Alumni e-notes

An Invitation

2010-09-01T02:50:00.000-07:00

CPAS has now moved to 16 New Scotland Avenue. Please come for an open house on Thursday September 23rd, from 3 to 8pm.

You will feel very welcome in a new CPAS.

Enter @ SEFCU foyer near Morris St & New Scotland, to the offices on the third floor

Kindly RSVP to Ros Green @ 262-5251

--------------------------------------------------

Discovered from the recent move was an HVCC-AMC PA student tee-shirt, circa mid-1990’s, kept by Dr. Crone and recalling another era.

You Know you’re an Albany-Hudson Valley Physician Assistant when . . .

* Eating while driving was a requirement for admission
* Last one to class sits on the floor
* You get a blood test - they diagnose hypercaffeinemia
* Eating and sleeping become unnecessary luxuries
* All pathology slides are really Rorschach tests
* No class can meet at HVCC in the same room twice in one week
* You look deep into your lover’s eyes and pull out a pen light
* You walk away from dish-washing with your hands in the air
* You get up at 2am to check the spelling of hysterosalpingo-oophorectomy, and at 3am wake up again to find out what it means
* The hottest place on earth at any given time is the Hun building
* Clinical Sessions is comparable to drinking from an open fire hydrant
* You go from wanting an “A” to worrying about a “C” to wondering if the Marines still need a few good men and women?
If these are familiar themes, perhaps you should consider visiting the new CPAS!

Open House

2010-08-10T18:42:00.001-07:00

We outgrew the old Hun, there wasn't enough space. . .so please come to visit and see our new place!
The building is different, the address is new,
but the doors are always open for dear folks like you!We packed up records, files, books (& skeletal remains . . .)
all to measure and strengthen the sharpness of new brains.
Students make teaching rewarding, we all agree,
with new labs, WiFi and classrooms for eager trainees.In new digs, with technology and offices, still smelling new
we couldn't leave and settle in without telling you.
The boxes are gone, we've cleaned up the mess.
We'd like to give you our new address:

The Center for PA Studies brand new venue
in Albany is Sixteen New Scotland Avenue.

PLEASE COME and visit during an "Open House"

in the new offices of the
Center for Physician Assistant Studies:

Thursday September 23rd,
from 3 to 8pm at
16 New Scotland Avenue

Entry @ SEFCU foyer
(near Morris St.)
Offices 3rd floor

Kindly RSVP
to Ros Green
@ 262-5251

. . . WELCOME! . . .

(BTW, see new job listings
at: Regional PA Practice Opportunities)

Alumni Association President Marty Knowlton is interested in folks who may be thinking about a role in the future of the organization. Drop a note today!
.
.
.

Items of interest . . .

2010-06-14T04:27:00.000-07:00

Job listings total sixteen in the recent posting on the Alumni Association job board. This is the web link for Regional PA Practice Opportunities, mostly drawn from letters sent to the program offices at the Hun and personal correspondences. Hope it is helpful.

PA obituary file is growing. The former coordinator and director of the PA Program, Wayne Cure, had a sudden death at his home in Arizona. The two links are an interesting contrast in recalling a lifetime.

The Albany Times-Union version had a much more ‘up-beat’ tuxedo’d picture with T-U Legacy.

This is the Daily Mail, from Catskill, with an earthier version.

Baby boomers may feel immortal, but medical professionals know another reality. Consider reading this excerpt about death and taxes, "Leave a Paper Trail to Save a Ton of Grief." Do you have a will?

Alumni Association continues to look for help with the Board of Directors. Contact Marty Knowlton to lend a hand.

Hope all is well with you. My daughter now has a one-month-old baby girl, who is named after my 89-year-old mother, Genevieve. It is an interesting perspective being a grandfather; I know I am enjoying a special privilege. -Tom

ACLS & Jobs

2010-03-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

New grads need an edge. A certificate of completion for the American Heart Association’s coursework in Advanced Cardiac Life Support provides a valuable distinction in that first job.

ACLS is scheduled for Saturday, May 8th & Saturday, May 15th from 8a.m. to 4p.m. on each day. Location will be the Hun Classroom. Alumni are welcome also.

This two day ACLS course provides the knowledge and skills to evaluate and manage an adult who experiences a sudden cardiopulmonary arrest. Coursework uses case-based teaching for respiratory emergencies, pre-arrest emergencies of bradycardia, stable tachycardia, unstable tachycardia, acute coronary syndromes and acute stroke, as well as cardiac arrest involving VF, VT, PEA and asystole.

ACLS Provider Manual from the AHA is the required text for the course, which can be ordered online from Laerdal or Channing-Bete. Students need to complete the required pre-course checklist and pre-course exam in the book prior to attending. A discount cost for the course is: $150, payable to: EMS Network, Inc. For recertification only, the cost is: $100. Recerts need only attend the class on Saturday, May 15th.

Dave O'Brien has offered excellent support and a great learning environment in his ACLS instruction. Verify ACLS class space by contacting David O'Brien as a RSVP.

Students in financial distress can still get the job advantage of ACLS by contacting the Alumni Association requesting scholarship help.

Study well and prepare for the intense sessions. IWMI EKG above is reality. Fun links with learning modules, such as SkillStat are helpful.

Please RSVP soon!

JOBS!

New Jobs are posted at:
Regional PA Practice Opportunities

Do bookmark this page today!

Jobs listings are formatted to generate an easy cover letter. Please explore old announcements, as transitions are quite common. A cold call may be perfectly valid!

PA Day '09

2009-08-19T04:42:00.001-07:00

Saturday October 10th you are cordially invited to serve the general public with Blood Pressures and Vitals Signs Screenings at Crossgates Mall from 12 to 5pm. We'll have insurance coverage courtesy of AMC.

Helium balloons and handouts will be available. A snazzy display area will be on loan to us from the Center for PA Studies, to provide a professional atmosphere.

Press Releases will be sent to the local media, but if we’re looking for our 15 minutes of fame, I imagine we’ll need to perform CPR on a government official who was shopping.

Bring your lab coat, BP cuff and stethoscope. BRING THE KIDS for just a brief visit. If you can stay for 20 minutes, that would be great. More information will follow.

PLEASE COME!

Not Just for MDs

2009-08-19T04:15:00.000-07:00

"New doctors" Jovana Stephan, left, and Aubrey Stimola, PAs of the Class of 2009 at the AMC graduation ceremony at SPAC (as identified by John Carl D'annibale of the Times Union)

MEDICAL COLLEGE NOT JUST FOR MDs
Times Union-Opinion, Page: A8
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2009

While we appreciated your recent coverage of the Albany Medical College's 171st commencement ceremonies (May 22), a reader might have been left with the impression that we only award M.D. degrees.

Although MDs constitute the largest number of degrees awarded (138), we're equally proud of the fact that the class of 2009 also included 30 who received master of science degrees in physician assistant studies, 15 who received master of science degrees in nurse anesthesiology, 15 who received master of science degrees in bioethics and 13 who received either master of science or doctoral degrees in the biomedical sciences.

Albany Medical College is proud of all of its graduates especially since so many of them -- physicians, physician assistants, nurse anesthetists, scientists and academicians -- choose to remain and pursue their careers here in the Capital Region.

We're proud to be a continuing source of health care and academic resources for our region.

Vincent P. Verdile, M.D.

Dean, Albany Medical College
Executive Vice President of Health Affairs, Albany Medical Center

Albany

Here's the link to the “PHOTO GALLERY”

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=798755&newsdate=5/22/2009

However, NONE of these photographed folks are MDs, and the majority are from the PA Class of 2009!

.

