It's exciting times here in Galveston. Lately the news is all good regarding the future of UTMB. The powers in Austin seem to be behind rebuilding and finally the UTS Board of Regents has also pledged their support. The current tentative plan includes restoration of 500+ hospital beds here on the island, which will put us in great shape with our hospital service.
We're also taking advantage of this opportunity to seriously consider some changes the Residency program has been interested in for a long time. This is very timely, considering the national interest in the patient centered medical home. We are looking to move from the very large and not particularly patient-centered mega clinic housing all residents and faculty (approximately 40 - 50 doctors) to smaller clinics that more closely resemble environments where our graduates are likely to practice after graduation.
We have submitted a proposal to the RC-FM for approval to move 4 residents (two PGY2 and two PGY3) to our Stewart Road Family Health clinic, where they will join 3 - 4 faculty in that practice.
We have also submitted a proposal for expansion of the Rural Training Track to conduct the final 19 months of training at our rural site. This proposal is also for 4 residents, two PGY2 and two PGY3. It's taken 10 years and hurricane Ike to get to this point and I can't tell you how excited I am that we're finally taking this step. When we hear from the RC-FM, I will post a detailed outline of the new curriculum.
A third proposal in the works is for a new clinical site on the mainland that will mirror the Stewart Road Family Health clinic. That site should be ready for residents at the beginning of the 2010-2011 academic year. One year farther down the road potentially is a revitalization of an old partnership with the county public health system. That partnership was rated very highly by residents in the program during its lifetime and will be an excellent addition to our clinical site options if we are successful in negotiating that renewal.
Most likely we will retain some campus or near-campus presence as well, so that could bring our outpatient facilities to five sites. It is also quite likely that we may continue our hospital service in two locations - one on the mainland and one here on campus.
It's been awhile getting to this point, and some gloomy and disheartening times to live through getting here, but the future truly is beginning to look bright for the UTMB FM program!
Showing posts with label Hurricane Ike recovery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hurricane Ike recovery. Show all posts
Monday, March 16, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Let the dialogue begin
Read the Galveston Daily News articles on the consultant report and the Texas House Select Committee on Hurricane Ike's recommendations.
As the GDN proclaims in a large banner headline: MIXED SIGNALS.
As the GDN proclaims in a large banner headline: MIXED SIGNALS.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
What does the future hold?
The long-awaited consultant report was released today by UT System. Access the 14 page executive summary here.
Dr. Callender's response is here.
I have read the executive summary and will post my thoughts and reflections a bit later. Of course, there is as of yet no indication which choice will be selected by the Board of Regents nor what counsel will come from the governor's office. The next several days and weeks are likely to be pretty news-filled. I have some work travel obligations coming up but will try to keep updates posted as I learn more.
Dr. Callender's response is here.
I have read the executive summary and will post my thoughts and reflections a bit later. Of course, there is as of yet no indication which choice will be selected by the Board of Regents nor what counsel will come from the governor's office. The next several days and weeks are likely to be pretty news-filled. I have some work travel obligations coming up but will try to keep updates posted as I learn more.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
long time
I had no idea so much time had passed since I last blogged. It seems like only a few days ago that the RIF occurred. It is still painful.
Some good things are happening though. I heard today that alumnus Pompeyo Chavez and his wife had a healthy baby boy today. Also current R2 Sashi Braga and his wife welcomed a healthy baby girl to their family this week. Congratulations to all of them!
Also, faculty member Jim King who was affected in the RIF has been hired by the Baytown FMRP, so he will stay in the area. They are adding a great faculty member to their program. Our loss is their gain. I'm happy that Jim found a good spot in a good program.
Former Dept of FM member Susan Berkley PA who was working for the Dept of Surgery most recently and affected by the RIF has accepted a position at the 4Cs Clinic.
A community hospitalist physician at one of our community hospital partners today agreed to take the R3s onto her hospital service to finish out their last required block so they are on track to finish their curriculum and graduate on schedule. We are still waiting to see if John Sealy reopens on January 5th as projected. If so, we will staff that service with R1s and R2s.
Things are coming along with our new clinic space at UHC. We have been plagued by computer bugs and glitches since opening but it seems that some significant progress was made yesterday in resolving most if not all of the current problems.
Scheduling has been a major problem since the RIF, because key administrative staff were lost who normally managed that function. This week saw major strides toward figuring out a new process for dealing with scheduling and we are all hopeful that it will be simpler and easier to manage from January forward.
Recruiting is going very well, much better in fact than I ever dreamed it would this year. We appreciate the support shown by our applicants and are grateful that we've been able to progress with this more or less as normal.
I think we are all very much looking forward to the holiday break. I'm hopeful that the new year will bring good things for Galveston Island and UTMB.
Some good things are happening though. I heard today that alumnus Pompeyo Chavez and his wife had a healthy baby boy today. Also current R2 Sashi Braga and his wife welcomed a healthy baby girl to their family this week. Congratulations to all of them!
