For November, 2009

Nov. 6 - Dr. Scheiman quoted in the New York Time

Gastroenterologist James Scheiman, M.D., professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School, was quoted in the New York Times today in a story about ulcer disease. Scheiman said that while about 50 million American adults take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart disease, many do not know about the pill’s downsides. Dr. Scheiman was co-chairman of a panel that in 2008 drew up guidelines for cardiologists on reducing the gastrointestinal risks of Nsaids and blood-thinning heart medications. He also consults for several companies that make acid-blocking drugs. Because aspirin suppresses blood clotting, it raises the odds of ulcer bleeding; the same is true for blood thinners like clopidogrel or warfarin. As these drugs are combined, a patient’s ulcer-bleeding risk goes up even more, Scheiman said.

Nov. 5 - U-M experts to discuss H1N1 live on NPR

Matthew M. Davis, M.D., M.A.P.P., Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases and Howard Markel, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Center for the History of Medicine, were guests on NPR's "Tell Me More" to discuss H1N1 vaccination. Davis spoke about C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health findings about parents' plans to vaccinate their children against H1N1 flu and how those differ by parents' race/ethnicity. Hispanic parents are much more likely to plan to vaccinate their kids than white and African American parents. Markel provided historical context about flu pandemics, touching on how pandemics have affected patients of different races/ethnicities, and the changing attitudes towards vaccinations and public health measures.

Nov. 4 - Napolitano interviewed about H1N1 for today's LA Times

The LA Times sought advice from Dr. Lena Napolitano, chief of acute care surgery at U-M, on how obesity contributes to severe lung infections in H1N1 patients.. A study in this week's JAMA expands on findings published by U-M doctors this summer. Some of the reasons are physiological. The lungs of obese patients are compressed because the abdomen presses up on the diaphragm. In addition, the chest wall is heavier, so it's more difficult for the lungs to stay inflated. Both of those factors make it difficult for blood and oxygen to travel throughout the lungs and fight off infection, Napolitano says.

Nov. 3 - Dr. Blaum in Crains Detroit Business

Caroline Blaum, M.D., professor in Department of Internal Medicine, was quoted in Crains Detroit Business in an article about how hospitals are reducing avoidable readmissions while focusing on congestive heart failure. “The transitional care program is designed to assist patients either at home or in subacute settings with hospital discharge information and follow-up care with their physicians,” Blaum said. “We are committed to it and have seen good results.”

Nov. 2 - Dr. Markel quoted on All Things Considered

As H1N1 vaccine manufacturers struggle to maintain production commitments, some people are skeptical of vaccines and government distribution programs. In an interview for NPR's All Things Considered, Dr. Howard Markel, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Center for the History of Medicine, discussed people's changing attitudes and the way Public Health officials address the situation.

Nov. 1 - Dr. Geiger featured in AnnArbor.com

Dr. James Geiger, executive director of the Medical Innovation Center and associate professor of surgery, was featured in a Sunday story in AnnArbor.com. Geiger was awarded a $1 million federal grant by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to encourage the improvement of pediatric medical device options.

Oct. 29 - Dr. Chervin quoted in New York Times, Washington Post and more

Dr. Ronald Chervin, director of U-M's Sleep Disorders Center, was quoted in an Associated Press article about a sleeplessness study that assessed which state's residents reported getting the least sleep. Financial stress and odd-hour work shifts can play roles in sleeplessness, Chervin said, suggesting those may be contributing factors in West Virginia -- whose residents reported the worst sleep problems -- an economically depressed state with tens of thousands of people working in coal mining. The story appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Washington Times,Boston Globe, Yahoo, CBS, Seattle Times and numerous other media outlets.

Oct. 29 - U-M doctors appear in WDIV story about artificial liver

Lena Napolitano, M.D., division chief of acute care surgery and professor of surgery at the U-M Medical School, and Shawn Pelletier, M.D., assistant professor of surgery at the U-M Medical School, were featured in a story on WDIV-TV on Wednesday about artificial liver trials. Dr. Lena Napolitano is helping test the ELAD, or "extracorporeal liver assist device."

Oct. 27 - Drs. Jentzen, Park quoted in USA Today about H1N1

Jeffrey Jentzen, M.D., Ph.D., director of U-M's autopsy and forensic services and Pauline Park, M.D., co-director of U-M's Surgical Intensive Care Unit, were both quoted about the effects H1N1 flu has on the lungs in a front-page USA Today story. "It's impressive even to me, the damage done to these lungs," Jentzen said. Park told the paper that U-M has started a national registry of H1N1 patients. As of Oct. 9, the latest data available, at least 54 flu patients have been so sick that they've needed a temporary lung bypass; 62.8% of those whose outcomes are known survived.

Oct. 26 – Dr. Junck on CNBC

Larry Junck, M.D., Cancer Center/Neurology, appeared live on CNBC to discuss the risk of brain tumors linked to cell phones. Dr. Junck points out that there is little scientific evidence suggesting a link and that there are far greater health hazards to worry about.

Oct. 26 – Dr. Persky in Chicago Tribune

Neal Persky, M.D., Geriatrics Center/Internal Medicine, is quoted in the Chicago Tribune in an article about cancer screenings for older adults. Dr. Persky talks about when screening tests can pose a greater risk than benefit. For example, a colonoscopy is clearly useful for a 50-year-old, but how important is it for an 80-year-old? With conflicting screening guidelines and advice, Dr. Persky says doctors caring for older patients are “left in the lurch.”

Oct. 25 - Dr. Fendrick quoted in Chicago Tribune

To promote prevention, insurance policies need to be restructured "to create the right kinds of incentives," said Dr. A. Mark Fendrick, co-director of U-M's Center for Value-Based Insurance Design, in the Sunday edition of the Chicago Tribune. Dr. Fendrick says what is needed is a link between how much health is produced and how much the nation pays for medical care.

Oct. 24 – Drs. Katz, Griggs on CNN.com

Steven Katz, M.D., M.P.H., Cancer Center/Internal Medicine, and Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H., Cancer Center/Internal Medicine, are both quoted in a story that appeared on CNN.com. The story talks about patient decision-making in breast cancer. Both doctors stress why it’s important for patients to take their time in making their treatment decision.

Oct. 23 - Cederna offers encouragement in Free Press diver story

Encouraging words from Paul Cederna, M.D., a U-M plastic and reconstructive surgeon, could be inspiration to other children with severe burns and their parents. He was quoted in the Detroit Free story on the amazing journey of a girl, burned at age 1, who has become an Oakland County diving champ. He says there's nothing better for them than sports - which keeps them limber, active and engaged.

Oct. 25 - Feature article about U-M Survival Flight in Press Argus/Livingston County Daily

The Sunday edition of Press Argus/Livingston County Daily included a lengthy feature article about our U-M Survival Flight crew, "Survival Flight crew takes lifesaving to new heights." The online version of the article includes a short video and a collection of 30 photos. Pentastar Aviation, based at the Livingston County Airport, maintains and flies the U-M Survival Flight fixed wing aircraft. It will begin providing helicopter service on November 1.

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