MEDICAL MATTERS - Finding His Niche
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MEDICAL
L ANE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER 2020
MATTERS
Finding
His Niche
Dr. Asirot shares about his
passions, hobbies, and finding
a sense of belonging.
For the latest updates
on events and resources,
please visit
www.lcmedsociety.com.
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THIS ISSUE
Contents
L ANE COUNT Y MEDIC AL SOCIET Y | SEPTEM B ER 2020
LCMS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
9
WHOLE HEART
10
EXECUTIVE/
12
PROVIDER
14
MEMBER
LIFE WELLNESS PROFILE
Amy Trezona discusses the
different courses she offers COACHING PROGRAM
Dr. Asirot shares how he
including a mindfulness- became interested in the
Shannon O’Leary talks Jodi DePaoli talks about
based stress reduction aging process and how
about building leadership the counseling resources
course. his involvement in the
skills and discovering one’s available to physician
strengths and weaknesses. members. community has allowed
him to meet new people.
24
LCMS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
19 20 22
MENTORSHIP PRACTICE MEMBER
SERENITY
LANE
PROGRAM MANAGER INPUT Dr. Geisler discusses the
use of buprenorphine for
GROUP
Dr. Gutierrez introduces Dr. Aikawa and Dr. Ambati opioid use disorder.
the mentorship program Connie McVein and answer some Q&As
and how it can be used to Dennis Chaltraw kick off about LCMS events, the
create connections in the the first meeting since magazine, and more.
area. restarting the group.
MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020 3
MEDICAL MATTERS
Lane County Medical Society
Executive Committee
President
GINGER M. OTTESEN Mark Mueller, MD
FOUNDER & INVESTMENT ADVISER President-elect
REPRESENTATIVE Alice Horrell, DO
576 Olive Street, Suite 202 Past President
Eugene, OR 97401 Sara Batya, MD
(541) 342-SAGE Secretary-Treasurer
(844) 542-7243 Kevin Modeste, MD
Ginger@SageWealthStrategies.com Executive Director
Shondra Holliday
Editor/Designer/Photographer
Kianna Cabuco
Advertising Inquiries
info@lcmedsociety.com
Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Lane County Medical Society
Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and Sage Wealth Strategies are not affiliated companies.
PO BOX 7192
Springfield, OR 97475
Phone: 541-686-0995
Fax: 541-687-1554
2020 MEMBERSHIP
info@lcmedsociety.com
r
1/2 Yea
DIRECTORY www.lcmedsociety.com
!
1/2 Off
Follow Us on Social Media
Facebook: Lane County Medical
Society
Twitter: lanecmedsociety
All
remaining
LCMS Provider
2020 Wellness Program
Directories! Confidential Counseling
Order yours Call Cascade Health or access
the 24-hour support line
today! at 541-345-2800
Stress Reduction Workshops
Amy Trezona, RN
Email us at info@ 541-912-0216
lcmedsociety.com LANE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
PO BOX 7192 Executive/Life Coaching
SPRINGFIELD, OR 97475 Shannon O’Leary
541-255-2669
4 MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Something for Everyone
Importance of a Strong, Flexible Membership Provider Wellness
Something for everyone – that’s our approach for best supporting Program
our diverse membership. Whether it’s new physicians relocating from 8 FREE visits per member per year
elsewhere, established physicians looking for family-friendly events, Confidential Counseling: flexible
physicians running small practices, or those employed by large organizations
appointment times, telehealth availability,
looking to improve leadership skills, we strive to provide resources for all.
When I meet member physicians, I ask “What benefits
no insurance billed, no EMR created
do you use and value the most?” Usually it’s social gatherings, educational Coaching: helps physicians assess
and entertaining dinner meetings, and most recently, the monthly obstacles and possibilities, while guiding
magazine. Last month, in fact, I received an email from long-time member, toward desired outcomes
Dr. Catherine York about the magazine (see page 7). Mindfulness Training: 8-week
Unfortunately, I still hear many physicians don’t even know about program of mindfulness-based
their LCMS membership- although the reason isn’t clear. New to the area?
stress reduction for physicians
Employer paid dues? Communication breakdown? Conversely, others know
about membership, but jokingly ask, “Isn’t that just the Golf Tournament?” and “Lunch & Learn”
Obviously, we have more work to do to get the word out. for office staff
Certainly, there are many benefits to membership, but one very
important one is CAMARADERIE. There’s a mutual understanding that
others are dealing with many of the same challenges you are… challenges Groups
non-physicians can’t truly comprehend. & Programs
You may even notice a few new programs and resources. At different points
wWomen Physicians Group
in your personal or professional life, these benefits
can be enjoyable, helpful – maybe even necessary. We wPrivate Member FB Group
WILL move forward, meet challenges head on, and NEW!!!
stand together as a strong, unified membership. Not wPeer Mentorship Program
only will physician members wPractice Manager Group
be supported, but community wDiversity, Equity, and
members as well.
Inclusion Group
Education
wFinancial Health
wPPP Loan Guidance
Advocacy Events
Publications wLiability Issues
Strong membership wAnnual Meeting
Medical Matters: A genuine wCME
allows a unified voice wEducational Programs
and informative read for medical wand more!
on important issues wMonthly Socials
at local and state and business professionals alike.
wAnnual Golf Tournament
levels Learn more about the impact Lane
wVineyard Event
County physicians and local
wFamily Events
organizations are making in
wand more!
our community.