Transitions, ACLS and Jobs

2009-04-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

Luise Ahlers, the CPAS Program Director and Associate Professor of Pediatrics, will retire in May, after working with program since its inception.
Sally McLaughlin Bauer, former Program Director, is retiring in May as Biology, Chemistry and Physics Department Director and Professor from HVCC.
Karen Wolf, Pre-Clinical Coordinator and Assistant Professor (no photo), will retire in September.

Sending a note or offering thoughts about their help or influence on you would be sincerely appreciated. These are USPS addresses:

Luise Ahlers, MD
Medical Director
Center for Physician Assistant Studies
Albany Medical College
47 New Scotland Ave. MC-4
Albany, NY 12208-3412

Sally McLaughlin Bauer, Ph.D
Professor, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Physics
Hudson Valley Community College
80 Vandenburgh Avenue, FTZ 306
Troy, New York 12180

Karen Wolf, MS, RPA-C
Pre-Clinical Coordinator
Center for Physician Assistant Studies
Albany Medical College
47 New Scotland Ave. MC-4
Albany, NY 12208-3412

ACLS:
Graduating PAs need ACLS. And our alumni, too! ACLS coursework is scheduled for Saturday, May 2th and Saturday, May 9th from 8a.m. to 4p.m. on each day.

ACLS Provider Manual from the AHA is the required text for the course, which can be ordered online from Laerdal or Channing-Bete. Students need to complete the required pre-course checklist and pre-course exam prior to attending. The cost for the course is: $150, payable to: EMS Network, Inc. For recert only, the cost is: $100. Recerts need only attend the class on Saturday, May 9th.

Dave O'Brien has offered excellent support and a great learning environment in his ACLS instruction. Verify ACLS class space by contacting David O'Brian.
Students in financial distress can still get the job advantage of ACLS by contacting Alumni Association

Study well and prepare for the intense sessions. Fun links are here:

SkillStat Learning modules are helpful.

Laws of the House of God apply for ACLS: "At a cardiac arrest, first procedure is to check your own pulse."

Please RSVP soon!

JOBS!

New Jobs are posted at:
www.amc-pa.org/Job%20Opportunity.htm
Do bookmark this page today!

Old jobs are formatted for easy cover letter generation: please explore!

SURPRISE
And yes, Kim Bachta’s Baby Shower on April 9th was a wonderful event. This summer she will take time from her faculty responsibilities after the birth of baby Ava Jolie Bachta.

.

March Concerns

2009-03-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

© Lynn Johnston Productions Inc - For Better or for Worse
Hi,

Life really is too short. We need to get out of our winter mindset.

Thursday, March 5th, the PA Alumni Association will meet at the Recovery Room at 5pm @ Recovery Room

Job seekers will be glad to know that our website has updated the:
**Regional PA Practice Opportunities**

Agenda on Thurday will be to offer students, in the Class of 2009, a networking opportunity. Every alum who attends will, of course, be expected to buy a beer (or equivalent) for at least one student.

That’s the informal agenda.

Serious agenda requires speakers for CME Day, now scheduled for Thursday, September 10th, 2009. If you can obtain a, “YES,” PLUS a resume from a speaker, CME credit can be offered. That combination is crucial. (Getting the CV is a bear.)

Can you find one person to meet this need?

ACLS will be offered in May, 2009 to alumni and new grads. Please stay in touch with David O’Brien

Below this post are ALUMNI OPINIONS, those polling results from the most recent interactive via Survey Monkey.

PLEASE Bookmark our Alumni Website, AMC-PA.org even though it is still under RE-construction. Priorities remain with the update of **Regional PA Practice Opportunities** page. Overall format needs tweaking. Job Recruiters & Head Hunters are still linked in blue at the top of that page. Other pages are filled with cobwebs. PLEASE offer any updates, changes or modifications you feel would important!

Fragile remains an accurate description of our efforts for this year, so your patience is greatly appreciated

Thanks again for staying connected,

-Tom

Alumni Opinions '09

2009-03-03T09:17:00.001-08:00

Results from 2/23/09 on:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/
n=28, of 355 e-mailings

1. My class graduated:

Response
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Percent Response. .Count
Before the internet (before 1994) . . . 35.73%. . . .10
Before Y2K bug (1995-2000). . . . . . . . 17.9% . . . . 5
In the ‘aughts (2001-2005). . . . . . . . . 3.6%. . . . . 1
Very recently (2006-2008). . . . . . . . . .25.0%. . . . . 7
Soon . . . (2009-2011) . . . . . . . . . . . 17.9%. . . . . 5

2. After graduation, I attended one or more “CME Day”
events sponsored by the Albany PA Alumni Association:

Response

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Percent Response. . .Count
1. Yes, that’s True. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65.4% . . . . . . . .17
2. Sorry, No. It is not been possible
for me to attend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34.1%. . . . . . . .9
3. No, I would never plan to attend. . . . . .0.0% . . . . . . . 0

3. In 2009, I am interested in attending “CME Day”
Response
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Percent Response. . .Count
Are you kidding? No way. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.0% . . . . . . 0
Logistics make attendance impossible; sorry. . . . . . .11.9%. . . . .3
If the dates and topics are good, perhaps Yes. . . . . .21.4% . . . . 16
Absolutely; I am looking forward to attending this year . 2.4%. . . .9

4. In 2009, I would prefer “CME Day” (including lunch & break time) to include these hours, scheduled for CME credit:
Response
. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Percent Response. . . Count
Five hours = 9am to 4pm. . . . . . . . . 37.0% . . . . . . . . . .10
Six hours = 9am to 5pm . . . . . . . . . 29.6% . . . . . . . . . . 8
Six hours = 8am to 4pm . . . . . . . . . 25.9% . . . . . . . . . . 7
Seven hours = 8am to 5pm . . . . . . . . 7.4%. . . . . . . . . . . 2

5. In 2009, I would prefer “CME Day” to increase costs to offer concurrent sessions (two parallel tracks) as an alternative to single lectures:
Response
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Percent Response. . .Count
No - one schedule, most economical,
least costly is best. . . . . .. . . . . .70.4% . . . . . . . . . .19
Yes - variety is worth paying
more for the choices. . . . . . . . . . 29.6% . . . . . . . . . .8
Let me comment on costs . . . . . . . 0.0%. . . . . . . . . . . 0

6. In 2009, I would prefer “CME Day” to offer optional clinical instruction: hands-on, small group tracks such as suturing, casting/splinting, regional anesthetic blocks, or CPR Recert:

Response
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Percent Response. .Count
No - one set of traditional lectures
. . . . . . . .is best. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44.4%. . . . . . . . . .12
Yes - small-group skills-instruction
. . . . . . . .is worthwhile. . . . . . . . . . . . . 48.1% . . . . . . . . .13
Let me comment on a different option. . . . .7.4% . . . . . . . . . . 2

Comments:
a. CPR recert doesn't seem worthwhile, since it is offered in so many local places. maybe worthwhile to offer 1/2 or whole day practical skills, i.e. suture, casting at the school at a different date?
b. I like the idea of hands on stuff but casting/splinting and suturing are part of my job. Regional blocks and any other topics for hands on would be of interest to me.

7. In 2009, I would prefer “CME Day” to expand into a two-day conference:

Response
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Percent Response. . .Count

No, one full day is enough. . . . . . . . . 77.8% . . . . . . . . . 21
Yes, Ten hours =
Friday plus Saturday morning to Noon. .14.8% . . . . . . . . . .4
Yes, Twelve hours =
Friday plus Saturday until 4pm . . . . . . .7.4%. . . . . . . . . . 2

8. In 2009, the tentative date for “CME Day” will be after the September Labor Day holiday at HVCC. My preferred time for “CME Day” would be:

Response
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Percent Response. . .Count
Thursday, September 10th
(best participation expected) . . . . . . . 40.0% . . . . . . . . .10
Friday, September 11th
(schedule spares weekend). . . . . . . . . 20.0% . . . . . . . . . .5
Saturday, September 12th
(easiest parking) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28.0% . . . . . . . . . .7
Friday, 9/11 to Saturday 9/12
(two-day option) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.0%. . . . . . . . . . 3

9. From these prospective lecture topics, please choose five. The criteria is for receiving evidence-based medicine education to improve PROVIDER KNOWLEDGE (awareness or increase in understanding), COMPETENCE (knowing how to do something) and or PROVIDER PERFORMANCE (abilities and strategies one implements in practice) on each topic, as it pertains to your daily practice of medicine. Please choose up to five course topics by identifying your individual need to enhance provider knowledge, competence and performance for your practice of medical care.