Also, faculty member Jim King who was affected in the RIF has been hired by the Baytown FMRP, so he will stay in the area. They are adding a great faculty member to their program. Our loss is their gain. I'm happy that Jim found a good spot in a good program.
Former Dept of FM member Susan Berkley PA who was working for the Dept of Surgery most recently and affected by the RIF has accepted a position at the 4Cs Clinic.
A community hospitalist physician at one of our community hospital partners today agreed to take the R3s onto her hospital service to finish out their last required block so they are on track to finish their curriculum and graduate on schedule. We are still waiting to see if John Sealy reopens on January 5th as projected. If so, we will staff that service with R1s and R2s.
Things are coming along with our new clinic space at UHC. We have been plagued by computer bugs and glitches since opening but it seems that some significant progress was made yesterday in resolving most if not all of the current problems.
Scheduling has been a major problem since the RIF, because key administrative staff were lost who normally managed that function. This week saw major strides toward figuring out a new process for dealing with scheduling and we are all hopeful that it will be simpler and easier to manage from January forward.
Recruiting is going very well, much better in fact than I ever dreamed it would this year. We appreciate the support shown by our applicants and are grateful that we've been able to progress with this more or less as normal.
I think we are all very much looking forward to the holiday break. I'm hopeful that the new year will bring good things for Galveston Island and UTMB.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
some updates
I read in this morning's paper that 125 faculty were laid off on Monday. The newspaper staff has filed an open records act request for the list of names. If they are able to obtain that and publish it, I'll post the link here. I know of a few individuals because I've needed to contact them since Monday, but will defer listing them for now in hopes that we can have a complete list and not just the ones I've stumbled across.
Curriculum update: our Cardiology rotation has been worked out. We'll be working on the Cardiology service at TDCJ. Procedure rotation is coming along. I'm waiting on word back from a few individuals before we can finalize a new template for that. Surgical Subspecialties is resolved. Gyn is back. Adult Med is 50% worked out, still trying to establish a faculty contact for the other half. Geri rotation progressing well but I still need to meet with one faculty about a few pieces of that. Pedi ER is resolved.
ER should be available in January. The latest projection on the hospital reopening date is December 9. Today I started working on a backup plan for the R3s in the event we have further delays with that.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday.
Curriculum update: our Cardiology rotation has been worked out. We'll be working on the Cardiology service at TDCJ. Procedure rotation is coming along. I'm waiting on word back from a few individuals before we can finalize a new template for that. Surgical Subspecialties is resolved. Gyn is back. Adult Med is 50% worked out, still trying to establish a faculty contact for the other half. Geri rotation progressing well but I still need to meet with one faculty about a few pieces of that. Pedi ER is resolved.
ER should be available in January. The latest projection on the hospital reopening date is December 9. Today I started working on a backup plan for the R3s in the event we have further delays with that.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday.
Monday, November 24, 2008
faculty RIF
Today has been very painful as we've said goodbye to more of our colleagues and friends.
The impact to the Dept. of FM of the faculty RIF is as follows:
Two faculty who had been recruited or were in the process of being recruited for December and January start dates will not be hired.
Dr. Weaver, Dr. Irwin and Dr. King will be leaving us. Although not official, I heard that Dr. Weaver may be staying on in some volunteer capacity with her POM groups. Dr. King has volunteered to continue to do some attending with the residents. As I hear anything official related to those two items, I will post here.
Also, my friend and right hand man (Assistant Program Director) Ron Williams will have his time reduced to 50%. He and I are in the process of figuring out exactly how we can arrange that to work best for all concerned.
Barbara Ferrell's time will also be reduced to 50%.
Many of our faculty are in dual-career families, and some who were able to retain their jobs in FM were still faced with the loss of their spouse's job.
We all, residents and faculty alike, are clearly saddened by these changes brought to us by Ike. Family Medicine was hit hard and rumor is, other departments took even harder hits. I won't go into details here because it would only be rumor at this point. Most likely you will be able to read about it on the local newspaper website before long.
In other news, the hospital opened briefly this morning, only to close again after a few hours due to air quality concerns as I understand it. I believe the next potential opening date is a week from today.
I am typically a silver-lining kind of person, but I'm having a hard time finding it today. I know I will find it and that I'm just feeling sad about today's events. But I'm going to allow myself to feel sad today and leave it at that. Check back later and I'll let you know about that silver lining. Or lemonade from lemons, or however you want to put it...
The impact to the Dept. of FM of the faculty RIF is as follows:
Two faculty who had been recruited or were in the process of being recruited for December and January start dates will not be hired.
Dr. Weaver, Dr. Irwin and Dr. King will be leaving us. Although not official, I heard that Dr. Weaver may be staying on in some volunteer capacity with her POM groups. Dr. King has volunteered to continue to do some attending with the residents. As I hear anything official related to those two items, I will post here.
Also, my friend and right hand man (Assistant Program Director) Ron Williams will have his time reduced to 50%. He and I are in the process of figuring out exactly how we can arrange that to work best for all concerned.