Website Directory: Published annually, Community
www.lcmedsociety.com listing members by group, Connections
wPhysician and Patient specialty, and photo We work to build meaningful
Resources sections connections with local
wPay Dues Online organizations such as:
Financial wCommunity Supported Shelters
wRegister for Events
wCOVID-19 Resources
Discounts wFOOD for Lane County
wOregon Pacific Bank wPositive Community Kitchen
wAccess to member
wFavorite Healthcare wBags of Love
database (w/ login
Staffing wShelterCare
from LCMS)
wand more!
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6 MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020
Chart Notes
NEWS
“I get the Publication Reviews SO FAR IN
opportunity “I want to let you know how much I appreciated the July 2020 issue
2020, WE...
to expand my of Medical Matters. The content was very contemporary and topical.
I appreciated the articles taking on the tough and timely topics of the
...worked with
social network COVID-19 pandemic and systemic racism. I loved the juxtaposition
of the articles featuring both a primary care physician and a specialist.
our members and
practice offices to
of friends and I enjoyed the patient advocacy expressed in the article about patient/
help respond to the
pandemic:
visitor experience during COVID-19. The advertisements were
colleagues.” applicable to me as a physician, and even the Advertiser Spotlight • Surveyed practices
featuring a wealth management company felt genuine. Finally, the and visited to discuss
– DR. ORESTES GUTIERREZ photo collage on the back cover including doctors from across the goals moving forward
ON THE MENTORSHIP community made me feel bonded to my medical colleagues.”
PROGRAM • Created a list of
– Catherine York, MD
COVID-19 resources
• Applied for grants to
GET “I love your magazine and look forward to receiving every issue. Loved
help continue PWP
your September 2019 cover story, ‘Compassion in the ER.’ You are
INVOLVED providing a great value to your members! Medical Matters is one of
services
the very best county medical society publications I receive. Since I ...have started and
Are you interested receive over sixty similar group publications, I have standing when I restarted a number
in becoming more say that you deserve a gold star for excellence!” of groups and
involved with LCMS – Shirley, The Doctors Company programs:
and seeking a
• Practice Manager
leadership position? “My favorite member benefit is the Directory with pictures, it’s nice Group
Do you have great ideas putting a face to a name. I’ve always been a bit of a loner so being part
for the Society and want of a professional organization that facilitates activities, such as getting • Outdoor Group
to make an impact? together to go see Wicked at the Hult, is a big plus for me. • Diversity, Equity, &
The LCMS Nominating I’m still singing, ‘I’m so popular…’” Inclusion Group
Committee is beginning – Lisandra Guzman, MD
to round up names for • Mentorship Program
open positions for our “I think it is important to learn about the breadth of professional ...hosted multiple
2021 Board of Directors. and personal experiences that exist in our robust medical virtual events:
If you’re interested community. Sometimes, the introductions of new physicians or
in helping guide the physician services to our community are presented in the magazine • Partnered with the
direction of LCMS, and that is the only route I hear about them.” LC Dental Society for
contact us at info@ – Chris Poulsen, MD a presentation from
lcmedsociety.com. Kernutt Stokes on
“I now look forward to receiving the magazine monthly. It is so PPP Loans
attractive with color and an excellent layout. The articles are timely, • Women Physicians
LCMS is starting a inform me of what is important in this medical community. I like to Group Meetings
mentorship program reward advertisers with my business given their support of my
to help welcome • First Practice
medical community.”
members to the area. Manager Meeting
– Douglas Austin, MD
Take a look at the preview ...expanded our
provided by Dr. Gutierrez “Whenever the LCMS Magazine arrives in the mail my wife and I membership
on page 19 and contact have to argue over who reads it first. There are always articles that are
us at info@lcmedsociety. • Over 30 new
of great interest and relate to both our community in general as well members so far this
com if you’d like to as to physicians specifically.”
participate. year with a goal of 80
– Paul Chavin, MD, retired member
MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020 7
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MEMBER BENEFITS
Mindfulness-Based
Stress Reduction Course
BY AMY TREZONA a downloadable workbook and guided the surface, and offering compassion
NBC-HWC meditations. MBSR is helpful for people and kindness rather than judgement
WHOLE HEART
coping with illness, job or family-related allows for response-able choices and
COMMUNICATIONS
stress, anxiety and depression. The next builds emotional intelligence. Cultivating
course will begin on October 6th. non-judgmental awareness helps one
understand that most things aren’t
personal. All valuable concepts for a
Whole Heart Communications
specializes in helping individuals, teams “I work with people healthy and thriving workplace.
Once a year I offer a more in-depth
and organizations live healthier, happier,
and more productive lives. As a National
in a positive way to 6-month mindfulness workshop, called
Board-Certified Health and Wellness
Coach, my expertise is in the impact
develop an ongoing Your Essential Self. Participants are
required to take the MBSR before signing
of stress and anxiety on the body and I mindfulness up for the course. This workshop is a deeper
dive into the practice of mindfulness and
practice that taps
assist clients to increase their capacity to
is designed for those wishing to further
manage that stress in order to live more
personal and spiritual development. This
fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Anxiety and stress keep people off
into their personal workshop will begin on October 7th and
strengths, reduces
meets twice a month for 3 hours for 6
center, and unmoored with a low-level
months. Near the end of the course, there
dissatisfaction that colors their world.