Response
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Percent Response. . .Count
Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Disorders . . . . 30.8% . . . . .8
Asthma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.7% . . . . . . . .2
Cardiovascular Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53.8% . . . . .14
Congestive Heart Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.7%. . . . . . . . 2
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder . . . . . . . . 0.0% . . . . . . . 0
Cutaneous Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.1%. . . . . . . . 6
Deep Vein Thrombosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3.8%. . . . . . . . 1
Diabetes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.1% . . . . . . . . 6
Emergency Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42.3% . . . . . . 11
Endocrine, Metabolic, and Nutritional Disorders. . . 23.1% . . . . . . 6
Geriatric Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.8%. . . . . . . . 1
Head, Ear, Eye, Nose, Throat Disorders . . . . . . . . 15.4% . . . . . 4
Hematological Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.1% . . . . . . . . 6
Infectious Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38.5% . . . . . . . . 10
Musculoskeletal Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23.1% . . . . . . . . 6
Nervous System Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19.2% . . . . . . . . 5
Occupational Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.5% . . . . . . . . 3
Oncology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.4% . . . . . . . . 4
Osteoporosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.0%. . . . . . . . 0
Pain Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30.8% . . . . . . . . 8
Pediatric Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15.4% . . . . . . . . 4
Psychobehavioral Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.7% . . . . . . . . 2
Pulmonary Infections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.0% . . . . . . . . 0
Signs, Symptoms and Presentations . . . . . . . . . 11.5% . . . . . . 3
Soft-Tissue Extremity Injuries . . . . . . . . . . . . .19.2% . . . . . . . 5
Stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.7% . . . . . . . . 2
Toxicology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15.4% . . . . . . . . 4
Traumatic Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.4% . . . . . . . . 4
Wound Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19.2% . . . . . . . . 5

Comments: a. .Bio-terror emergency/disaster preparedness.
b. prefer topics that aren't in the journals every issue, and not part of the current round of CAPAS lectures/local pharm dinners
c. anything orthopedic related
d. oncology basics for the primary car provider

10. This summer, could you email a colleague or post a flyer at work, as an announcement of the 2009 CME Day at the HVCC Bulmer Auditorium in Troy?

Response
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Percent Response. . .Count
Sure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85.2% . . . . . . . . . 23
No way . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7% . . . . . . . . . . 1
Maybe . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.1% . . . . . . . . . . 3

New Year's Update

2009-01-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

PA Alumni have been in need of guidance. A number of concerns have developed in the past months, along with the weather changes of the past week:

WCC

Class of 2011 has “White Coat Ceremony” next Tuesday. [My previously announced date was wrong.]

WCC is Tuesday, January 6th at 3pm at the Albany Medical College ME 700 auditorium.
Come at 2:45pm, with your own WHITE COAT if you’d enjoy participating as an alumnus.

This image shows Alumni President Lahut, with senior students, faculty and alumni, coating the first of the 33 members of the Class of 2011, Yaa Asare:

“White Coat Ceremony” is an initiating moment, a symbol of a new professional identity. Beginning the WCC also begins incredible work; WCC will have its bookend in two + years at graduation. This is a short but powerful ceremony, and I hope you, as an alumnus, can share the welcoming of 33 new matriculates as future peers.

Refreshments courtesy of the Alumni Association, afterward.

SURVEY

Survey results are kind of cool, especially since you have a vested interest in the topic. These originated from Survey Monkey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/

Results follow this post.

ALUMNI MEETING:

Next meeting on Tuesday, January 27th at 7pm at the Hun classroom.

Agenda includes:
. . . . . . . Time Capsule to note the MAJOR transition of 2009:
PA Program moves out of Hun to South Campus / Childs Hosp

. . . . . . . CME Day Preparations:
Speakers, credentialing, Pharm supports, & more.

. . . . . . .Panel discussion – What’s the real world of jobs?

. . . . . . .Web Site reconstruction

. . . . . . .ACLS for new grads (and alumni) in May.

. . . . . . .Student Awards in May for the Class of 2008.
Freitag, Cooper, Barry Gold and Professionalism Awards

. . . . . . .Graduation at SPAC 5-20-09

. . . . . . .CME Day tentatively 9-12-09

Hope you can make the meeting on 1-27; let me know here

-Tom

Alumni Opinions '08

2009-01-01T17:29:00.000-08:00

Results from Monday 12/29/08 on:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/
n=47, of 355 e-mailings

1. My graduation as a PA from AMC and/or HVCC
was as long ago as:
. . .answered question 46
. . .skipped question 1
Response
. . . . . . . . Percent Response. .Count
2005-2008 . . . . . . 28.3%. . . .13
2000-2004 . . . . . .32.6%. . . . 15
1995-1999 . . . . . . 15.2%. . . . 7
1990-1994 . . . . . . .6.5%. . . . 3
1985-1989 . . . . . . .4.3%. . . . 2
1980-1984 . . . . . . .4.3%. . . . 2
<1979 . . . . . . . . . .8.7%. . . . 4

2. Where are you located today?
. . .answered question 45
. . .skipped question 2
Response

. . .Percent Response. . .Count

1. New England:
. . .Connecticut, RI, MA, Maine, NH, Vermont,
. . . .22.2% . . .10
2. New York
. . . .71.1% . . .32
3. Northeast:
. . .DC, DE, Maryland, NJ, Pennsylvania, VA
. . . .0.0%
4. South Atlantic:
. . .FL, GA, Kentucky, NC, SC, Tennessee, WVa
. . . .2.2%. . .1
5. Midwest (East of Mississippi):
. . .Indiana, IL, MI, Ohio, Wisconsin
. . . . 0.0%
6. Midwest (West of Mississippi):
. . .Iowa, KA, Minnesota, MS, Nebraska, ND & SD
. . . . 0.0%
7. South:
. . .Arkansas, AL, LA, Mississippi, OK, TX
. . . . 0.0%
8. West:
. . .AZ, Colorado, Idaho, MT, NV, NM, Utah, WY
. . . . 2.2%. . .1
9. Left Coast:
. . .CA, Oregon, WA
. . . . 2.2%. . .1
10. Pacific: Alaska, Hawaii
. . . . 0.0%

3. Preference for new Alumni Website domain:
. . .answered question 42
. . .skipped question 5
Response
. . . . . . . . . .Percent Response. .Count
www.xxx.ORG. . . .64.3%. . .27
www.xxx.NET. . . . 11.9%. . . 5
www.xxx.COM. . . .21.4%. . . 9
www.xxx.US. . . . . .2.4%. . . 1

4. Preference for new Alumni Website name:
. . .answered question 40
. . .skipped question 7
Response
. . . . . . . .Percent Response. .Count
AlbanyPA. . . . . . . . 22.5%. . .9
Albany-PA. . . . . . . . 7.5%. . .3
Alumni-AMC . . . . . .12.5%. . .5
AMC-PA. . . . . . . . . 40.0% . 16
PA-Alumni. . . . . . . .2.5%. . . 1
PA-AMC. . . . . . . . . 7.5%. . . 3
Other (specify) . . . . 7.5%. . . 3
. . .a. AMC Alumni
. . .b. Alumni-AMC-PA
. . .c. AMCPA-Alumni
. . .d. AMC PA Alumni
. . .e. AlbPAAlumni
. . .f. PAAlumniAMCHVCC
. . .g. PA-AMC-ALumni.org

