Healthcare

Break the Stigma Seattle: The Importance of Talking About Mental Health During Mental Health Awareness Month

Published on May 6, 2024

Encourage those struggling or in crisis to call 988 for help.

By Dr. Carl Janzen, Associate Director of Primary Care, for Optum located in Seattle.

Seattle, known for its coffee culture, great restaurants and vibrant tech scene, is also home to a growing concern: mental health. As Seattleites confront life’s challenges, like all Americans, they face unique obstacles that impact their well-being.

Many are struggling with mental health issues such as increased anxiety and depression. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during late June of 2020, 40 percent of U.S. adults reported they were struggling with mental health issues or substance use. These abnormally high numbers have disproportionately affected younger adults, racial and ethnic minority groups, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers.

Locally, like adults, youth are struggling too. Although a Washington State Healthy Youth Survey in 2023 shows that the number of youths in King County struggling with mental health issues is on a slight decline, there is still room for improvement. According to the survey, the number of 10th graders feeling like they have no one to turn to when depressed in King County is still 9.6% compared to 12.3% statewide.

Furthermore, those with depressive feelings is 23.5% locally compared to 29.9% statewide, and those feeling nervous, anxious and on edge are 60% compared to 61.7% statewide. Data Dashboard – Healthy Youth Survey (askhys.net)

Poor mental health among adolescents can impact many areas of a teen’s life and increase stress on families. Making sure teens feel connected to school and family is very important in helping them grow into healthy adulthood.

May is recognized as Mental Health Month, an opportunity to learn about mental health conditions and treatment options. Although exploring mental health treatment options, which includes psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy), medication, or self-care, can be confusing or difficult, is an important part of mental health care. Some important messages to remember this Mental Health Month are:

You are not alone. Millions of people in the U.S are affected by mental illness each year. By acknowledging how common mental illness is, we can better understand its impact and reduce the stigma.
Self-care such as practicing yoga or meditation, eating well-balanced meals, staying physically active and getting plenty of sleep, are healthy ways to help cope with stress so you can better take care of yourself and in turn, be in a better position to help take care of others.
Connect with others by talking to people that you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Conversation is a powerful coping tool that may help manage stress and help promote resilience.
Consider talk therapy, which may be an appropriate option for you. Telemedicine can be a tremendous help to people particularly for people who are unable to get in-person treatment.
Educate yourself by talking to your doctor or using online resources. The more you know, the more you can dispel misinformation or myths that can increase the stigma around mental illness and hold people back from receiving the treatment they need.
Talk to your child about mental health. Feeling connected to family and school can have a significant impact on their mental health, so communicating openly and honestly with your child provides them with a sense of connectedness.
If someone you know needs help, listening to them in a comfortable and non-judgmental way can be a good place to start. It’s important to genuinely express your concern and avoid blaming, criticizing, minimizing or assuming things about their experience.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Optum Disclaimer: If you or someone you know have thoughts about suicide, seek help right away. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.

Mental Health Month is a good time to have discussions about mental health and do your part to break the stigma.

The Young Bloods: Tariq Woolen, Olivia Moultrie, Cal Raleigh Give Blood

Published on April 27, 2023

The Young Bloods: Tariq Woolen, Olivia Moultrie, Cal Raleigh invite the community to donate blood by giving a pint and getting a bite at one of dozens of participating Intentionalist restaurants

SEATTLE (April 27, 2023) – Bloodworks Northwest, the primary blood supplier to hospitals in the Pacific Northwest, is launching the second year of its “SAVOR LIFE. SAVE A LIFE.” campaign on May 1 to boost the blood supply for local hospitals and patients who are counting on it. This year includes a dynamic collaboration with The Young Bloods, three of the Northwest’s favorite young, professional athletes; and Intentionalist, a social enterprise that makes it easy to find and support a diverse community of locally owned restaurants and small businesses.