As a life coach, I work individually with stress, builds is a 1-day silent meditation retreat held at
a private cabin in the Coburg Hills.
resilience, and
people utilizing mindfulness practices and
Once a month I lead 1-hour guided
presence, attuned to the message beneath
meditation circles, picking a different
the words. I help clients find themselves in
the present moment with more capacity increases well- topic to bring into the meditation. This
being.”
is a free offering via Zoom, and you
to be in touch with their deeper desires,
can learn about it through my website,
set realistic goals and reclaim meaning in
www.wholeheartcommunications.com
their lives. I work online via Zoom or over -AMY TREZONA or on social media. Dates for the fall are
the phone. When it is safe, I will return to ON HOW THE PROGRAMS WORK
September 8th, October 8th, November
in-person meetings.
5th and December 3rd from 6:30-7:30 pm.
I also lead an 8-week Mindfulness-
Mindfulness is an ancient practice
Based Stress Reduction course that is now
I offer stress management strategies which is about waking up, being fully
offered online. Using mindful movement,
and resilience building exercises to teams alive, and present for the richness of
guided meditation, deep relaxation,
and organizations. Whether a 1-hour each moment you are living. Coaching in
dialogue, and reflection, participants learn
lunch and learn or a 6-month custom mindfulness is my passion and calling;
to observe and discover their reactions
designed program, I make learning the transformation that is possible from
to life’s stressors and make the choice to
mindfulness engaging and fun. I place slowing down, paying attention and
respond from a more neutral place. With
high value on what the group can achieve waking up to your precious human life is
practice, they can then apply these skills
together while supporting the diversity of a gift that illumines the world. Awakening
to everyday situations and connect more
those in attendance. I work with people in this way reveals inner peace, joy and a
fully to themselves and the life they are
in a positive way to develop an ongoing deep sense of meaning. u
living, becoming wiser, more factual, and
mindfulness practice that taps into their
more authentic about the degree and
personal strengths, reduces stress, builds Contact Amy at 541-912-0216 or
causes of stress and anxiety in their life.
resilience, and increases well-being. amy@wholeheartcommunications.com.
It is possible to make constructive and
Learning mindful listening improves As one of the PWP options, LCMS
sustainable changes that lead to more joy
communication skills. Understanding can cover the cost of an 8-week course
and better health. The course includes
personal reactivity that lives just beneath for members.
MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020 9
MEMBER BENEFITS
Executive & Life Coaching
BY SHANNON O’LEARY start to see themselves as creative, negotiation to achieve a win-win
EXECUTIVE/LIFE COACH intelligent, loving, and generous. They outcome. Remove limiting beliefs.
CATALYST BC AND C
climb out of the victim stance and the Improve interpersonal relationships
imposter syndrome, empowered to claim through the development of one’s ability
all that they are and can be. to understand other people’s moods,
Others are able to invent new options behaviors, and motives.
Are you living the life you had and generate their own answers. They Everyone has leadership ability.
envisioned for yourself when you were a no longer look outside themselves for Coaching can help clients hone this skill
kid? Or in medical school? Since you’ve solutions. With new thinking comes new set to utilize with staff and patients, or
been in practice? If not, what’s stopping actions and new, better results. in a leadership role within one’s own
you? Who’s stopping you? organization. Clarify the organizational
“Benefits from
To quote former 2020 Democratic mission and align one’s team with its
presidential candidate Marianne vision through effective strategizing
Williamson, “Our deepest fear is not that
we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that coaching include and corresponding actions. The key to
success is how to do it, by driving emotions
we are powerful beyond measure. It is our
light, not our darkness that most frightens
the recognition in the right direction. This ignites
colleagues’ passions and inspires them to
us…We ask ourselves, ‘who am I to be
brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’
that life is already be their best.
pretty terrific...
Through this experiential, individually
Actually, who are you not to be?” tailored coaching process one can
Life is neither simple nor easy.
Everyone needs additional knowledge Clients start to optimize physician success, work
satisfaction, and create life balance.
and support along the way to achieve
their full potential. Coaching can provide
see themselves as Achieve goals such as:
• Developing leadership/
the kind of support that assists people to
move quickly from realized insights into
creative, intelligent, management skills
• Expanding impact and influence
setting goals and taking action to change loving, and • Augmenting interpersonal
behavior in the present and create the
future they want. generous.” communication skills
• Transitioning successfully to
From the coaching relationship clients new roles
can shift easily from problems to solutions. Increasing self awareness of one’s • Taking charge of career development
Coaching helps people discover what they strengths, limits, emotional capacity, and • Improving self care
want in every area of their lives with ways compassion for others engenders a new • Managing stress/burnout
to unlock their own brilliance to achieve confidence. And with it comes a greater • Balancing work and personal life
their dreams. Unearthing and articulating sense of life satisfaction. Another client Even in times of great uncertainty
an individual’s personal vision is essential. shared recently, “I am happier than I have and stress, there has never been a better
More than resolving immediate problems ever been.” Life circumstances hadn’t time to utilize this life-changing and life-
and more than trying to help someone changed that much, but her approach and enhancing process to improve your overall
achieve a set of prescribed goals or attitude toward life had. well-being and quality of life. u
meet certain standards, uncovering a Through coaching, one can overcome
person’s hopes and dreams is the key that obstacles and the resistance to change. Shannon O’Leary, Executive/Life Coach
unlocks positive emotions and intrinsic One can get out of one’s own way. Get and Organization Development Consultant,
motivation—and propels that person to beyond what holds one back. Make small helps physicians assess their needs,
genuine, lasting change. changes which lead to big ones. Create aspirations, obstacles and possibilities and
Benefits from coaching include the new habits. Get motivated to set goals then guides them to desired outcomes.