5. Preference for earning money for Student
Scholarships (for our Endowment):
. . .answered question 45
. . .skipped question . 2
Response
. . . . . . . . . Percent Response. . .Count
Dues (annually). . . . . . . 33.3%. . .15
Dues (semi-annually). . . . .2.2% . . .1
CME Day activities. . . . . 51.1%. . .23
Money via sales of
t-shirts, mugs, etc.. . . . . .8.9%. . .4
Wills from alumni. . . . . . . 2.2%. . .1
No money for students. . . .2.2%. . . 1

6. Should Alumni try to conduct a day of six
or seven CME lectures in 2009?
. . .answered question 44
. . .skipped question. . 3
Response
. . . . . . . .Percent Response. .Count
Yes. . . . . . . 95.5%. . . . .42
No. . . . . . . . 2.3%. . . . . .1
Other (specify) 2.3%. . . . . 1
Comments:
. . .a. On a weekend.
. . .b. A half day is enough

7. Preferred times for CME Day 2009:
. . .answered question 46
. . .skipped question 1
Response
. . . . .Percent Response. . .Count
June. . . . . . .37.5%. . 17
July. . . . . . . .4.3%. . . 2
August. . . . . .6.5%. . . 3
September. . .52.2%. . 24

8. What kind of connection do you have to the Internet?
. . .answered question 46
. . .skipped question 1
Response
. . . . . . . . .Percent Response. . .Count
28.8 Kbps modem. . . 2.2%. . 1
56.0 Kbps modem. . . 6.5%. . 3
ISDN. . . . . . . . . . . .2.2% . .1
Cable modem. . . . . 60.9%. .28
DSL. . . . . . . . . . . .13.0%. . 6
T1 or better. . . . . . . 2.2%. . 1
Do not know. . . . . . .13.0%. .6

9. What should the PA Alumni do in 2009?
. . .answered question 45
. . .skipped question 2
Response
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Percent Response. . .Count
Work for current students. . . . . . . . . . 62.2%. . .23
Work with recent graduates, since 2007. 13.5%. . . .5
Work with grads since 2000. . . . . . . . . . 8.1%. . . 3
Work with grads from before 1999. . . . . .8.1% . . .3
Disband. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.0%. . . 0
Other (please specify). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.1%. . . 3
. . .a. work with anyone who is interested
. . .b. work with any grad that is willing
. . .c. work w/ all grads, e.g. CME Day
. . .d. Work with all current and past grads, IF there is interest
. . .e. Work with all...that is what alumni is all about.. all of us.
. . .f. activities for all alumni

10. Tuesday, January 6th at 3pm is the WCC:
. . .answered question 44
. . .skipped question 3
Response
. . . . . . Percent Response. . .Count
I think the ‘White Coat Ceremony’ is important for Alumni.
. . . . . . .20.5%. . 9
I think the ‘White Coat Ceremony’ is OK, but I can’t help this year.
. . . . . . .40.9. . .18
I think ‘White Coat Ceremony’ is fine for the newbies,
but don’t bother me.
. . . . . . .20.5%. . .9
What’s all this about?
. . . . . . .18.2% . . .8

.

Panel Discussion

2008-04-28T18:32:00.001-07:00

PANEL DISCUSSION 2/7
Wow. Imagine a life working in medicine. As a new graduate, I felt honored to work in a noble profession. Looking back, it really was the BEST thing that has happened in my life.

Reality of medical practice, however, has matured and changed my perspective a bit. This graphic from Michael J. Jones and his book “A Kernel in the Pod - The Adventures of a Midlevel Clinician in a Top-Level World,” is a bit . . . revealing.

How to reconcile these two realities for a new grad?

This Thursday evening, February 7th, a “Panel Discussion” will show the soon-to-graduate Class of 2008 many secrets. Secret realities that you and I take for granted.

Secrets of difficult patients, medical nightmares, surgery under adverse circumstances, and secrets of lifesaving actions with silent recognition.

As a practicing PA, you know these secrets:

- What are biggest challenges in seeing patients?
- What makes for good physician supervision?
- Who has been the 'boss from hell’?
- How do you overcome people's hesitance about treatment by a PA instead of MD?
- How does working at a hospital compare to working a family practice?
- Are there PA jobs in pathology, like performing autopsies?
- What are the re-certification boards like?

Please come to the HUN Classrooms on Thursday evening, February 7th, for a “Panel Discussion” with folks eager to hear your perspectives on YOUR career.

Pizza, healthy choices and beverages will be served. RSVP at

(Apologies for the late notice! But DO COME and round out perspectives for new PAs!)

DIDACTIC RELIEF
Alumni have volunteered to create opportunities for current students to engage in a limited day of ‘Clinical Shadowing.’ The Class of 2009 can access Alumni volunteers at:
Didactic Relief - Clinical Shadowing

A more permanent link is located at:
Student Awards

Please volunteer a day to help these new clinicians. You’ll be very satisfied!

JOBS!
Many new Regional PA Practice Opportunities at:
Job Opportunities

Sources for job postings primarily are the “Job Book” located at the CPAS offices at the HUN, along with local, word-of-mouth solicitations. Not surprisingly, Headhunters (as 3rd-party employment brokers) often solicit the CPAS offices as well.

Alumni website has neglected many of the headhunter requests. However, please check back soon, as we’ll probably locate these at the bottom of the Job Board, under the heading of: “Other PA Practice Opportunities and Job Listings,” way down at the bottom.

CME DAY 2008
Deadline for credentialing is fast approaching in February. If your colleague is a great speaker, please share this expertise with all of us on Thursday, June 12th, at the Bulmer Technology Center, at HVCC in Troy. All our credentialing applications MUST be complete by March 1st !

We need one more great speaker!

Save the date!
CME Day 2008

CME Day is the primary mechanism our Alumni use to raise money for PA student awards.

STAY IN TOUCH !
Guest Book

Students often loose connections because the “@mail.amc.edu” account becomes inactive.

USE A PERMANENT email address to simply ‘Reply’, say “OK Tom” or whatever, and some continuity will be preserved for opportunities in the coming years.

Sad to say, the “@ mail.amc.edu” account is a source of frustration.

-Tom

.

Post-Christmas season

2008-04-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hello,

PA Alumni Association offers you all good wishes for this post-Christmas season and for a productive New Year!

Think seriously about being involved in these upcoming events. . .

1] WCC

This Friday, you will be VERY glad you made the effort to come here.

The White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2010 takes place January 4th at 3pm @ ME-700. You are **more than** cordially invited. YOU will be an integral element of this ceremony.

About six alumni, minimum, are needed to help cloak the newly arrived students.

After last month’s announcement, I have . . . just one.
Link here has a photo:
http://pa1972alumni.blogspot.com/

Please become part of this profound and moving ceremony, eventful for parents, spouses and students alike.
**Especially** if you are already on the AMC Campus as an employee! The one hour time commitment, with reception to follow, is exciting and satisfying!

2] “Didactic Relief” for the ‘09s

Do you remember how BORED you were, listening to interminable didactic lectures, cooped up in the Hun and CRAVING some glimmer of clinical reality?

Join these fellow alumni in offering a ONE DAY shadowing experience for students in the Class of 2009 during the next three months:
http://pa1972alumni-students.blogspot.com/

You will be listed at this site, called “Didactic Relief.” Current students may contact you, as stipulated. By individual arrangement, one student, for one day, as a shadowing experience. No further commitment required. This offer, and this site, closes down for all in March 2008.

Give it a try!

3] CME Day - 6/13/08

Save this Thursday for a great day of networking and education. Speakers STILL sought for our February ACCME credentialing deadline.