Barbara Ferrell's time will also be reduced to 50%.
Many of our faculty are in dual-career families, and some who were able to retain their jobs in FM were still faced with the loss of their spouse's job.
We all, residents and faculty alike, are clearly saddened by these changes brought to us by Ike. Family Medicine was hit hard and rumor is, other departments took even harder hits. I won't go into details here because it would only be rumor at this point. Most likely you will be able to read about it on the local newspaper website before long.
In other news, the hospital opened briefly this morning, only to close again after a few hours due to air quality concerns as I understand it. I believe the next potential opening date is a week from today.
I am typically a silver-lining kind of person, but I'm having a hard time finding it today. I know I will find it and that I'm just feeling sad about today's events. But I'm going to allow myself to feel sad today and leave it at that. Check back later and I'll let you know about that silver lining. Or lemonade from lemons, or however you want to put it...
Monday, November 17, 2008
ups and downs
It is SO NICE to have most of the residents back to Galveston, as of today! It's been such a great day having the residents trickle by my office one by one and welcome them home.
Some ongoing challenges... I'm sure many have read by now that UTMB plans to downsize the campus workforce by 3800 FTE sometime this week. There will be impacts to the FM department both in faculty and staff, but to a much lesser extent than many other departments across campus. This is in large part thanks to Dr. Thompson's leadership and the dedicated efforts of our faculty, staff and residents to get back to business as usual, as quickly as possible.
Also, the opening of the hospital has been delayed, probably until the first week or so of December, although no proposed dates have been released as of yet. The last rumor I heard the end of last week was that a medical floor might reopen first, in advance of surgical capability, as the latest delay was caused by poor results on mold/fungal cultures in the ORs.
UTMB has been in the news quite a lot since the announcement of the proposed layoffs. Below are links to some of the recent stories.
Word on the Street
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 17, 2008
Numerous Letters to the Editor concerning UTMB and its recovery were published calling for restoration of its Level 1 trauma center, establishment of a hospital district and urging state and local officials to support the university. http://galvestondailynews.com/letters.lasso
Docshop says so long, Mary Ann
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 17, 2008
In her Scenes column, Frances Powell wrote: “Many ’grats to Divafave Mary Ann Ross, who’s retiring from UTMB. Her swansong party at Salsa’s was organized by Pat Reazin and Anna Perez.” http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=92729a3d5b72b60e
Hankins again named a national top doctor
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 17, 2008
Dr. Gary Hankins, chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at UTMB, was named one of the nation’s best doctors for women for the fourth straight year. The ranking was published in the November issue of Women’s Health. (Link unavailable.)
Galveston biodefense lab was fortress during Ike
Dallas Morning News, Nov. 16, 2008
This article surveys the safety and security measures of the Galveston National Laboratory at UTMB. Reporter Emily Ramshaw wrote, “The nation’s newest mammoth biodefense lab towers like a fortress over this hurricane-battered ghost town, a rare unscathed sight among uprooted palm trees, shattered shop windows and beach homes teetering perilously on warped stilts.”
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-ikeside_16tex.ART.State.Edition1.4a63bc5.html
For health’s sake, take action now
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 16, 2008
In this editorial, publisher Dolph Tillotson urges Galveston officials to create a countywide health care taxing district to help the county’s health care providers, including UTMB. http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=3184d927c43952e8
Smaller UTMB causes worries
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 16, 2008
State health care leaders said a plan to downsize UTMB poses vexing questions about the future of Galveston County’s poorest and most traumatically injured patients. David Lopez, CEO of the Harris County Hospital District, said the plan will cause a ripple effect across the Texas health care system, a patchwork of overburdened providers that treat the 30 percent of Texans without insurance.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=e5d65e052f4890e6c8545f57966c90b3
UTMB hires Atlanta firm to assist in downsizing
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 16, 2008
UTMB has hired Kurt Salmon Associates of Atlanta to advise about reshaping UTMB as it cuts as many as 3,800 jobs and downsizes its 550-bed hospital to a 200-bed operation. The company will conduct market, facility and financial analyses of the medical branch.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=e6a15dd01f373482
Hospitals jammed since UTMB’s down
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 15, 2008
Admissions are up 40 percent, emergency room visits have increased by a third and operating rooms are running around the clock at Mainland Medical Center. Since Hurricane Ike ravaged UTMB’s John Sealy Hospital on Sept. 13, admissions at Mainland Medical have jumped, as has demand for other medical services it provides. Likewise, Clear Lake Regional Medical Center in Webster reported a 30 percent increase in hospital admissions while emergency room visits doubled. http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=cfdd17e4506f95c5c8545f57966c90b3
Waco representative fights for isle
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 15, 2008
During a tour of Galveston Island, U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards said he would encourage FEMA to expedite funding for projects throughout the city to help officials prepare for next year’s tourist season. He also is pushing the agency to fast-track damage reimbursements for UTMB.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=cc9665b3336d78ee
UTMB woes back on county agenda
Port Arthur News, Nov. 15, 2008
BEAUMONT – Damage to UTMB continues to reverberate throughout Southeast Texas as counties reconsider medical treatment for uninsured residents. “This is something that is affecting not only Jefferson County, but much of the state in a critical way,” Bo Alfred, Precinct 4 County Commissioner, said. http://www.panews.com/local/local_story_320165336.html
Hospital flooded in storm to cut its staff by a third
New York Times, Nov. 14, 2008
This article summarizes the effect of Hurricane Ike on UTMB and includes comments from a number of UTMB employees, including Karen Sexton, executive vice president and CEO of the UTMB Health System. “We can’t make any promises,” she said, “because we don’t know what’s going to happen. We are committed to getting back into the health care business. We know we have to be a lot smaller right now.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/15/us/15hospital.html?scp=1&sq=%22medical+branch%22&st=nyt
UTMB layoffs may have major ripple effect in Houston hospitals
KTRK-TV (Ch. 13) Houston, Nov. 14, 2008
This report focuses on the effect that UTMB’s layoffs are having on hospitals in the Houston area.