recognition that life is already pretty and take actions that fit one’s true values. Contact her at 541-255-2669 or visit her
terrific. As one client said upon entering Embrace one’s own emotions, and respond website at www.CBCandC.com. Eight
the coaching relationship, “I know I have empathetically with others’. annual counseling or coaching sessions
a great life. I just can’t feel it.” Another People can learn to deal confidently are included with LCMS membership as
benefit is the expanded life vision. Clients with conflict, and learn the art of part of the PWP.
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MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020 11MEMBER BENEFITS
Cascade Health Provides
Counseling Through the PWP
BY VANESSA SALVIA the very least, not provide the best care and give so much is really important.”
FOR LANE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY to their patients. Burnout or other work- Doctors are seen as “care givers”
related mental stress does not have to be not “care receivers,” so there is often a
It’s no surprise that physicians face
a natural consequence of doctors working reluctance to seek medical and psychiatric
daily stress in their professional and
long hours in a highly stressful job. care. Wellness programs like the one for
personal lives. But what may be surprising
“We’re living in such uncertain, LCMS members through Cascade Health
is that physicians don’t always handle
unpredictable times right now that helps to combat that idea.
it well. According to a recent survey
being stable emotionally and taking care Lane County Medical Society created
conducted by The Harris Poll of more
of yourself is vitally important,” says the Provider Wellness Program (PWP)
than 300 family medicine and internal
Jodi DePaoli, LPC, Cascade Behavioral through Cascade Health in 2012 with the
medicine physicians, 80% of physicians
Health’s Provider Wellness Program intention of helping physicians deal with
say practicing self-care is very important
manager. “We know stress can weaken the demands of their work and personal
to them, but only 57% practice it “often”
the immune system and causes all sorts lives. LCMS members receive up to eight
and only 36% do so “sometimes.”
of other compromised health issues. So free and confidential sessions. Right now,
Burned out physicians may be more
making it a priority to take care of yourself appointments are available in person or
likely to leave medicine altogether or at
when you’re being asked to do so much by telehealth. There is no diagnosis, no
Kev i n S i t t n e r, C PA M B A
12 MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020MEMBER BENEFITS
pandemic situation.”
“We’re living in such uncertain, DePaoli says during this unprecedented
time, doctors are being relied upon in
unpredictable times right now that being increasingly complicated and difficult
stable emotionally and taking care of ways. She encourages doctors and staff to
remind themselves and the people around
yourself is vitally important.” them that self-care is more important
now than ever.
“Being emotionally and physically
-JODI DePAOLI, LPC
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF DURING THE PANDEMIC stable yourself so that you can take better
care of others is vital,” she says. “This is
a very difficult time to be a doctor so we
insurance billed, no record available to burnout, relationship issue, etc.
encourage doctors to take advantage of
LCMS, and no reporting to the Oregon “We take very brief notes and there’s
this program and pass the information on
Medical Board. Two licensed clinical no diagnosis so it’s all very confidential,”
to others.” u
social workers, one licensed professional DePaoli assures.
counselor, and one psychologist, all Due to the pandemic, most sessions
Cascade Behavioral Health & EAP
with extensive experience working with are virtual now, which can help reduce
Provider Wellness Program
healthcare professionals, are available as the scheduling, time, and transportation
Physicians can schedule PWP
part of the PWP program. barriers that might prevent someone from
appointments by calling 541-345-2800.
“All people have to do is call our office scheduling an appointment.
Appointments are held at 2650 Suzanne
and give the front desk a little bit of “One reason people may be reluctant to
Way, Suite 120 in Eugene.
information about what they are seeking reach out is that it can feel like one more
www.cascadehealth.org
help for,” DePaoli says. “And then they thing on a calendar that’s already so full,”
Eight annual counseling or coaching
schedule with one of us based on our DePaoli says. “But the nice thing about
sessions are included with LCMS
availability, what the issues are, and virtual visits is that people can do it during
membership as part of the PWP.
what we specialize in. They get on our the day without having to leave their
calendar and we try to get them in as soon office, or they can go sit in their car, or
as possible.”