4] Jobs!

Internal Medicine, Trauma Surgery, Plastics, Neuro and MORE jobs have recently been forwarded to the venerable old Hun building. Utica, Albany and Cooperstown (10-29) are STILL seeking more than a dozen PA positions!
http://home.nycap.rr.com/pa1972alumni/Job%20Opportunity.htm

5] Panel Discussion.

This is a fun evening, and not a faculty-sponsored event. In an open forum in February, PA students, soon to be our peers in the workplace, chat with working PAs.

Students need to hear about the ranges of employment and other non-medical intangibles from clinical folks. “First job” factors, like money, geography, specialty, and family priorities are crucial concerns, not part of NCCPA requirements. Concerns about perks, working life and other intangibles are particularly important!

Your life as a PA contains unwritten information, distinctive and specific to students who are eager to hear the details. Light food and beverages will be served.

Thursday evening, February 7th at the Hun Classroom will be a pleasure. (Bounce back a note!)

6] Notes from all over:

Lisa Reardon has returned to Oregon, working with a DOD contractor on the local Army base. The job schedule is awesome and the training/benefits package very worthwhile. Please say ‘hi’ at if you have a moment.

7] Contributions

Stewardship and charitable giving is a part of the privileged status we enjoy as medical providers. Our household has recently contributed to the LAM Foundation in Ohio.
http://www.thelamfoundation.org/
From a diagnostic perspective, read the ‘Medical Providers’ link.

Our PA colleague who received the devastating diagnosis of LAM has highlighted the urgent need for research. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a progressive, frequently fatal lung disease. It affects women almost exclusively, usually striking during the prime of their life.
See notes from April 10, 2007 in
http://pa1972alumni.blogspot.com/

Please consider contributing generously.

8] New Year

2008 is upon us, causing us to reflect on our turbulent times and our lives as human caregivers. A year before he was assassinated, Bobby Kennedy recalled one of
three ancient curses of increasing severity:
- May you live in interesting times
- May you come to the attention of those in authority
- May you find what you are looking for

Despite our times, please enjoy a Happy Holiday and a peaceful New Year!

-Tom

Greetings. . . after Thanksgiving

2007-11-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Greetings from the Albany PA Alumni Association! Hope your Thanksgiving holiday was a wonderful and comfortable time.
New interactions and PA jobs are noted below.

White Coat Ceremony

Alumni often express interest in helping students. But because “the devil is in the details,” many working PAs have been wary of open-ended commitments.

Here is an excellent opportunity for Alumni to make an impact on our newest students.

“White Coat Ceremony” is a new ritual for our Alma Mater at Albany Med. On the first day of class, the WCC marks a profound transition into the discipline of clinical sciences.

Alumni present entering students with a white coat, the symbol of clinical service and care. In the auditorium, students take, in unison, a pledge of professionalism. Family and friends of the entering class attend this special occasion. A reception follows this moving ceremony.
Sage PA Prep Program

This picture of the 2007 WCC is proudly displayed by Russell Sage College, which is highlighting their new partnership with Albany Medical College and the Center for Physician Assistant Studies.

Please commit to helping at this two-hour event on Wednesday January 2nd 2008 at 3pm at ME-700. RSPV at

You’ll be very, very glad you did.

Used Equipment Sale

Do you have an unused Otoscope, Ophthalmoscope, BP cuff or other medical equipment currently sitting on shelves, COMPLETELY unused?

Students need these tools to become clinicians. Your donation is eligible, as a tax-deductible charitable contribution to your Alumni Association. Functional medical equipment is a substantial help for new students.

Our first collection efforts will occur up to December 31st for the Class of 2010.

Alumni Announcements
Appropriate documentation for the IRS available through

CME Day - 6/13/08

Speakers are still needed! Your suggestions have motivated our speaker selections to date.
Alumni CME
We need two more great speakers! Bounce back a note if you can help.

Medical education opportunities, networking colleagues, and fund raising are a pleasure at “CME Day 2008” at the Bulmer Technology Center, at HVCC in Troy. It is the primary mechanism the Alumni use to enable PA student awards for excellence offered every spring, before graduation.

REMEMBER -
Thursday, June 13th is our date! Please mark your new calendars. (And tell your co-workers!)

Jobs!

Would you consider working surgery in Australia? A unique opportunity is still open for 2008. Cooperstown and Utica are seeking up to 10 PA positions!
http://home.nycap.rr.com/pa1972alumni/
Alumni CME
Check out jobs ALL the WAY back to 9/25/07! Please!

Apologies about the job board. The Alumni website crashed this fall. My lack of IT skills gave me six weeks of existential dyspepsia of the soul, which old Italian patients would call “Agita.” You know, that frustration you get when absolutely everything goes wrong. So it goes. Things are better now.

Notes from all over:

Peter Goetchius (Class of ’74) is back from Iraq, as of October!
http://pv-goetchius-iraq.blogspot.com/
Pete

Audrey S. Buckland (Class of ’06)
wrote from “beautiful Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. We have been here for 3 months and loving it. I am in the process of getting my Idaho license and looking for PT work . . . .

"North Idaho is the panhandle, full of mountain lakes, streams and dense wildness. This article (with slide show) describes north-central Idaho as the last wilderness.
NY Times Travel 7/07
"Tad and I feel very fortunate to be able to call this place home. Know that our door is always open should you find yourself 'in our neck of the woods'."

Holiday Wishes from ‘Great Courses’

Radio broadcasts during my driving commute are . . . marginal. (That’s a generous description.)

Over the past year I have enjoyed listening to a variety of non-medical lectures. Two are available here, “Christmas in Victorian Britain” and “Christmas in 19th-Century America,” are available for download and copy to CD or MP3. Though I have not heard them yet, there is no obligation.
http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/HolidayLecture2007.aspx?

Please do ask other PAs if they have received these Alumni e-notes.

Alumni Guestbook
If you wish to change your e-mail address (to something more permanent), discontinue mailings or otherwise update, please bounce back a note. These lists are NEVER shared.

Good wishes for happy holidays and a peaceful New Year!

-Tom

Metamorphosis for 2008

2007-09-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

Metamorphosis implies more than change. This Monarch exemplifies complete breakdown and reconstruction. Renewal and starting afresh is needed as well for our Alumni Association.

Wednesday September 26th is an important date.

Our time as an Alumni Board is here. CME Day 2008 is the major agenda. Our accreditation application needs to be complete, IN ITS ENTIRETY by February. Our time to work is actually very, very short.

Evening meeting will be at the Hun, at 6 pm on Wednesday 9/26.

CME Day 2008 can earn money for alumni activities and offer AMA credit, but only if preparations are done in a certain way.

We need:
1] Faculty
2] Educational Objectives and Outcomes
3] Estimated Financial Budget
4] Commercial Support:
- a] Systematic approach to the Capital District drug reps
- b] Pharmaceutical house grant writers (via internet)
5] Mailing Concerns

Al McNamara can help with budgeting
Joy Black will help with commercial supports
I’ll bring along our 26-page application from 2006.

Your willingness to help in this overall process is absolutely crucial.

Hope to see you Wednesday, 9/26 at 6pm at the Hun.

-Tom

Change the Constitution

2007-06-24T19:30:00.001-07:00

FELICITOUS UPDATE: Twin Boys born April 26th to Deb Janiga, Class of 2000.

Change the Constitution

The PA4HV (PA Alumni Association of Albany-Hudson Valley) should change its constitution.

Change is desirable because current leadership is stagnant. New ideas and new approaches are healthy for any organization.

Constitutional / Bylaw change would advocate for new leadership, in a bi-annual pattern. (Annual role changes are possible, but excess turnover may involve too much novelty.)