The campaign, which runs from May 1 – July 31, seeks to raise awareness of the ongoing shortage of blood donations, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bloodworks Northwest is responsible for providing a safe and reliable blood supply to Pacific Northwest hospitals, and the organization aims to urge the community, in a fun and engaging way, to step up and help save lives.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Young Bloods and Intentionalist to promote blood donations,” said Curt Bailey, president and CEO of Bloodworks Northwest. “We’re consistently met with challenges to collect blood, whether it’s a storm that keeps people indoors, lack of school blood drives in the summer or something as massive as our recent pandemic, which put the whole world on hold. Donating blood helps keep our supply at a healthy level and prepares us for any emergency. Our campaign partners will assist in spreading the message that it’s easy to make a difference and help save lives in their community through the simple act of giving blood.”

Intentionalist is an online guide to intentional spending that support small businesses and diverse local communities making it easy to find local restaurants and other businesses owned by women, people of color, veterans, indigenous people, members of the LGBTQ community, and disabled people. Participating Intentionalist businesses will celebrate blood donors by “giving a bite for donating a pint,” offering a $5 voucher good at more than 20 participating restaurants from Eugene, OR, to Bellingham, WA.

“We are proud to work with Bloodworks Northwest to promote the life-saving importance of donating blood,” said Laura Clise, founder and CEO of Intentionalist. “When you give a pint and save a life, we invite you to enjoy a bite and get to know some of the small businesses at the heart of our communities. At Intentionalist we’re dedicated to closing the gap between our good intentions and action. When you donate blood and #SpendLikeItMatters, you truly make a difference.”

In partnership with Intentionalist, every Friday throughout the campaign is FREE BITE FRIDAY, featuring two Intentionalist businesses (one in the north – from Olympia to Bellingham, and one in the south – from Eugene to Portland/Vancouver). During the week, the FREE BITE FRIDAY businesses will be announced via the campaign partners’ communication channels. The first 56 people in line at each location will receive a FREE BITE – from free lunch or breakfast to doughnuts, bagels, ice cream or tamales. And why 56? FREE BITE FRIDAY is an opportunity to educate and inspire the community to donate blood, including the fact that every 56 days someone can donate blood.

This year’s campaign will feature Tariq Woolen (cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks), Olivia Moultrie (midfielder for the Portland Thorns), and Cal Raleigh (catcher for the Seattle Mariners) – helping to educate, inspire and call the community to action to donate blood.

“I believe that giving blood is a selfless act of kindness that can save lives and make a positive impact on the community,” said Raleigh. “Supporting blood donation is an opportunity to show compassion and help those in need, and I’m proud to be a part of such a meaningful cause.”

The Young Bloods’ are excited about the opportunity to engage with fans and make an impact on our community – and have some fun. As much as they each love our region’s eclectic food and beverage options – they also have their favorite go-to ‘power snacks.’ From Cal’s love of peanut butter and jelly to Olivia’s cottage cheese pancakes, Tariq relies on Hawaiian rolls and Cap’n Crunch when he needs a boost.

“As a part of the Pacific Northwest professional sports community—and as a proud Portland Thorn, I’m excited to join this important community health campaign as a Young Blood, promoting the simple, selfless act of blood donation,” said Moultrie “An hour of time and a pint of blood can save the life of a person you love.”

Woolen returns to Seattle as one of the NFL’s top defensive backs after being named a finalist for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. As much as he loves football – community has a special place in his heart.

“I’m excited to be a Seahawk and part of the Northwest community. And, I’m looking forward to giving back to create a healthier place for all of us to live,” said Woolen. “As a Young Blood, in the Savor Life. Save a Life. campaign from Bloodworks Northwest, I can have a major impact on helping to drive blood donation, which I’ve learned is so crucial to keeping our area healthy and safe.”

To learn more about the campaign and how you can help save lives, visit bloodworksnw.org/savorlife.

About Bloodworks Northwest

Donations to Bloodworks Northwest provide a lifesaving blood supply to 95% of Pacific Northwest hospitals. Since 1944, Bloodworks has served the Pacific Northwest as a local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based blood center and research institute. Bloodworks partners closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Its comprehensive services include blood components, complex cross-matching, specialized lab services for organ transplants, care for patients with blood disorders and collection of cord blood stem cells for cancer treatment. Bloodworks Research Institute performs leading-edge research in blood biology, transfusion medicine, blood storage and treatment of blood disorders. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on its services, expertise, laboratories and research. Blood donation appointments can be scheduled at BloodworksNW.org.