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=6506299
Some ongoing challenges... I'm sure many have read by now that UTMB plans to downsize the campus workforce by 3800 FTE sometime this week. There will be impacts to the FM department both in faculty and staff, but to a much lesser extent than many other departments across campus. This is in large part thanks to Dr. Thompson's leadership and the dedicated efforts of our faculty, staff and residents to get back to business as usual, as quickly as possible.
Also, the opening of the hospital has been delayed, probably until the first week or so of December, although no proposed dates have been released as of yet. The last rumor I heard the end of last week was that a medical floor might reopen first, in advance of surgical capability, as the latest delay was caused by poor results on mold/fungal cultures in the ORs.
UTMB has been in the news quite a lot since the announcement of the proposed layoffs. Below are links to some of the recent stories.
Word on the Street
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 17, 2008
Numerous Letters to the Editor concerning UTMB and its recovery were published calling for restoration of its Level 1 trauma center, establishment of a hospital district and urging state and local officials to support the university. http://galvestondailynews.com/letters.lasso
Docshop says so long, Mary Ann
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 17, 2008
In her Scenes column, Frances Powell wrote: “Many ’grats to Divafave Mary Ann Ross, who’s retiring from UTMB. Her swansong party at Salsa’s was organized by Pat Reazin and Anna Perez.” http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=92729a3d5b72b60e
Hankins again named a national top doctor
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 17, 2008
Dr. Gary Hankins, chairman of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at UTMB, was named one of the nation’s best doctors for women for the fourth straight year. The ranking was published in the November issue of Women’s Health. (Link unavailable.)
Galveston biodefense lab was fortress during Ike
Dallas Morning News, Nov. 16, 2008
This article surveys the safety and security measures of the Galveston National Laboratory at UTMB. Reporter Emily Ramshaw wrote, “The nation’s newest mammoth biodefense lab towers like a fortress over this hurricane-battered ghost town, a rare unscathed sight among uprooted palm trees, shattered shop windows and beach homes teetering perilously on warped stilts.”
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-ikeside_16tex.ART.State.Edition1.4a63bc5.html
For health’s sake, take action now
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 16, 2008
In this editorial, publisher Dolph Tillotson urges Galveston officials to create a countywide health care taxing district to help the county’s health care providers, including UTMB. http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=3184d927c43952e8
Smaller UTMB causes worries
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 16, 2008
State health care leaders said a plan to downsize UTMB poses vexing questions about the future of Galveston County’s poorest and most traumatically injured patients. David Lopez, CEO of the Harris County Hospital District, said the plan will cause a ripple effect across the Texas health care system, a patchwork of overburdened providers that treat the 30 percent of Texans without insurance.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=e5d65e052f4890e6c8545f57966c90b3
UTMB hires Atlanta firm to assist in downsizing
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 16, 2008
UTMB has hired Kurt Salmon Associates of Atlanta to advise about reshaping UTMB as it cuts as many as 3,800 jobs and downsizes its 550-bed hospital to a 200-bed operation. The company will conduct market, facility and financial analyses of the medical branch.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=e6a15dd01f373482
Hospitals jammed since UTMB’s down
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 15, 2008
Admissions are up 40 percent, emergency room visits have increased by a third and operating rooms are running around the clock at Mainland Medical Center. Since Hurricane Ike ravaged UTMB’s John Sealy Hospital on Sept. 13, admissions at Mainland Medical have jumped, as has demand for other medical services it provides. Likewise, Clear Lake Regional Medical Center in Webster reported a 30 percent increase in hospital admissions while emergency room visits doubled. http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=cfdd17e4506f95c5c8545f57966c90b3
Waco representative fights for isle
Galveston County Daily News, Nov. 15, 2008
During a tour of Galveston Island, U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards said he would encourage FEMA to expedite funding for projects throughout the city to help officials prepare for next year’s tourist season. He also is pushing the agency to fast-track damage reimbursements for UTMB.