Alumni Association leadership would progress into one of four new Officer roles annually. These offices would be titled:

- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Organizer
- President

Experience from entry offices would better prepare for the role of president.

Keeping roles for more than one year may be desirable.

Past presidents would be resources for current officers. Perhaps Board Members without office could exist in an advisory role, but should be expected to assume Officer status. Student Board Members are very desirable, and their input should not be diminished.

Our current By-Laws had been changed in 1998, but really haven’t been adhered to.
Here is a copy of our current Constitution-Bylaws

Obviously, analogies to the US Constitutional System, with systematic elections, have not worked for our organization. Using NYSSPA or AAPA as role models does not translate well for our organization either.

Organizationally, we have kept our records of incorporation on public display at the PA Offices at the AMC Hun Building. The IRS likes Organizational Rules to be public. As a not-for-profit organization, we want to preserve our status and adhere to the law.

Constitutional change will be a major topic for discussion in the next Alumni Association meeting in July. The other major topic, of course, will be CME Day 2008.

Dates that are preferred and possible:

a. Monday, July 9th
b. Monday, July 16th
c. Tuesday, July 17th
d. Tuesday, July 24th
e. Wednesday, July 25th

If you have strong preferences for our next meeting date, please "cut-and-paste" the multiple choice question as a brief e-mail response to:
Thomas Lahut, PA

-Tom

.

PA Constitution, CME, Jobs & Peers

2007-06-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Factoids are common. But recent research suggests that Albany’s PA Alumni Association, by itself, is larger than maybe 20 or 25 of the State PA Organizations!

Leadership is a skill and asset that is not truly taught in PA school. But, perhaps leadership would be desirable as a proven entity on your resume.

Changing the structure of the PA Alumni Constitution seems overdue. Also having a limited commitment to such leadership also seems desirable:
http://pa1972alumni.blogspot.com/

Would you like to be President of an organization of this size?

------------- -------------- ---------------

Happy News!

Deborah Janiga, Class of 2000 sends a picture of her newborn baby boys, born the 26th of April. She says, “All is going well and they are keeping us very busy. We miss sleep....”

Beautiful picture at:
http://pa1972alumni.blogspot.com/

------------- -------------- ---------------

CME Day 2008

Planning for CME Day 2008 will occur in July. It is our major income-generating event. Let’s pick a date to meet and discuss!
(Same site:
http://pa1972alumni.blogspot.com/
with specific choices at the bottom of the note.)

------------- -------------- ---------------

Regional PA Jobs

New listings for
- Internal Medicine x3,
- FP x2,
- Neurosurgery x2,
- Cardiology x2,
- Physical Medicine
- Surgery & more at:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/pa1972alumni/Job%20Opportunity.htm

------------- -------------- ---------------

Class of 2007

Congratulations to our new peers! The SPAC graduation was very impressive.
http://www.amc.edu/PR/getnews.cfm?newsid=711

Alumni Awards for excellence on May 16, 2007 at:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/pa1972alumni/announcement.html
(Scroll down !)

------------- -------------- ---------------

Volunteer Opportunity @ AMC for July 4th

The Free Clinic of Albany is gearing up for their third Healthy Heart Day, on Wednesday, July 4 from 11:30-2:30pm. This event will be more focused on getting people moving with simple fun activities, along with the education, with less emphasis on screening.

Highlights include:
- Walking a 0.4 mile route in the neighborhood
- Activities such as Hackey Sacks, Arm Hoops, Gliders & Moving to Music
- Educational Displays on Exercise, Smoking Cessation & Heart Health
- Blood Pressure Screening and Education
- Introductory CPR in a 45 minute AHA “Family and Friends” format

For participation details, contact:

Theresa Weinman
Administrative Coordinator
Dept. of Family & Community Medicine
262-5797

Free Clinic Contact:
Sarah H. Schoof, FNP, Director of Medical Services
Capital City Rescue Mission Free Clinic
259 South Pearl Street, Albany NY 12202
462-0459 ext 233
ccrmclinic@yahoo.com

------------- -------------- ---------------

PA Medical Missionary

Mark Guilzon ‘on schedule’ to work a medical mission in remote section of Tanzania.
http://physician-assistant.advanceweb.com/common/Editorial/Editorial.aspx?CC=84274

You’ll remember Mark, Class of 1990, has chosen to work in a tiny African village, in the Rukwa Valley, where the natives dress in traditional tribal cloaks. His family is currently in Hawaii, learning Swahili and attending coursework to prepare them as long-term missionaries.
http://www.guilzon.com/

Once there, the family will build their new cement home and the medical clinic. Their efforts will be subsidized in part by Delmar Full Gospel and friends and family.

You are part of that circle of support.

Help the Guilzons on their mission with donations sent to the Delmar Full Gospel Church. Checks should be made payable to the church, and put "Mercy Medical" on the check's memo line.
http://www.delmarfullgospel.org/

Write a note to Mark and Jodi Guilzon at:

------------- -------------- ---------------

Transitions

After many years as Clinical Coordinator for the Center for PA Studies, Patricia Pulver, MPH, PA, will embark on a new effort. The non-medical role of secondary school teacher will be Patty’s next employment. She will leave AMC effective this month.

Graduate education will be needed before her paid transition. Keeping her clinical credentials will help as well.

Please offer her all good wishes for future success at:

------------- -------------- ---------------

Please Write!

Peter Goetchius, Class of 1974, oversees medical care in Tallil, Iraq as Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel. His year of duty began October 2006. Please use his email address:

or check out the website:
http://pv-goetchius-iraq.blogspot.com/

or send an actual letter! Check out the website, which includes his APO address.

------------- -------------- ---------------

‘till next time,

-Tom

.

PA 2007 Scholars, Family & Wills

2007-05-06T04:28:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Ask PAs around you if they, too, receive periodic “Alumni Spam,” (like this letter) which includes employment offers, professional concerns and gossip.

If they don't, and are curious, **please** offer the Alumni Guestbook or my e-mail address. (Our e-mail addresses are blind CCs and never shared.)
http://home.nycap.rr.com/pa1972alumni/Guestbook.htm

--- --- --- ---

ACLS

Coursework for Advanced Cardiac Life Support, to enhance your skills in treating the adult victim of a cardiac arrest or other cardiopulmonary emergencies, is available to Alumni & Students at a significant discount. Two 8-hour classes on May 12 and May 19. RSVP Dave O’Brien
http://home.nycap.rr.com/pa1972alumni/announcement.html

--- --- --- ---

Scholarship Award Event

Seniors of the PA Class of 2007 will be honored by the Alumni with cash awards for excellence in their Master’s studies, clinical rotations, didactic study and professionalism. This event, just a week prior to graduation, occurs during the days of their oral presentations of Master’s projects at the Hun.

Please come and enjoy refreshments at 5pm on 5/16 at this outdoor lawn event.
http://home.nycap.rr.com/pa1972alumni/announcement.html

--- --- --- ---

From Bill Kutzer, Class of 1997

Happy news with greetings and salutations!

Sorry for the delay in sending out an announcement but let it be known that:
Colin James Kutzer was born on April 9th, 2007 at 4:13 PM. He was 7.38 lbs and 19 inches long & came out screaming and kicking!!

Mom & Colin are doing fine. Colin had a fever and they started him on some antibiotics and his white count was low but is rebounding wonderfully.

Both came home promptly and beautiful pictures were sent to family and friends. Thanks for all your support!

Bill Kutzer

--- --- --- ---

Jobs!

Almost 20 new professional positions are posted this month alone! Sources are primarily drawn from employer inquiries, or telephone requests sent to the Center for PA Studies.

Six positions in Surgery in Syracuse! Clinical Research in Albany, Urology, Asthma, Trauma, FP, Urgent Care and many others.