Cardiovascular Ultrasound Imaging Specialists, Enthusiasts Will Connect in Seattle June 10-13

Published on June 2, 2022

(SEATTLE, June 1, 2022) – With cardiovascular disease still the leading cause of death in the United States, improving the diagnostic assessment of patients with cardiovascular ultrasound is paramount. The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) will host its Scientific Sessions in Seattle, June 10-13, bringing together experts, enthusiasts, and multidisciplinary partners to teach and learn the latest in cardiovascular ultrasound imaging.

The conference, in its 33rd year, is aimed at advancing patient care across the U.S. and the world. More than 1,200 physicians, sonographers, nurses, veterinarians, scientists, and others are expected to attend the four-day conference, which for the first time will be held in a hybrid format. In-person attendees will convene at the Seattle Convention Center and will have access to over 60 sessions, workshops, oral and moderated presentations, and hands-on learning labs featuring cutting-edge education, foundational concepts, evolving practice and developing research.

Virtual attendees can live stream sessions from the main plenary room. “ASE 2022 is a comprehensive program that weaves together basic echo foundations, innovative science, and the traditional networking and social interactions that we have been missing since the onset of the pandemic,” says ASE Program Chair Sharon Mulvagh, MD, FASE, FRCP(C), FACC, a cardiologist and echocardiographer who retired from the Mayo Clinic and now works in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. “The meeting’s theme, Sound Waves in Seattle: Connecting the World, celebrates the silver lining that we have learned from our recent virtual meetings by also providing equity in digital access and global connections that our multidisciplinary cardiovascular ultrasound community now expects.” Examples of cardiovascular topics and abstracts that will be covered during the conference include ischemic heart disease, stress echocardiography, cardiomyopathy, and cardio-oncology; pediatric, congenital, and fetal echocardiography including the impact of COVID; structural heart disease, interventional and perioperative imaging; quality and appropriateness in cardiac imaging; and innovation and technology, including artificial intelligence, point of care ultrasound and critical care echocardiography. “ASE 2022 is the largest echocardiography-specific gathering in the world where attendees learn the latest and greatest in current practice and get a glimpse into the future of care,” says ASE Abstract Chair Dr. James Kirkpatrick, MD, FASE, chief of cardiac imaging and director of echocardiography in the Division of Cardiology at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle. “In addition to providing a platform for echo enthusiasts to learn and network with colleagues and thought leaders, in-person attendees can handle an echo probe and learn practical skills with one-on-one mentoring from an expert.” Dr. Kirkpatrick explains that cardiovascular ultrasound provides a unique window into the anatomy and function of the heart and blood vessels at the patient’s bedside, and that correct diagnosis determines a patient’s medical therapy. “Cardiovascular ultrasound is central to the practice of modern medicine, and ASE 2022 gives cardiac ultrasound specialists opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills and learn about the latest new developments, which ultimately improves the quality of care for patients living in the Pacific Northwest and beyond,” he says.

Other happenings at ASE 2022 include the Echo Expo, which consists of nearly 50 exhibitors, presenting new concepts, technology, devices and research; a keynote session by ASE’s 2022 Gardin Lecturer, Suzanne Simard, PhD, who will sign copies of her book, Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest; dynamic social and networking events; and the 13th Annual Research Awards Gala—a black-tie fundraiser hosted by the ASE Foundation. On Sunday, June 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Monday, June 13, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Convention Center, attendees are encouraged to visit rescue dogs in the ASE Bark Park, which will feature dogs from Ginger’s Pet Rescue—a Seattle nonprofit specializing in saving death row dogs. ASE’s membership includes veterinarians who use ultrasound in their practice to safely assess animal’s circulatory and cardiac functions. Learn more about ASE 2022 and download the conference’s final event program at ASEScientificSessions.org.

About ASE The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) is the Society for Cardiovascular Ultrasound Professionals. Founded in 1975, ASE is the largest global organization representing cardiovascular ultrasound imaging. ASE is the leader and advocate for physicians, sonographers, scientists, veterinarians, students, and all those with an interest in echocardiography, setting practice standards and guidelines for the field. The Society is committed to advancing cardiovascular ultrasound to improve lives.