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=cc9665b3336d78ee
UTMB woes back on county agenda
Port Arthur News, Nov. 15, 2008
BEAUMONT – Damage to UTMB continues to reverberate throughout Southeast Texas as counties reconsider medical treatment for uninsured residents. “This is something that is affecting not only Jefferson County, but much of the state in a critical way,” Bo Alfred, Precinct 4 County Commissioner, said. http://www.panews.com/local/local_story_320165336.html
Hospital flooded in storm to cut its staff by a third
New York Times, Nov. 14, 2008
This article summarizes the effect of Hurricane Ike on UTMB and includes comments from a number of UTMB employees, including Karen Sexton, executive vice president and CEO of the UTMB Health System. “We can’t make any promises,” she said, “because we don’t know what’s going to happen. We are committed to getting back into the health care business. We know we have to be a lot smaller right now.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/15/us/15hospital.html?scp=1&sq=%22medical+branch%22&st=nyt
UTMB layoffs may have major ripple effect in Houston hospitals
KTRK-TV (Ch. 13) Houston, Nov. 14, 2008
This report focuses on the effect that UTMB’s layoffs are having on hospitals in the Houston area.
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=6506299
Monday, November 03, 2008
opportunities to help
The Texas Medical Association is hosting a fund drive for UTMB medical students. Click here to review the call and donation instructions.
Monday, October 20, 2008
interviews
5 brave souls who are not afraid of a challenge have signed up for interviews since we started inviting applicants last week! We are so excited to begin looking FORWARD and planning for the future, beyond our immediate recovery timeframe.
In further news, OB and Adult ER rotations at UTMB return to our schedule in block 6 (November 17) and we're excited about that too. This is "hot off the press" news, just learned today.
In further news, OB and Adult ER rotations at UTMB return to our schedule in block 6 (November 17) and we're excited about that too. This is "hot off the press" news, just learned today.
News about the FM Clinic and HOS service
This morning’s update from Dr. Thompson included the news that the UHC building is currently targeted to be restored to service first, before the PCP. Most likely this means that our clinic will move to the UHC at least temporarily but possibly “permanently” (whatever “permanently” means…). Currently, the belief is that faculty offices, conference room space, etc. will remain in the 2nd floor of the PCP. Timeframe undetermined. I have sent an email to the powers that be requesting to be included in the decisions regarding our clinical space and also informing them of our RRC requirements. I will be looking forward to the opportunity to be involved in those ongoing negotiations.
The better news is that the first med/surg unit at JOHN SEALY is scheduled to open November 10, in time for us to resume our hospital service in block 6!! We have been promised beds, although I don’t have an exact number yet. As you know, L&D and NBN are already functional. I’m told no decisions have been made yet regarding pedi beds.
Last week we saw about 370 outpatient visits in our various locations, but mostly at Stewart Road. This is excellent, with steady increases in demand occurring every day. It is possible that I may put some R3s back into continuity clinics in this block even, so stay tuned! FYI, 370 would be about 50% of our normal volume for this time of year and is excellent under the circumstances. The key question is where will the demand level out? I’ve been saying all along that one of my indicators would be school enrollment. Last week while I was at Ball High for prenatal clinic, I learned that about 60% of GISD students have returned.
Today when I drove in, I noticed that almost all of the trash and debris has been removed from Holiday Drive between Seawall and Harborside. I got phone service at my house late yesterday afternoon. No DSL, but I do have telephone. And somebody (FEMA, the city?) picked up my stinky freezer full of rotten food from the alley. You may have seen that the curfew was lifted for all but part of the Strand and downtown areas a little over a week ago. The last Red Cross shelter on the island is closing today.
Slow but steady improvement all over the island is evident. We continue to await news from Dr. Callendar about the future of UTMB as a whole but at least I can say all things considered, FM is in about the best position we can be. Our programs are all functioning and we are serving our patients. Our students and residents are completing their educational experiences and we are going about our business.
The better news is that the first med/surg unit at JOHN SEALY is scheduled to open November 10, in time for us to resume our hospital service in block 6!! We have been promised beds, although I don’t have an exact number yet. As you know, L&D and NBN are already functional. I’m told no decisions have been made yet regarding pedi beds.
Last week we saw about 370 outpatient visits in our various locations, but mostly at Stewart Road. This is excellent, with steady increases in demand occurring every day. It is possible that I may put some R3s back into continuity clinics in this block even, so stay tuned! FYI, 370 would be about 50% of our normal volume for this time of year and is excellent under the circumstances. The key question is where will the demand level out? I’ve been saying all along that one of my indicators would be school enrollment. Last week while I was at Ball High for prenatal clinic, I learned that about 60% of GISD students have returned.
Today when I drove in, I noticed that almost all of the trash and debris has been removed from Holiday Drive between Seawall and Harborside. I got phone service at my house late yesterday afternoon. No DSL, but I do have telephone. And somebody (FEMA, the city?) picked up my stinky freezer full of rotten food from the alley. You may have seen that the curfew was lifted for all but part of the Strand and downtown areas a little over a week ago. The last Red Cross shelter on the island is closing today.