Also, please check out previous postings, if the old advertisement appeals. Demand is very high right now for PAs, and you may discover an excellent match by speaking directly with a potential employer who has not been successful in prior placement.

Investigate the job links for PA World, NYSSPA, AAPA & others, which are also listed at the end. Mike Frank's CAPAS postings are included in our job opportunities:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/pa1972alumni/Job%20Opportunity.htm

--- --- --- ---

It’s an emotionally difficult question for all of us, but
“Have you updated your will?”

Perspectives and technical details at:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/pa1972alumni/Wills%20&%20Bequests.htm

-Tom

.

Life Events & Making a Book

2007-04-13T17:41:00.000-07:00

April 10, 2007

From Audrey Buckland, Class of 2006

. . . On a more personal note, this has been a difficult year as I was diagnosed with a terrible, rare lung disease called lymphangioleiomyomatosis or LAM. What was originally thought to be ‘adult onset asthma’ turned out to be a zebra. It is a disease that only affects women – only about 1 in 1 million! It is a progressively destructive lung disease without treatment or cure and the prognosis can be pretty grim. Because the disease is so rare, I have visited doctors in Cincinnati and the NIH. The docs at NIH put me in the severe category and told me to be evaluated for a lung transplant.

We will eventually make our way to Duke to meet the transplant docs there; but for the time being, I use oxygen nearly 24/7 and I started a drug ‘off label’ that seems to have made me a little more stable (yes, I am still working -4 days a week and I have an oxygen concentrator next to my desk. I can see patients w/o wearing it; but I do all of my notes using a nasal canula). The hope of using Rapamycin is that it will buy us some more years before thinking about a transplant. Both Tad and I hope that every year, new advances are made regarding a transplant (currently 5 year survival rate is not the best) as well as for LAM in general. The hardest part about the diagnosis is not being told that you might not live a long life - -but rather, I cannot have a child. LAM is thought to be estrogen linked and it is believed that pregnancy only accelerates the rate of progression. In fact, that is how I was diagnosed. I went to see my pulmonologist regarding asthma meds and pregnancy as we were ready to ‘try’ – he sent me off to do a CT b/c my PFTs showed a really low diffusion and everything snowballed from there.

This happened within my first week of work and all of our vacation time was spent seeing the various specialists around the country. Tad has remained my rock. I also try to remain positive and hopeful and keep my faith in medicine. Here a few links regarding LAM that explain things in a bit more detail. Please feel free to share the info with the other staff members – I do want to ‘raise awareness’ b/c more people need to know about LAM (of course it is believed to be underdiagnosed); it is just taking me time to even talk about it.

Rare Lung Diseases Consortium

LAM Foundation - Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
(go to ABOUT LAM and then, MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS)

To end on a more positive note, Tad and I are planning on moving to the pacific northwest in about 2.5 months. It is not final yet (he is in the middle of negotiating the contract), but we need to be some place that makes both us happy. I will be in touch with the school and the alumni association, as becoming a PA is now very much part of who I am.

----- ---- ---- ----

From Tom Lahut, Class of 1984

He rejected DNR 10 days ago. When he collapsed in a witnessed VF arrest, he was defibrillated 28 times before family gathered to stop the electricity. Still had a pulse, but anoxic encephalopathy is irreversible. ICU staff on Easter withdrew ventilatory support. It still took another 24 hours for my father to let go.
Obituary - Adam Lahut

----- ---- ---- ----

PA Alumni Association Announcements:

1] Creation of a Board Review Book ( – by the Albany Alumni !)

2] Panel Discussion (Tuesday) April 17th at 6pm
Please Come!
ANNOUNCEMENT

-Tom

.

Panel Discussion & ACLS

2007-04-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

April 1, 2007

This is a favorite quote, and it seems very appropriate for PA practice:

“HOW FAR YOU GO IN LIFE
depends on your being
TENDER with the YOUNG
COMPASSIONATE with the AGED
SYMPATHETIC with the STRIVING
and
TOLERANT
of the
WEAK and the STRONG;

because someday in life
you will have been
ALL of these.”

-George Washington Carver, American Educator, (1864-1943)

1]
PA Alumni can offer an informal education to graduating students with one evening of effort.

“Panel Discussion” will be April 17th, a Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm in Hun Classroom.

This is a Reality Orientation, a time of candid conversation about jobs. Alumni help our PA students consider informal logistics after commencement into first careers.

Students ask ANY questions of Alumni about jobs (like opportunity, money, geography, specialty, and family priorities). Alumni talk frankly about the “Boss from Hell,” and “Things I wished I learned in PA School,” and even "Assaults from Patients."

“Panel Discussion” is very informal, but everybody seems to enjoy the nuggets of wisdom from the geezers and challenging questions from students. Light refreshments will be served.

Please come! You’ll have a good time (and can claim CAT II credit)
RSVP to Tom Lahut by April 13th.

2]
ACLS is always a benefit for your skill collection.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support – EXTREMELY economical with Alumni support!

Alumni will offer ACLS Coursework at the Hun Classroom, with Full Course ACLS requiring two Saturdays on May 12th and 19th, 2007. Recertification will be offered on May19th. Cost will be $50 students, $75 for alumni. Total course length is approximately 14 hours, total.

Dave O’Brien is donating his instructional expertise for the benefit of Alumni, AND graduating students can have an extra, valuable certification. Sign-up TODAY to get the textbook with the newest recommendations!

RSVP to David O'Brien and please register by May 4th.

Easy link at Announcements

3]
GRADUATION for the PA Class of 2007 is Thursday May 24th at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center:
http://www.spac.org/

4]
NEW JOBS are listed at Career Opportunities

5]
BOARD REVIEW BOOK – Project in Evolution
Alumni Association needs money. Instead of using ‘CME Day’ in 2007 to raise money, we are seeking another approach.
We can make a review book, appropriate for national-wide sale, for re-certifying PAs
If ALL of our 1000+ alumni could generate five multiple-choice questions, we have a book that can be published and sold FOR A PROFIT! Give it a try! Check out
Board Review Book - Project in Evolution

6]
PLEASE ask your colleagues if they have received the latest Alumni mailing. With constantly changing life circumstances, not everybody receives these e-mail postings. Asking really is a big help! Share the website, or offer my email address.

Thanks again,

-Tom

.

CME, Iraq & Board Review Book

2007-04-13T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hello,

With early Daylight Savings Time on March 11th, the beautiful evening sunlight seems to offer a bit of hope for leaving snow behind. Remember to check your smoke detectors: 1 in 3 are estimated to have dead or missing batteries.

JOBS - JOBS - JOBS - JOBS - JOBS - JOBS - JOBS - JOBS
1]
PA jobs and PA networking, again are concerns for many.

Your alumni website has a large number of current career opportunities this month:
Emergency Medicine, Urology, ENT, Dermatology, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery and Internal Medicine / Family Practice are among the offerings. These are located in NY, MA, NJ, CT & Florida under Career Opportunities

2]
Students are anxious. Graduation is soon. Alumni can offer a Reality Orientation, by helping our PA students consider informal logistics after commencement into first careers.

“Panel Discussion” will be April 17th, a Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm in Hun Classroom. Please (cancel the original 3/13 date, and) update your calendar at:
ANNOUNCMENTS

Students ask ANY questions of Alumni about jobs (like opportunity, money, geography, specialty, and family priorities). Alumni talk frankly about the “Boss from Hell," and “Things I wished I learned in PA School.”

“Panel Discussion” is very informal, but everybody seems to enjoy the nuggets of wisdom from the geezers and challenging questions from students. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to Thomas Lahut by April 13th.

3]
ADVANCE Newsmagazine is sponsoring two job fairs this spring: One on (Melville) Long Island, 4/12 and the other in (NY, NY) Manhattan 5/15. Select your preferred location for info at: Advance Job-Fairs

CME - CME - CME - CME - CME - CME - CME - CME
1]
Geoffrey Serfilippi will be taking on “Unmet Needs in Asthma: IgE Mediated Asthma” Tuesday March 27th, this month with details at NYSSPA Announcement. RSVP to Mike Frank by March 22nd.