For more information about ASE, visit: ASEcho.org and follow us @ASE360. Suggested General Photo Cutline: The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) will host its Scientific Sessions in Seattle, Wash., June 10-13, bringing together experts, enthusiasts and multidisciplinary partners to teach and learn the latest in cardiovascular ultrasound imaging. The conference, in its 33rd year, is aimed at advancing patient care across the United States and the world.

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) will host its Scientific Sessions in Seattle, June 10-13

Photo Credit: “Seattle Sunset” by Howard Ignatius is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Seattle’s Homeless Problem: End Of The Road

Published on May 2, 2022

The homeless crisis in Seattle is something that many Washingtonians are very well aware of. Native residents and visitors alike both ask the question: How has it gotten this bad? From the nomadic tent cities that struggle to find a placement within the city, to the prime windows of world-renowned corporations downtown, the juxtaposition between affluence and poverty is alarming. The income gap is massive.

Although the community has only recently seen a sharp incline, homelessness has always been in the city’s limits. The history of Seattle in particular is important to know when learning about how the current day homelessness affects the city.

In the 1890s, around twenty years after the city of Seattle was incorporated, early signs of poverty were starting to become apparent. On one hand, the city was starting to flourish and grow, as many of Washington’s early industries such as lumber and fishing were starting to gain traction; On the other, the population growth led to many residents being pushed to the fringes. Petitions were made by the community to the city for help keeping their businesses afloat or for housing but the city denied them. In fact, the city even went as far as to burn some of these camps down due to complaints from other residents with reasons mainly concerning the crime increase and public health.

Soon after the 1929 crisis, one of the biggest “Hoovervilles” (shanty towns built by the unemployed and destitute during the 1930’s) was in the city of Seattle. In 1941, just after The United States entered the second world war, many of the Hoovervilles, including the largest one, were burned to the ground for wartime use.

Evidently, Seattle leaders have failed to maintain sustainable or reliable solutions for the city. Instead, they have succeeded in alienating a population of thousands.

To this day, people experiencing homelessness struggle to stabilize their lives when the city does a relocation. IDs, wallets, and medications are some of the most crucial losses. This is also incredibly triggering for some people.

Currently, the city of Seattle has a budget of millions to help aid this crisis. According to The Seattle Times, The budget has gone from $50 million in 2015 to an estimated $150 million in 2022. Where is all of this money going?

“In 2017, the City of Seattle directly invested $68,098,060 in the homelessness crisis (City of Seattle, 2017). Such spending included money for rental assistance programs that prevent people from falling into homelessness, providing transitional shelter, building low-income housing, and other various assistance methods.” (Source)

According to Seattle.gov, there are three main categories that the city invests into:

Prevention (services to help those already in homes), emergency (services that provide safe spaces for people to stay, and a connection to housing), and housing: (services focused on permanent housing solutions including; rapid re-housing, diversion, and permanent supportive housing). There are also locations where the homeless can shower and some programs where donated toiletries are accessible, though these are limited.

I believe prevention is the most important place to invest in for the following reasons: Whether the homeless population is receiving assistance from the city directly or not, there is still a massive impact on the city. Homelessness is not something that is exclusively impacting those without homes, but also the community at large. Think about the children who face the harsh realities of not being permitted to play in playgrounds and sports fields due to potential needle exposure from the percentage of homeless who are drug users. Think of the average income taxpayers who wonder where their contributions are going, and what impact their money is truly making. Think of the thousands of frustrated service workers who work in shelters with those struggling with addiction and psychosis who do not have enough assistance, and see high turnover rates, and regressions back into the streets on a daily basis. It is also disappointing to be a city official who may deeply care for the displaced community but whose efforts are ultimately having little to no impact.

“The metric’s always been, ‘Well, we’re spending more money,’” said Jon Scholes, president of the Downtown Seattle Association and a supporter of the authority’s plan. “And then you walk down the street and you don’t see a difference.” (Source)

More examples in favor of prevention are the following: If an individual is homeless, this has the potential to lower their immune system from exposure to unsanitary environments, high-stress, and high risk potential for heightened drug use. A percentage of the homeless population often is in and out of the emergency room which makes it incredibly hard on hospital staff to address everyone who needs immediate care for those with homes and without homes alike. Also, once an individual becomes homeless, it may be harder to regain stability if they are having difficulty improving their lives. This is connected to a variety of issues Seattle faces, such as a portion of homeless individuals turning to crime. This is even exacerbated by less funding for the police force, which can potentially have a hand in making local businesses suffer due to theft and vandalism primarily.