Physicians can be assured of
they can go for a walk and talk to us on the
phone while they’re walking. Now, more
“The nice thing
confidentiality when they call to make
an appointment, as well as an assurance
than ever, accessibility is not a reason to
not get counseling.”
about virtual visits
of privacy. Schedulers also do their DePaoli says that in 2019, the top two is that people can
best to ensure clients they may be
seeing separately for the same issue
reasons professionals sought counseling
were due to depression and work- do it during the day
don’t accidentally run into each other
in the lobby.
related stress. Frequent issues include
relationship conflicts and
without having to
Each of the counselors available
through the program—Anderson, DePaoli,
burnout. Recently, the counselors are
seeing many people wanting to talk
leave their office,
Jeff Lenker, and Dr. Kari Primo-Liddy— specifically about how the pandemic or they can go sit in
their car, or they can
can respond quickly with a phone call has impacted their work. DePaoli says
or Zoom meeting if urgency is needed. physicians deal with many of the same
Otherwise, appointments are generally
available within two weeks of receiving
issues that other workers are dealing with
right now, such as an increase in virtual
go for a walk...Now,
a call. If more than eight sessions are
needed, physicians can bill through
visits, trying to work from home when
they also might have kids at home, or a
more than ever,
insurance at any time, or private pay. spouse that’s out of work. accessibility is not
a reason to not get
LCMS receives no information about “A lot of people feel overworked and
who utilizes the program. At most, LCMS don’t have the support that they need or
receives utilization data to track numbers
and the presenting issue, which is defined
the resources to do their job effectively to
help people,” DePaoli says. “It can easily
counseling.”
in a general sense as stress, anxiety, feel impossible to work during this kind of
MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020 13Asirot sits in front of some of his architectural sketches he drew when he was in high school.
MEMBER PROFILE
Finding
His Niche
Dr. Asirot’s hobbies, involvement, and
passion for work has helped him build
connections in the PNW.
E
BY KIANNA CABUCO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
LANE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
ugene is very different from my life in Manila,” says Dr.
Rechelle “Ritz” Asirot, who grew up in the Philippines. “It’s
a busy and densely populated city where it took me about an
hour or two to get to school. I hated the traffic – it wastes time.”
Asirot moved to the United States in 2010 when he
started his residency in Texas before moving to Eugene.
“Maybe it’s serendipity or my innate curiosity, but I wasn’t
too sure I would like the area when I first moved. Six years
later, I’m still here. I like the pace in this town. I feel a sense
of belongingness.”
MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020 15MEMBER PROFILE
Family Influence child. We sampled street food foreign to optimization compared to managing
The greenery and outdoor lifestyle us and did several fun activities,” Asirot chronic complex diseases.
attracted Asirot to the area when he remembers. “She was totally different “All my cousins wanted to be doctors,
finished his medical training. He mostly the last five years of her life. It was really and although I originally wanted to
sees adults to elderly patients in his hard for me and my family. This strongly become an architect or an engineer
primary care practice with a focus on influenced my interest and work with the because I like design and math, ” he says. “I
management of skin and aging-related aging population. I thought, ‘There has was the only one who ended up becoming
conditions, and preventive care. to be a way to switch off the debilitating a physician like our older family members.
“I chose to pursue a geriatrics genes and slow down aging.’” I like that medicine is not absolute. Its
fellowship after residency because I One of his big takeaways from his evolving nature can be very frustrating,
wanted to learn more about the aging experiences with his grandma and his but also gratifying. You can literally
process,” he says. “I was especially close patients is that vitality in life is more change lives, if not save them.”
to my grandmother, who helped raise me important than longevity. “You not
only want to live a longer life, but a Immersing into the Community
while my parents were working.”
As she got older, his grandmother robust life that’s disease-free or at least Asirot is a big fan of travel and
began to suffer from Parkinson’s disease well-managed.” adventure. He’s lived in many different
and dementia. She lost her ability to talk The balance he finds working with places and only knew a few people when
and walk, eating was difficult, and she geriatric patients along with younger he first moved to Eugene. When he’s not
became very depressed. patients through family medicine working, his hobbies help keep him busy,
“My first travel on a plane was also her also allows him to work on disease and he’s built a network of friends and
first trip outside the country way before prevention, which he says can be more peers through a number of events and
she became ill. She was excited like a strategic and pragmatic towards health volunteer work.
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16 MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020MEMBER PROFILE
“Joining LCMS also provided me
Meeting my peers and putting a face to a opportunities for networking,” he says.
name makes the practice of medicine more
“It’s important to have a rolodex of doctors
so if you’re referring to a colleague, you
relaxed and personal .” can determine whether a patient will be a
good fit for that doctor or not.”
Asirot says he’s been able to exchange
-DR. ASIROT
ON THE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED THROUGH LCMS EVENTS
information with peers as he meets them
in-person and his connections have
“I have several hobbies,” he laughs. and events. allowed him to expedite referrals. “It’s
“I love nature, food, and gardening. I “There is a growing Filipino and important for patients to get along with
hike once a week. I read a lot, workout, Asian community here. When we have their doctors because delivery of care and
and paint.” His colorful oil paintings are gatherings, there might be around 40 or 50 adherence to treatment relies as well on
displayed on walls throughout his house of us – pre-COVID, of course! It’s just like patient-doctor relationships.”
and some of his architectural ink drawings home,” he says. “I also started checking One of his favorite and most
from when he was in high school are out different organizations and attending memorable LCMS events, he says, was
framed above his couch. events where I’ve gotten to know a lot of the lecture on medical marijuana. “Before
“I’m also, at present, writing a book professionals outside of the medical field.” that, I only knew it was used for chronic
about preventive aging,” he says. “When His involvement with the Eugene pain and anxiety reserved for HIV and
I first started writing it in 2018, it was Chamber of Commerce and the Eugene cancer patients. I didn’t know much about
a very convoluted protocol on how to Young Professionals has allowed him to safety, formulations, evidence, etc. It was
slow and reverse all the biomarkers and work with various community members really informative.”