Slow but steady improvement all over the island is evident. We continue to await news from Dr. Callendar about the future of UTMB as a whole but at least I can say all things considered, FM is in about the best position we can be. Our programs are all functioning and we are serving our patients. Our students and residents are completing their educational experiences and we are going about our business.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Relocating
We will close down our temporary office in Fort Worth tomorrow afternoon. Effective Monday, you can reach us at our usual telephone numbers in Galveston.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
progress!
Wow, finally some exciting news to report!
There is a preliminary prediction (unconfirmed as of yet) that the PCP 2nd floor (NOT the clinics) will reopen next week, which would allow the Residency Program faculty and staff to be all located in one place. Our usual place. It's so hard to believe.
I read on the UTMB updates today that MS1 and MS2 return to classes has been delayed to 10/20.
There are still tremendous difficulties with lack of housing. Dr. Triana is on the island now and will be actively seeking out opportunities for our residents, so watch for email from her. I've asked Becky to contact various island daycares and check on their status and openings, so if you have childcare needs, watch for emails from her too.
Our SRFH location is still expected to reopen this week (mobile units there now, faculty seeing patients) and we hope to have two residents there in block 5 for FM outpatient rotations.
Various favorite restaurants and businesses are starting to reopen... I've heard Casey's, Fishtails, Chili's and NY Pizza have all reopened for lunch service.
Program faculty have begun preliminary discussions about recruiting for the 2009 Match and we will have definitive plans in the next couple of weeks. At this point, we're thinking about recruiting for a smaller class, somewhere in the 4 to 6 range with the option to pick up some PGY2 residents in the following cycle. We may be able to locate hotel rooms for the applicants in Houston, which will make the process simpler. Most likely we will not begin interview until at the earliest the first week in November.
That's all for now, but watch the UTMB website, this blog and email for further updates! Things are beginning to happen faster now.
There is a preliminary prediction (unconfirmed as of yet) that the PCP 2nd floor (NOT the clinics) will reopen next week, which would allow the Residency Program faculty and staff to be all located in one place. Our usual place. It's so hard to believe.
I read on the UTMB updates today that MS1 and MS2 return to classes has been delayed to 10/20.
There are still tremendous difficulties with lack of housing. Dr. Triana is on the island now and will be actively seeking out opportunities for our residents, so watch for email from her. I've asked Becky to contact various island daycares and check on their status and openings, so if you have childcare needs, watch for emails from her too.
Our SRFH location is still expected to reopen this week (mobile units there now, faculty seeing patients) and we hope to have two residents there in block 5 for FM outpatient rotations.
Various favorite restaurants and businesses are starting to reopen... I've heard Casey's, Fishtails, Chili's and NY Pizza have all reopened for lunch service.
Program faculty have begun preliminary discussions about recruiting for the 2009 Match and we will have definitive plans in the next couple of weeks. At this point, we're thinking about recruiting for a smaller class, somewhere in the 4 to 6 range with the option to pick up some PGY2 residents in the following cycle. We may be able to locate hotel rooms for the applicants in Houston, which will make the process simpler. Most likely we will not begin interview until at the earliest the first week in November.
That's all for now, but watch the UTMB website, this blog and email for further updates! Things are beginning to happen faster now.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
incremental recovery
There is not a tremendous amount of "new" news since my last post. Incremental recovery efforts continue.
The FM residents are dispersed across the state and Linda and I are working on plans for block 5 now. We hope to have a little more than half to maybe 2/3 of the residents back to the Houston/Galveston area by the beginning of block 5. We are fortunate in that we've worked with a number of mainland community hospitals for certain core rotations for several years and they are up and running already and taking on additional residents beyond the usual numbers.
It looks like FM will be able to open one of our clinic sites in the next week or so and I hope to put some residents there for the outpatient FM core rotation in block 5.
This morning I read a news article stating that 75% of the island's housing is uninhabitable so I'm concerned that even once we're able to return, many of our patients simply will not be there. The ABFM is being flexible with us regarding continuity clinic requirements, but we will need to aggressively work towards recovery of our FMC even so. Dr. Thompson and others have this high on their priority list.
We're beginning to work on housing options for our residents whose housing is uninhabitable. This will be a significant challenge, given the widespread destruction of housing and very limited availability for the foreseeable future. We are exploring several different avenues as solutions.
No definite decisions regarding recruiting and the 2009 Match have yet been made. We WILL interview and recruit a class, although I'm not sure what size that class will be. I definitely plan to interview and recruit for our 2 PGY1 AOA positions and some ACGME positions as well, number to be determined. In all likelihood, we will not begin interviews until late October or early November. Stay tuned for further updates!
