Meeting Notes

2006

November 7, 2006

Dr. Janice Bunch called the November 2006 meeting of the Warren County Medical Society to order at 7:00 p.m.

A quorum was not present.  An informal discussion was held.  Topics of discussion included tort reform, election results, and increasing community awareness of our organization.  The possibility of a joint Christmas party with Greenview Hospital was also mentioned.

There was no CME presentation.

September 5, 2006

Under old business, revision of bylaws was discussed.  Dr. Rick Voakes presented the proposed changes.  The proposed changes were discussed and recommendations made for the final draft.  The official vote for approval of the bylaws will be held at the October meeting.  The membership will be notified by e-mail or fax.

Under new business, Dr. Emslie encouraged all to attend the KMA meeting to be held in Louisville September 14-16.  He and the other attendees will report back next month.  Two new physicians were welcomed.  Dr. Jonathan Mobley, urologist, and Dr. Redden, a student health physician at WKU.

Our CME presentation was entitled “Fundamentals of Phlebology:  Venous Disease for Clinicians” presented by Dr. Danny Harrison.

August 1, 2006

Under old business, revision of bylaws was discussed.  Proposed changes had been prepared by the Bylaws Committee (Dr. Bunch, Dr. Voakes, and Dr. Bryson) and copies were handed out to all in attendance.  A brief poll regarding opinions of the proposed changes was taken.  Members not in attendance will receive a copy of the proposed changes.  An official first reading will be held in September followed by revisions.  The revised bylaws will be sent out to the membership, and then a vote will be held later this fall.

Under new business, Dr. James Curtiss announced that approximately 80% of dues have been collected.

Dr. Emslie encouraged members to consider serving on a KMA committee.  There are many opportunities for service.  It is a good way for members to meet other physicians and take an active role in the KMA.  Service requires a one year commitment, but the time involved for meetings is quite manageable as most committees only meet once per year.

Dr. Emslie also proposed that the WCMS consider donating funds to the rural caucus committee.  A motion was made to donate $300, and the motion passed unanimously.

Our CME presentation was entitled “DVT Prophylaxis in the Medically Ill Patient” presented by Dr. Steven Ditelzweig from the Oschner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, LA.

June 6, 2006 

Dr Curtiss announced that 85% of members have paid their dues for the year.

Dr Voakes announced that the Bylaws Committee has met twice, and has found 4 areas that may need amending. The procedure for amending the bylaws requires a 2/3 vote of members present, but does not require a quorum. The four areas are: (1) should oral surgeons be granted associate membership? (2) should the requirement for KMA membership be dropped? (3) should the Board of Censors be dropped? and (4) should a new criteria for quorum be set? The Bylaws Committee will meet once more this month, and Dr Voakes will email the proposed changes to the membership, and receive feedback. Then proposed changes will be announced at the August meeting, so that a vote may be held at the September meeting.

Mrs Linda Krutza from Bowling Green Junior High reported back from the Healthy Kids Fair which the Medical Society sponsored last month. She said that over 800 children participated, and feedback forms were filled out by the children. Feedback was very positive, and the children want to have another Fair next year. They particularly liked the exhibits on pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, skin cancer prevention, dental care and the “Smoking Suzy” which showed the ill effects of smoke on the body. It was noted that this was the first time that a sponsored event had given us feedback.

Dr Emslie made a motion to sponsor the Kids Health Fair again next year, and the motion passed unanimously.

Dr Hendrix noted that a recent ad in the paper thanked sponsors of Kids on the Block, but omitted the Medical Society as a sponsor.

Our speaker was Dr Scott Conrad who presented the topic “Reducing Cardiovascular Risk”. The talk emphasized the use of high dose niacin to increase HDL lipid levels.

May 2, 2006 .

Under old business, discussion was reopened regarding membership for oral surgeons or other non-M.D. medical professionals.  It was determined that a by-laws committee would be necessary to ascertain what the WCMS and KMA would allow.  A motion was made to establish this committee and passed unanimously.  The committee will consist of Dr. Janice Bunch, Dr. Rick Voakes, and Dr. Keith Bryson.

Under new business, Dr. Rick Voakes, webmaster for the WCMS website, stated that the Health Department epidemiologist would be periodically submitting CDC advisories to post on the site.  Members were encouraged to visit the site and make suggestions.

April 4, 2006.

Under new business, a note was shared from Linda Krutza with Bowling Green Public Schools thanking the WCMS for their support in the spring health fair. 

Dr. Jim Curtiss, Treasurer, reported that dues statements had been mailed.

Dr. James Beattie made a motion to consider allowing oral surgeons to be members of the WCMS as Dr. Jerry Cohron has expressed interest.  Motion was tabled so bylaws could be reviewed.

Dr. Jennifer Gray reported that the Primary Care Clinic was officially closed.  The new Fairview clinic on East 7^th street will open soon.  There will be a ribbon cutting on 4/19/06 and an open house until 6:00 p.m. that day.

Members were encouraged to think about KMA issues.  The annual meeting is coming up in September.

By way of KMA updates, Dr. Beattie and Dr. Emslie informed us that SB210 is still alive.  This bill would do away with the statute of limitations for malpractice suits.  We need to continue to call our representatives on this issue.

March 7, 2006

Dr. Janice Bunch called the March 2006 meeting of the Warren County Medical Society to order at 7:00 p.m.

Under new business, Linda Krutza, Youth Service Center Coordinator for Bowling Green Public Schools, gave a brief presentation about an upcoming health fair to be held at BGJHS on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.  This fair is held every year for the junior high students to encourage healthy lifestyle choices.  The funding for this event has been cut.  The event costs about $500.  Ms. Krutza requested assistance from the WCMS.  A motion was made to fund the event.  This motion passed unanimously.

Dr. Marie Michelson made a motion that members traveling to Frankfort for the KMA be reimbursed for food and travel expenses.  This motion passed unanimously.

Dr. Robert Emslie informed those in attendance that a group would be traveling to Frankfort on March 8, 2006, for a meeting with Speaker of the House Jody Richards and KMA officers regarding a constitutional amendment for tort reform.  They will give an update at the April meeting.

Dr. James Beattie reported that he is aware of many soldiers back from the war in Iraq who are experiencing significant psychiatric issues, post-war depression, etc.  Physicians should ask their patients if they are experiencing these problems.

February 6, 2006  

Under new business, Jason Lisovicz, American Cancer Society Government Relations Specialist for Kentucky gave a brief presentation and asked for the Society to support a smoke-free ordinance for Bowling Green.  A coalition has already been established in our community that will soon complete a public poll and lobby City Council.  There was some discussion from the members present whether a quorum would be necessary to vote to render such support.  Discussion was tabled.

Following the official meeting, a one-hour CME presentation, “NSAIDs:  Cardiovascular and Safety Update,” was given by Asad Fraser, M.D.