hallmarks of aging.” and politicians to discuss how we can He also appreciates the ability to
As he attended various medical make the area more robust and attractive get to know his colleagues on a more
meetings, exchanged ideas with for young people to stay. personal level. “We’ve exchanged best
colleagues, and applied his knowledge practices, our frustrations, as well as
in his clinical and aesthetic practice, common interests,” Asirot says. “Meeting
he chose to narrow his writing to focus my peers and putting a face to a name
on nutrition, integrative skin care, and makes the practice of medicine more
non-surgical aesthetics. relaxed and personal.” u
“The idea to publish started because
I was increasingly getting frustrated by
the false information on social media and
online; not to mention the ‘anti-aging’
treatments being offered locally that
lack evidence and safety standards,” he
says. “As a geriatrician and researcher, I
can deduce whether a treatment outside
of mainstream medicine will work or
not. With a healthy dose of skepticism
and open-mindedness, I can extrapolate
which ones are founded on pseudoscience
and what truly helps make someone look
youthful and live longer.” Asirot hopes
the book will be finished by next year and
thinks his manuscript will still undergo
several iterations.
Pre-COVID, he was also involved in
multiple organizations and groups in Left to Right: Asirot uses vegetables and herbs from his garden when he cooks; his
the area, attending various meetings vibrant oil paintings provide color on multiple walls throughout the home.
MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020 17Call 541-683-4242 option #3
for an appointment with one of 4
board certified Physical Medicine
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We would like to welcome Jedediah D. A. Robinson, MD to our community!
Jedediah D. A. Robinson, MD, MS, ATC will be joining Rehabilitation Medicine Associates on June 15, 2020, having worked in
an orthopedic and sports medicine practice in North Carolina since 2014. He holds a B.S. from Oregon State University in Exercise and
Sport Science, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, and a master’s degree in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology from the University of
Colorado. He received his MED from Oregon Health Science University, and completed his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
residency at the University of Texas in San Antonio. He specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, including arthritis, sports
injuries and spine problems. He performs ultrasound-guided joint, nerve and tendon injections as well as fluoroscopically-guided lumbar
spine injections. He performs electrodiagnostic testing. Dr. Robinson is married with three young sons and
enjoys bicycling and competitive shooting.
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18 MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020MEMBER BENEFITS
Physician Mentorship Program
Dr. Orestes What are you looking forward to with when we can meet in person again at our
Gutierrez has a the program? monthly socials, which were so much fun.
private practice I am looking forward to a mentorship
where he works in relationship with another physician since What can others expect from the
family medicine. He they have been tremendously valuable in Society as a whole and from the
serves as a member my career. I have benefited by learning mentorship program?
of the LCMS Board how to be a better physician, leader, and Becoming involved in LCMS and the
to help make guiding communicator from my mentors. mentorship program is a great way to
decisions for the Society and is the Regional stay connected with a peer on a personal
Assistant Dean for Oregon medical How can this program help with level. Many times in our busy professional
students at Pacific Northwest University of everything that’s happening with the lives, we put up barriers to connecting
Health Sciences in Yakima, WA. He is also pandemic? with others. Becoming involved with the
a writer and competitive runner, competing As we know, even before the pandemic, mentorship program is a great way to stay
in the 400m and 800m race at the World physician burnout was a huge problem. connected with a colleague and help make
Masters Athletics Outdoor Championships One factor is professional isolation and a difference in their life and career.
in Malaga, Spain in 2018. Gutierrez enjoys loneliness that is linked to physician
that the flexibility of his work allows him burnout. Feelings of isolation and Anything else you want to add about
to travel, camp, and spend time with his loneliness have gotten worse with the the mentorship program or LCMS in
family, and is looking forward to the 2021 pandemic. The mentorship program general?
track and field season. and the connections that will be I am honored that LCMS has asked me
formed between colleagues will have for my opinion on mentorship. These are
What is the mentorship program? a positive impact for the physicians in incredibly stressful times for everyone
The mentorship program is a win-win our community. in the world with the current pandemic.
relationship between a physician who By establishing a formal mentorship
is new to the area or recent graduate How did you become involved with the program for LCMS members, we are
from residency with a physician who has LCMS Board? making a difference by directly dealing
been in practice for many years in the I originally attended a meeting led by with professional isolation that is linked
area and is an LCMS member. This can Shannon O’Leary for physicians in private to physician burnout. This program allows
be viewed as a collaborative sharing of practice. During these meetings, I learned a new –or new to the area– physician the
ideas where both the mentor and mentee many things from my colleagues on how to opportunity to learn valuable lessons
learn and grow. improve my private practice. from an experienced physician and
become integrated into the community. A
How did you choose to get involved? What are some of your favorite physician who has been in the area awhile
In my career and training in the benefits? will be able to share their knowledge
Navy, Mayo Clinic, and Toastmasters What I love most about LCMS and and wisdom and know they are making
International, I have been involved in the mentorship program is that I get the a difference. The most important thing
many mentorship programs. I have found opportunity to expand my social network that we can do is stay connected. LCMS
that having a mentor, for me, has been of friends and colleagues. I love to connect is doing its part by establishing a formal
invaluable in helping me learn and grow with my peers, especially outside of the mentorship program and an opportunity
both personally and professionally. work setting. I am looking forward to to support each other. u
“Becoming involved with the mentorship How can others get involved if
program is a great way to stay connected interested?