The FM residents are dispersed across the state and Linda and I are working on plans for block 5 now. We hope to have a little more than half to maybe 2/3 of the residents back to the Houston/Galveston area by the beginning of block 5. We are fortunate in that we've worked with a number of mainland community hospitals for certain core rotations for several years and they are up and running already and taking on additional residents beyond the usual numbers.
It looks like FM will be able to open one of our clinic sites in the next week or so and I hope to put some residents there for the outpatient FM core rotation in block 5.
This morning I read a news article stating that 75% of the island's housing is uninhabitable so I'm concerned that even once we're able to return, many of our patients simply will not be there. The ABFM is being flexible with us regarding continuity clinic requirements, but we will need to aggressively work towards recovery of our FMC even so. Dr. Thompson and others have this high on their priority list.
We're beginning to work on housing options for our residents whose housing is uninhabitable. This will be a significant challenge, given the widespread destruction of housing and very limited availability for the foreseeable future. We are exploring several different avenues as solutions.
No definite decisions regarding recruiting and the 2009 Match have yet been made. We WILL interview and recruit a class, although I'm not sure what size that class will be. I definitely plan to interview and recruit for our 2 PGY1 AOA positions and some ACGME positions as well, number to be determined. In all likelihood, we will not begin interviews until late October or early November. Stay tuned for further updates!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Block 4 assignments
All FM residents have now been reassigned for block 4 rotations. Early next week, Linda and I will begin working on block 5 assignments. We hope to begin bringing a few people back to the Galveston/Houston area. Primarily, this will be residents whose housing is habitable and on the mainland.
Generally speaking, recovery efforts on the island appear to running ahead of schedule, which is good news. I encourage you to keep up to date on the progress at the UTMB website, the Galveston Daily News, Channel 2 and KHOU. These are the most extensive coverage sites I have located and the ones I am personally following daily.
At present, it looks like we have about 6 to 8 residents whose housing on the island is definitely or likely not habitable upon return to the island. These will be the folks who are on displaced rotations longest. The Chiefs are busy compiling a list of residents and faculty who have space in their homes for temporary housing and we will coordinate that as it becomes feasible to bring people back to the local area.
All things considered, I'm feeling optimistic about recovery for the Family Medicine Program.
Generally speaking, recovery efforts on the island appear to running ahead of schedule, which is good news. I encourage you to keep up to date on the progress at the UTMB website, the Galveston Daily News, Channel 2 and KHOU. These are the most extensive coverage sites I have located and the ones I am personally following daily.
At present, it looks like we have about 6 to 8 residents whose housing on the island is definitely or likely not habitable upon return to the island. These will be the folks who are on displaced rotations longest. The Chiefs are busy compiling a list of residents and faculty who have space in their homes for temporary housing and we will coordinate that as it becomes feasible to bring people back to the local area.
All things considered, I'm feeling optimistic about recovery for the Family Medicine Program.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
the scope of the problem
If you're wondering how big a job UTMB faces in terms of its medical students and residents, see the excerpt below. Full article here.
Campus officials say it could be a month or more before the hospital resumes regular operations and is able to bring all of its students and residents back. In the meantime, administrators are working on temporary placements for 557 medical residents and about 2,400 medical, nursing, allied-health, and graduate students. The hospital has about 12,000 employees, 8,000 of whom work in Galveston.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
new office location, general update
After 22 hours traveling yesterday, I am now sitting in the fully equipped temporary FMR Administrative office at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth. They have graciously agreed to house us for the immediate future, until we are able to return to the UTMB-Galveston campus.
Our new telephone number is 817-735-2737.
Almost all of the FM residents have new rotation assignments to begin on Monday in accordance with our usual rotation timeline. We should have that task completed by the end of the week so that everyone can be back to clinical work/education on Monday 9/22. It is anticipated that no one in the FMR will have a break in training.
Many, many thanks go out to FMR Program Directors across the great state of Texas, all who have volunteered rotations and many also housing for our residents. We are deeply grateful.
Applicants for the 2009 Match can expect an update regarding our status within the next two weeks, after we've been able to attend to the immediate needs of our current residents.
All FM residents and faculty are holding up well and making the best of a difficult situation. From my perspective, I feel a little bit guilty because although I'm displaced, the inside of my home is virtually untouched and will be easy to move back into. I am sitting in an air-conditioned office and am well-supported. I have electricity and internet access and I can buy gas without waiting in line for 90 minutes. When I turn on the tap, water comes out and I took a wonderful shower this morning. My kids, pets and I are safe and healthy and housed with family. All things considered, I have much to be thankful for.
Our new telephone number is 817-735-2737.
Almost all of the FM residents have new rotation assignments to begin on Monday in accordance with our usual rotation timeline. We should have that task completed by the end of the week so that everyone can be back to clinical work/education on Monday 9/22. It is anticipated that no one in the FMR will have a break in training.
Many, many thanks go out to FMR Program Directors across the great state of Texas, all who have volunteered rotations and many also housing for our residents. We are deeply grateful.
Applicants for the 2009 Match can expect an update regarding our status within the next two weeks, after we've been able to attend to the immediate needs of our current residents.
