, who says, “The Department would like to offer its many thanks to Dr. Kaferle for serving as the medical director for the past nine years, during which time the health center and the Department have benefitted from her outstanding leadership in countless ways. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Harmes on her new position as medical director, and thanking Dr. Kaferle for her excellent work!”

May 12, 2011: Genetic Testing for Children
 
A recent survey published in the journal of Pediatrics found that some people believe genetic testing for children for common diseases is a good idea. We asked our expert, faculty physician Philip Zazove, M.D., professor and interim chair, for his opinion on the subject.
 
He says that many of these tests, such as a blood draw or swabbing the inside of the cheek, have low physical risk. But there are not currently what Dr. Zazove considers to be good genetic tests for common diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, depression and asthma.
 
There is potential, however, for other risks. For example, there is an increased physical risk if someone had a procedure done as the result of an incorrectly interpreted genetic test. Dr. Zazove says the toll on mental health is potentially great as well. Someone with a positive test may become clinically depressed even though overall they are really at a low risk for the disease. Or someone found to have a genetic tendency for a fatal disease might interpret the results as a “green light” to live recklessly.

There are potential negative effects as well from having these tests without appropriate counseling. For example, positive test results have implications beyond an individual person, such as for their family. If someone has test results indicating risk of a disease, other questions arise, such as what do they tell family members who may not want to know the results?
 
Since results are not always clear-cut, many physicians are not comfortable interpreting them because they are often times not well trained to do so, and that could pose a problem if the patient asks.
 
Positive test results raise the potential for discrimination despite laws against it, particularly for life and disability insurance.
 
Another option for genetic testing is a direct-to-consumer test, or an at-home test, which is marketed through television, print or Internet ads. Consumers learn of their results directly from the testing company by mail, phone, or the Internet. Interpretation of the results can be tricky for someone who is not trained, which might lead consumers to make important healthcare decisions based on inaccurate, incomplete or misunderstood information.
 
“I’m not a big fan of direct-to-consumer tests, and most genetic experts would agree. Realistically, at-home genetic testing is happening, however, and will continue to happen. We need to better educate the public and physicians so they can better interpret the tests,” says Dr. Zazove. “With counseling, at-home tests could be helpful in selected cases.”
 
Our expert believes genetic testing has possible benefits, but should be considered carefully and should be explained with the assistance of someone who has skill in interpreting the tests.

May 2, 2011: Family Medicine in the News

Amy B. Locke, M.D., assistant professor, was quoted in Natural Solutions Magazine in an article entitled, "Get Rid of Sinusitis." "Vitamin D, known for fighting infections, is low in the northern hemisphere this time of year, so taking a supplement can be a good preventative measure instead of waiting until the bacteria forms and it's harder to treat," she said. Read the complete article online.

April 28, 2011: New Health Center Manager

The Department is pleased to announce Marla Slocum-Casper as the new health center manager at Chelsea Family Medicine. She has been in health care management for about 20 years, and has extensive experience in practice management in the specialties of family medicine, orthopedics, vascular surgery. Prior to joining the University she was with the Medical Practice Management department at Allegiance Health in Jackson, Mich.

“I accepted this position because I wanted to be part of a team that is known for providing high-quality patient care,” says Ms. Slocum-Casper. She further states that she hopes to provide leadership support within the office so as to continue to deliver efficient and first-rate patient care. She also wants to continue to expand services that are offered to patients at the Chelsea Health Center.

April 27, 2011: Taking Care of Our Own

The residency program is pleased to offer a new elective at University Health Service (UHS) for three residents per year with emphasis on sports medicine, women’s health and primary care. They join faculty member Ebony C. Parker-Featherstone, M.D., lecturer, who has been working at the UHS gynecology clinic for nearly a year.

Dr. Parker-Featherstone says, “I really enjoy working there and am excited about new electives and the opportunity to work with residents in the setting that keeps our community healthy.”