If you’d like to get involved, reach
with a colleague and help make a difference out to us at info@lcmedsociety.com
to request an LCMS Mentorship
in their life and career.” Program questionnaire.
MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020 19MEMBER BENEFITS
Practice Manager Group
Connie McVein from Oregon Neurology medical field changes constantly and
and Dennis Chaltraw from Oregon having the opportunity to collaborate “Forming positive
and collaborative
Imaging/Radiology Associates are helping and support one another is important to
to restart the practice manager group. The ensure the success of all of our practices.
first meeting was held on August 12 with
about 10 attendees. Here’s a quick look at
D: To take advantage of the strong
healthcare experience available in our relationships fosters
what they hope to see: community. There won’t be much
that one of us hasn’t experienced before,
cooperation, which
Why did you want to restart the especially in regard to governmental is important in a
practice manager group?
community like
navigation be it Medicare, VA or similar
C: The practice administrators of Lane types of payor issues such as TriWest.
County are knowledgeable, creative, and
diverse. We have a lot to learn from one What do you hope you and others will ours...[it] makes
another and it’s nice to have a platform of
like-minded individuals to bounce things
get out of the group?
C: I hope everyone will feel supported
problem solving
off of and to learn from.
D: Although the issues regarding
and hopeful about the future. There are much easier.”
state and national practice administrator
legislation, compliance, and groups, but having a group with your local -CONNIE McVEIN
reimbursement have significant colleagues is important as well. We can
commonality in healthcare, it inevitably focus more on our community needs. is your greatest challenge?” We
varies by practice type and/or specialty. D: I hope we can expand our contact lists, could share known resources. “Who do
Bringing together colleagues across especially in an age of social distancing, you use for your EMR / PM / electronic
various practices diversifies options and create task lists regarding issues that billing / lawyer / group insurance/
on how to handle key industry related impact us all. accountant / etc.”
concerns or questions. D: I hope we’ll create work groups that can
How can this help build a sense of meet independently to work on topics and
Why do you think it’s important to community? key concerns to help address questions or
have this group available? C: Forming positive and collaborative issues brought up by members. It seems
C: Managing a group of providers and relationships fosters cooperation, which we’re all focused on minimizing COVID
running a medical clinic is hard! The is important in a community like ours. exposure so that would be a start.
When issues arise, having good working
“I hope we can
relationships makes problem solving Anything else you want to share?
much easier. C: I just really appreciate LCMS stepping
expand our contact D: Developing collegial friendships
with Lane County healthcare experts
up and offering to relaunch this important
group! Lane County continues to use
lists, especially who bring together experience from
diverse backgrounds.
the Referral Form created from the
previous LCMS practice manager group!
in an age of social It has stood the test of time!!
distancing, and
Is there anything in particular D: The one local committee I’ve been
you want to bring to the group? a part of has to do with Appropriate
create task lists Ideas, organization and best practice
tips, etc?
Use Criteria and we’ve had excellent
participation in getting the message
regarding issues C: We could ask participants:
“What is your biggest pet peeve in
out. Other key industry topics are out
there to be had so looking forward to
that impact us all.” medicine?” This will likely lead to some identifying other key trends to clear
great topics to discuss/work on together. the fog on complex issues through the
-DENNIS CHALTRAW “As a practice administrator, what expertise of this group. u
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Q&A with Dr. Yumi Aikawa
Dr. Yumi Aikawa works as a family Have you attended or been interested kid-friendly events that allow both
physician at Springfield Family Physicians. in other events? parents and kids to learn something new
During her time as a medical student, Too many to count! I’ve mostly been and socialize. u
she spent two years in the area and was interested in academic opportunities, but
happy to return to the Eugene-Springfield due to my children being young I often
community. In her free time, she enjoys miss out on events, which makes me so
spending time with her family outdoors. sad!
How or why did you become a member What is your favorite part about our
of LCMS? monthly magazine?
I became a member through my I always love seeing familiar faces
employment with Springfield Family of colleagues. I appreciate their expert
Physicians. advice and pearls of wisdom.
How did you hear about our event in What are some of your favorite
the winter? What were some parts you benefits of membership?
liked most about it? I appreciate the numerous free events
I heard about last year’s winter event at it offers, especially family-friendly ones.
the Jordan Schnitzer Museum through an
email invitation. I am always appreciative What do you hope to see from LCMS Dr. Aikawa helps her son make a
of family-friendly events since my in the future? holiday card at the LCMS winter
children are still young and on my off days, It’s difficult in the face of the COVID-19 event hosted at the Jordan Schnitzer
my focus is on them. pandemic, but I would love to see more Museum of Art.
Experience & Creativity are
the Keys to Selling Your Home!
Celebrating 20 Years in Lane County
Adrienne St.Clair
Contact Us Today! (541) 953-6206 | adrienne@thestclairs.com | TheStClairs.com
22 MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020MEMBER BENEFITS
Q&A with Dr. Bala Ambati
Dr. Bala Ambati works as an When LCMS had a physical office, we How has LCMS helped support
ophthalmologist at Pacific ClearVision. had several journal clubs there. They your work?