All FM residents and faculty are holding up well and making the best of a difficult situation. From my perspective, I feel a little bit guilty because although I'm displaced, the inside of my home is virtually untouched and will be easy to move back into. I am sitting in an air-conditioned office and am well-supported. I have electricity and internet access and I can buy gas without waiting in line for 90 minutes. When I turn on the tap, water comes out and I took a wonderful shower this morning. My kids, pets and I are safe and healthy and housed with family. All things considered, I have much to be thankful for.
Monday, September 15, 2008
communications
UTMB email system is operational again, so we will resume using that as our primary communication venue.Updates will be posted here from time to time, but please communicate with me by email from now.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
housing/rotations
I heard from Donna just a little bit ago. UTMB medical personnel are being relieved by a military medical unit. Donna has also been in contact with Adriana.
I understand from the two of them that there are a number of residents who are in hotels and need to be relocated. I'm not having much luck reaching people by cell phone, so please post a comment here and let me know if you are in housing where you can remain for potentially 2 to 4 weeks or if you need to be relocated. Linda and I will be working to make arrangements starting tomorrow.
Everyone try to be patient. Hang in there and call either Linda or me if you don't hear from us in the next 48 hours. Meantime, leave a comment here and let me know your housing status/needs.
I understand from the two of them that there are a number of residents who are in hotels and need to be relocated. I'm not having much luck reaching people by cell phone, so please post a comment here and let me know if you are in housing where you can remain for potentially 2 to 4 weeks or if you need to be relocated. Linda and I will be working to make arrangements starting tomorrow.
Everyone try to be patient. Hang in there and call either Linda or me if you don't hear from us in the next 48 hours. Meantime, leave a comment here and let me know your housing status/needs.
Press conference
The mayor says there is no water, no gas, no electricity and no communications. No time estimate about restoration.
Governer Perry says DO NOT make any effort to return to the island until further notice.
City Manager LeBlanc says UTMB is first on the list for restoration of services and the timeline is 1 week.
Search and rescue is the immediate concern and all efforts directed towards that until this has been completed. As of last night, they had completed to 11 mile road. Current info is that 3 bodies have been found.
For the residents - my plan is to have everyone sit tight for the remainder of this week. If we do not have information regarding imminent re-entry to the island towards the end of the week, I will locate alternate assignments for you all, hopefully in the areas where you are currently evacuated to. It will be important to begin bringing people back to the island as it is re-opened because we will need to be available as recovery begins. Some of the recovery work will be dependent upon availability of medical services when needed so we need to be there to do our part.
Stay tuned.
Governer Perry says DO NOT make any effort to return to the island until further notice.
City Manager LeBlanc says UTMB is first on the list for restoration of services and the timeline is 1 week.
Search and rescue is the immediate concern and all efforts directed towards that until this has been completed. As of last night, they had completed to 11 mile road. Current info is that 3 bodies have been found.
For the residents - my plan is to have everyone sit tight for the remainder of this week. If we do not have information regarding imminent re-entry to the island towards the end of the week, I will locate alternate assignments for you all, hopefully in the areas where you are currently evacuated to. It will be important to begin bringing people back to the island as it is re-opened because we will need to be available as recovery begins. Some of the recovery work will be dependent upon availability of medical services when needed so we need to be there to do our part.
Stay tuned.
anyone checking here?
Residents & Faculty: please post a comment if you are checking this blog! It only just occurred to me to try to communicate with everyone this way. The UTMB alert website is up but minimal information is being posted there. I have not been able to log in to the email system to try to reach everyone that way.
As I'm sure you know, very little information is coming from the island. Our faculty and staff who stayed on the island are all safe as far as I know. I've heard directly from or about Dr. Thompson, Dr. Simmons, Dr. Yadiki and Becky.
The best source of information that I've located is KHOU. They are broadcasting on DirectTV channel 361 non-stop. Their website is also being updated regularly. They just posted an important update. The mayor is supposed to hold a press conference at 1pm. Residency staff and I will be making another round of telephone calls to update everyone, but the latest I've heard to this point is that it will be AT LEAST Tuesday or Wednesday before the island is re-opened. IMO, that may be an optimistic timeline. Everyone please just stay put where you are for the immediate future and await further instructions.
As I'm sure you know, very little information is coming from the island. Our faculty and staff who stayed on the island are all safe as far as I know. I've heard directly from or about Dr. Thompson, Dr. Simmons, Dr. Yadiki and Becky.
The best source of information that I've located is KHOU. They are broadcasting on DirectTV channel 361 non-stop. Their website is also being updated regularly. They just posted an important update. The mayor is supposed to hold a press conference at 1pm. Residency staff and I will be making another round of telephone calls to update everyone, but the latest I've heard to this point is that it will be AT LEAST Tuesday or Wednesday before the island is re-opened. IMO, that may be an optimistic timeline. Everyone please just stay put where you are for the immediate future and await further instructions.
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