UHS is located on U-M’s central campus, has approximately 70,000 visits per year, and is available to U-M students, faculty and staff.

 

April 27, 2011: Natural Bug Repellent?

Especially in places that have long winters and lots of cloudy days, warmer weather means getting outdoors. It also means more exposure to bugs. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is working on a new way to repel those pesky ticks and mosquitoes. The CDC has found a natural, non-toxic insect repellent made from a chemical found in citrus fruit and the Alaska yellow cedar tree called nootkatone. It is found in citrus fruits like grapefruit, and is an FDA-approved food additive.

One of our experts in complementary and alternative medicine, Amy B. Locke, M.D., assistant professor, comments, “It would be great to have a novel approach to insects. I’ll get excited about it after I’ve seen the safety data and after it’s been out on the market for a while.”

The CDC is considering adding nookatone to soaps and lotions, as well as mosquito netting for use in areas where malaria is prevalent. They say it is safe enough to drink and friendly to the environment. It will be interesting to see how well it works!

April 19, 2011: The Role of Primary Care Following Disaster

When the earthquake and tsunami struck Japan on March 11, disaster teams rushed to treat those who were gravely injured. But in the days and weeks following the initial crisis, the largest medical challenge was not treating patients with traumatic injuries.

Providing routine care for people with a host of issues from chronic diabetes to imminent childbirth proved more challenging, says Michael D. Fetters, M.D., M.P.H., M.A., the director of the Japanese Family Health Program. Read more about the role of primary care following the crisis in Japan in the UMHS Newsroom. The story was also featured on Newswise, CBS Detroit and on the UMHS homepage.

 

April 12, 2011: Family Medicine Travels to Japan

Sahoko H. Little, M.D., Ph.D., lecturer, and Etsuko Inohara, medical assistant, who both practice at the Department’s Japanese Family Health Program are traveling to Japan in April with the Tokushaukai Medical Aid Team (TMAT) to provide emergency medical care and conduct disaster relief Dr. Little and Ms. Inohara, who is licensed as an RN in Japan will provide much needed services to people in Kesen-numa and Minami-sanriuk. Find out more about TMAT America. See pictures from Dr. Little's trip on Flickr.

 

March 17, 2011: Family Medicine in the News

Heather L. Holmstrom, M.D., lecturer, spoke with The Michigan Daily about a recently published study that revealed an increase in prescriptions of antibiotics for children across the state of Michgian. Dr. Holmstrom discussed why physicians may be prescribing these antibiotics stating that a doctor’s background, education and colleagues play a larger influential role than their specialty. She maintains that public education is the best means to reduce the overuse of antibiotics. Read the complete article in The Michigan Daily. Learn more about the original study at the Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation.

 

March 17, 2011: Family Medicine in the News

Katherine J. Gold, M.D., M.S.W., M.S., is featured in Parents Magazine discussing tips for improving family health in 12-weeks. Dr. Gold’s tips will appear in this 3-part series in the print edition of the magazine’s March, April and May editions. 

March 17, 2011: Family Medicine in the News

In an article entitled, “FDA Takes Aim at Unapproved Rx Cold Meds,” ABCNews.com reports that nearly 500 cough, cold and allergy medications should be taken off the market. Lee A. Green, M.D., M.P.H., professor, discusses unapproved medications and proper treatment for cold and coughs. Additional physicians from around the country also weigh in on this important topic. Visit ABCNews.com to read the complete article. 

 

February 28, 2011: Integrative Medicine in the News

Sara L. Warber, M.D., associate professor, was quoted in an article entitled "A hospital's hospitality: How one program uses art and music to heal" that was featured in The Michigan Daily. Dr. Warber discussed the philosophy of integrative medicine and explained that its practices are supplementary to conventional medicine. "It’s actually combined with conventional care and is purposefully selected by physicians who are trained to know what to select," she said. Read the complete article.