He graduated high school at age 11 and helped us coordinate the space so we They helped introduce me to the
medical school at age 17. Typically, Ambati could get in and out of the buildings and community through the various events
works with multiple international groups would help us organize catering as well they host and though the magazine.
to help bring eye care to those in need, but when needed.
COVID-19 has pressed pause on travel. To What was your experience like
read more about his work, you can visit our Are there particular events you’ve being featured in the magazine? Did
website lcmedsociety.com/magazine for enjoyed most? you receive feedback from peers and
a digital issue of our July 2018 magazine I like the meet and greets or socials coworkers?
where he was featured as that month’s where I get to talk with other members. It was very nice to be featured. The
member profile. interview was easy and the story was well-
MEDICAL
L ANE COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY | JULY 2018
written. I was able to review it before it
What benefits of LCMS do you like MATTERS was published so I could add a few more
the most? details. My colleagues seemed to enjoy it.
I enjoy connecting with physicians of
other specialties and through the monthly Anything else you’d like to add
A Broader
magazine, Medical Matters, which shows Vision about being part of LCMS?
the human side of our physicians. “The day after a surgery is
always my favorite day of
the week because somebody
It is nice to hear about the evolution
can see again.”
and advances in other parts of medicine,
How has LCMS helped support the especially through the lectures and
ophthalmologist group? magazine articles. u
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MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020 23SERENITY LANE
Buprenorphine is a Potential
New Gold Standard for
Opioid Use Disorder
BY ERIC GEISLER, MD majority of these patients appreciate. the medication, it is difficult to misuse or
SERENITY LANE By the second week of treatment, they overdose on buprenorphine. A patient
typically no longer experience withdrawal who is ready to stop using buprenorphine
symptoms or cravings. Because of the ease will experience opiate withdrawal
and effectiveness of buprenorphine, these symptoms, but these are often less severe
patients have much less temptation to than withdrawal from opioids themselves.
In the struggle to help patients recover leave treatment or start using again. It is recommended that medical providers
from opioid addiction, professionals have In reality, methadone clinics are not the manage the tapering from buprenorphine.
needed additional and more effective best treatment model for all patients. They Once a patient is stabilized on
tools. Now, success is frequently achieved often find it difficult to return to the clinic buprenorphine, psychosocial therapy
by prescribing buprenorphine. every day, particularly when methadone should be added to the treatment plan.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid is not controlling their use or when there The combination of medication and
agonist and antagonist that is approved by is a conflict with the clinic schedule. For therapy has proven to be far superior in
the Food and Drug Administration for use practitioners, methadone clinic licenses treating opioid addiction compared to
in the treatment of opiate use disorder. It can be difficult to obtain and maintain. abstinence-only based programs. When
is also endorsed by the American Society If, instead, patients can visit a private patients are in recovery, they benefit
of Addiction Medicine and the U.S. physician office for a prescription renewal from the counseling and other modalities.
Surgeon General. Because buprenorphine or a monthly injection of buprenorphine, They become aware of the consequences
is effective and relatively easy for patients recovery becomes more manageable. of their drug addictions and the toll it
to access, it has the potential to become The two oral prescription options for has taken on their relationships, careers,
a new gold standard of maintenance daily administration of buprenorphine are finances or other social functioning. The
therapy for people recovering from opiate a tablet or film preparation administered counseling may be done in group therapy
use disorder. From initial stabilization under the tongue with absorption or one-on-one sessions; the bottom line is
from withdrawal to maintenance therapy through the mouth. Some patients prefer that both medical and clinical elements
in a medical office, buprenorphine a sublingual film because the texture of help patients maintain their recovery.
succeeds in achieving harm reduction, a the tablets bothers them; others prefer Opioid addiction is affecting many
lower overdose risk than methadone and the taste of the tablets compared to the American families. We need to move
improved patient management. films. Either option may be prescribed past shame to diagnosis, treatment and
This evolution of thinking is based on by physicians, nurse practitioners or the resumption of a healthy life. Medical
practicality and the successful hands-on physician assistants who have received maintenance that is achieved with
experiences of practitioners. a federal waiver. Any pharmacy can buprenorphine is potentially the new gold
I’ve seen the difference myself with fill the prescriptions for patients to standard to do it. u
the residential patients on the campus self-administer in private. Alternately,
of Serenity Lane in Coburg where I treat the medical provider can administer a Eric Geisler MD, ABAM, ABFM, is board
over 600 patients a year. Opiate patients monthly injection of Sublocade®. This certified in addiction medicine. Since
may have tried to detox on their own or third option is a subdermal implant. The 2016, he has served Serenity Lane as its
experienced daily trips to a methadone medication is injected as a liquid under director of medical services. Previously, he
clinic for treatment. At every point along the skin and then transforms into a solid had a family practice clinic in Thurston
that path, relapse is a real possibility. mass the size of a marble. The implant for 20 years. He is available to medical
In contrast, buprenorphine provides slowly dissolves over 30 days, releasing professionals who have questions about
consistency that the overwhelming the medication evenly. addictions and treatments.
Whichever option is used to administer
24 MEDICA L M ATTERS | SEPTEMBER 2020You can also read