2]
Advanced Cardiac Life Support – EXTREMELY economical!

Alumni will offer ACLS Coursework at the Hun Classroom. Recertification will be offered on the 19th, with Full Course ACLS requiring BOTH Saturdays of May 12 and 19th, 2007. Cost will be $50 students, $75 for alumni; Course length is approximately 14 hours, total.
RSVP David O’Brien for registration by May 4th

Dave is donating his expertise for the benefit of Alumni, AND graduating students can have an extra certification. Sign-up TODAY! Easy link at:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/pa1972alumni/announcement.html

FINANCES:

Creation of a “PA Board Review Book” that is unique to Albany Alumni?
All of us together - You & I & each of us – we can DO THIS together!
If ALL of our 1000+ alumni could generate five multiple-choice questions, we have a book that can be published and sold FOR a PROFIT.

(It is much easier than billing you as PA Alumni with Semi-annual Dues!)

Details and multiple-choice examples at:
Board Review Book - Project in Evolution

Remember, no ‘CME Day’ in 2007, so lend a hand here.

IRAQ

Transcending politics, having peers in harm’s way is a reality.

Pete Goetchius, is one our grads STILL in Iraq, in charge of a medical facility at Tallil. The airbase is located in southern Iraq, near the city of An Nasiriyah.
Pete Goetchius in Iraq

Phil Smith, Class of 1999, also continues on active duty with the NY National Guard and communicated this address from overseas.
Major Phillip Smith, PA
791st EAES PSC2
Box 50000 APOAF 09012
POC- TSGT Thompkins

"Snail mail arrives within five days!"

ENDINGS:

PA Class of 2007 will graduate Thursday May 24th at the
Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Consider planning a spring excursion . . . .

-Tom

.

White Coat Ceremony

2007-04-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Posted: February 15, 2007

The White Coat Ceremony on January 3, 2007 welcomed the new Class of 2009. The took an oath and were cloaked in symbol of their chosen profession, by alumni, faculty and upper class members.

NO 2007 CME Day!

PA Alumni finances are a major concern for 2007, as we try to continue support students at the Center for PA Studies. NO INCOME from CME Day can be expected in 2007, because no CME Day will occur in 2007. Therefore, our initial meeting on February 5th strongly considered alternative income sources for the coming year.

Your support for these four efforts will be greatly appreciated, as alternatives to requesting dues and/or donations from the membership to support our student awards and endowment growth.

**1** ACLS - May 2007
**2** Creation of a “Board Review Book”
**3** Paraphernalia Sales
**4** Used Equipment Sale - November 2007, for the Class of 2010

CALENDAR
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
- Tuesday, April 17th - Panel Discussion

Please Come! Alumni enjoy this short, intense, and urgently helpful time for students. Alumni offer a Reality Orientation, helping graduating PA students consider informal logistics as they begin their first jobs. “Panel Discussion,” will be on Monday March 13th at 6:00 pm in Hun Classroom.

Students ask ANY questions of Alumni about jobs (like opportunity, money, geography, specialty, family priorities, & "Things I wished I learned in PA School"). Light refreshments will be served.
RSVP Tom Lahut
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
- Saturday, May 12 and 19 - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
**1** ACLS Coursework will be offered at the Hun Classroom. Recertification will be offered on the 19th, with full course requiring both May 12 and 19th, 2007. Cost will be $50 students, $75 for alumni; Course length is approximately 14 hours, total. For registration, contact David O'Brien

----- ----- ----- ----- -----
- Wednesday May 16 - Networking Picnic
Cookout at the lawn, west of the Neil Hellman building on the AMC Campus. This informal event will honor graduates. Alumni are cordially invited.

----- ----- ----- ----- -----
- Thursday May 24 - Graduation
Albany Medical College Graduation Ceremony, for the PA Class of 2007, will be at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center
http://www.spac.org/

----- ----- ----- ----- -----
**2** Creation of a Board Review Book
Could you generate five questions appropriate for re-certification? If all of our 1000+ alumni could generate multiple choice questions, we have a book! This actually could generate funds for a number of years!

Conceptually, this can work! With our collective abilities, we can offer a competitive product to OA Students across the country. If multiple-choice questions bring back bad memories, please offer a vignette of an “Unforgettable Patient.”

If we all take this seriously, this can generate funds for years! Delmar Publishing is a resource for the logistics of this project. Contact Kim Palmer

----- ----- ----- ----- -----
**3** Paraphernalia
Items such as T-shirts, hats, clothing & PA related efforts by independent artists may be excellent sources for income.
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/info/sell/
Would you consider a purchase? Please let us know your potential interest.
Contact Kim Palmer

----- ----- ----- ----- -----
**4** Used Equipment Sale
Otoscopes, Ophthalmoscopes, BP cuffs, and more are currently sitting on shelves, completely unused. Students need these tools to become clinicians. Your donation of these items can be a substantial help for new students, as well as the Alumni Association.

Our first effort will occur in November, 2007

----- ----- ----- ----- -----
JOBS

Previous announcements are posted here at
Career Opportunities

Our current announcements were manually posted. I’m having Web problems with posting for Regional PA Practice Opportunities. Many apologies.

-Tom

Annual Planning Meeting for 2007

2007-04-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

PA ALUMNI Annual Planning Meeting
January 30, 2007

As a planning meeting, the ‘big picture’ perspective for our alumni to act and benefit students is crucial. On the other hand, when Dave Irvine offers to buy the beer, that says a lot right there.

Please come! This is our agenda for 2007. We need your perspectives!
Announcements

We’ll meet on Monday, February 5th at 6pm on New Scotland Avenue at:
the Fountain
--------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
PA Jobs!

Please see the multiple, current job listings at:
Career Opportunities

-ER in Cooperstown
-Orthopedics in Troy
-Pediatrics in Amsterdam
-Gastroenterology in Stamford, Connecticut
-Hospital Medicine in Syracuse
--------------- --------------- ------------ --------------

KEEP Screening

National Kidney Foundation of Northeast New York will be conducting a KEEP Screening (Kidney Early Evaluation Program) for the NYS Legislature on March 27 from 9 am - 3 pm. These screenings create a great deal of awareness of chronic kidney disease amongst our lawmakers. Volunteers can assist with vitals, U/As, phlebotomy and consultation.

If you’d like to help with screening, or participating in the legislative visits please contact 458-9697 for Carol LaFleur, Director of the National Kidney Foundation of Northeast New York

PS: There are nearly 95,000 people on the national transplant waiting list.
Have you registered to be an organ donor?
--------------- --------------- ------------ --------------
IRAQ

Headlines show turmoil in Iraq. When you read the newspapers, or hear our conflicted leadership, please think about our PA alum, Pete Goetchius, who is living in Iraq, overseeing medical care in Tallil, with Army National Guard.
Pete Goetchius, PA in Tallil, Iraq

Shared education in Albany makes you a kindred spirit, for someone a long, long way from home.

Might you send Pete a card or note?

LTC Peter Goetchius
466th ASMC (Medical)
LSA Adder
APO, AE 09331

Of course, email at Peter Goetchius is just fine.
--------------- ----------------- ---------------

These episodic, non-scheduled announcements from your PA Alumni Association are communications as blind copies, with no visibility of email addresses.

Job postings and more are easy to receive. Please bounce-back a note saying, “OK for me” in an e-mail to Tom Lahut sometime soon.

Use a real-world e-mail address, not the temporary hospital or address! The internet provides excellent opportunities for real time networking with our 225 connected alumni.

Our fragile connections are very helpful.

-Tom