Hope exists not only in direct solutions like the aforementioned ways of getting help but also in investing in public education so students are getting more opportunities to succeed. This includes food programs, increased mental health awareness and assistance, and higher pay for teachers so they have a greater drive to connect with students that are on the fringes. More alternatives include: implementing more opportunities for apprenticeships in the workforce (so young adults can have more respected alternatives to college), lowering the cost of education (to welcome more prospective students and lower post-education debt), and overall, a different reformed curriculum in the school system that is not only more forgiving, but encourages more meaningful critical thought, diverse classes, and equal wealth distribution.

The last angle on this issue I would like to explore is: Why might Seattle’s homeless reject help? In an article written in 2021 for The Seattle Times, an article cited that the city’s outreach assistance was struggling to give referrals that the homeless would follow through with in terms of short-term shelter. There is always a hesitation before one may decide to stay in a shelter because they are extremely uncomfortable. Many people report crowding, assault, thievery, cleanliness (i.e lice and other pests), or just generally poor experiences within shelters. The staff in these facilities are more often than not, overworked with pay that isn’t reflected by the amount of effort that is given. People also may deny assistance because of an inability to be accepted. People among this group would be illegal immigrants or refugees, individuals with pets that they are not willing to part with and individuals who abuse drugs. For the latter, there is also the inverse issue, where some shelters are known to accept drug users, therefore turning off those who are working towards sobriety. What homeless residents do tend to accept referrals for are private rooms, such as single-motel rooms or tiny houses. The average length of time stayed at enhanced shelters and tiny houses in 2020 was 102 and 349 days, compared to 68 days at basic shelters.

Many more efforts are needed to be done on everyone’s part to even begin to remedy homelessness as a social epidemic. What is being done isn’t enough. It is imperative to realize that homelessness is a symptom of a variety of ills that plague society; This is including the way drug addiction is handled, our societal attitudes toward mental health, surrounding regional cities not giving their homeless populations adequate assistance and then the said community relocating to Seattle, and lastly, the popular narrative that it is primarily due to skyrocketing rents and social security payments to at risk households, those claiming disability, and individuals struggling to find work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a large percentage of those below the poverty line were pushed into the streets, due to social programs withdrawing assistance, and shelters limiting capacity. Inversely, the homeless that previously camped in forested areas have come further in, due to scarcity of resources. This has resulted in rising health issues (mental health, illness spreading more rapidly), and increased drug use. According to an article in The Seattle Times, one local study found there to be a 50% increase in tent usage between the summers of 2019 to 2020. Seattle is not unique, because many cities across the country suffer from rising homeless populations; It would be optimistic to conclude that I believe it will improve soon, but unfortunately, in a society where many even above the poverty line struggle with ailments such as increasing living expenses, and studies reporting mental health worsening in all age groups within The United States, there is understandably a lowered initiative to change attitudes among all social classes to shift the situation.

Photo: “Seattle Homeless” by davidjlee is marked with CC BY-SA 2.0

Getting the health care you need during COVID-19

Published on August 25, 2020

King County residents have been turning to medical virtual visits, also known as telemedicine, more than ever during the coronavirus pandemic. While telemedicine companies have been around for years, the pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in virtual visits as primary care doctors, specialists and hospitals began offering the service as a way to help keep patients safe.

Now that medical offices and hospitals are accepting patients again for in-person visits and elective procedures, you may be wondering if you should return to your doctor’s office or stick to a virtual visit. Rest assured, your health care providers can help you decide what’s best as they work to ensure safe care for patients and staff. This includes changing the ways they deliver care like screening patients ahead of time to help determine if it’s best to go to a medical office or stay at home.

In-person Visits

If it’s determined that an in-person visit is best for you, you’ll find that to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, many facilities are taking the following steps:

·Screening arriving patients for COVID-19 symptoms and providing a mask and hand hygiene supplies before entering the center.

·Screening every employee for COVID-19 every shift and requiring them to wear masks at all times and appropriate personal protective equipment.

·Treating suspected and symptomatic COVID-19 patients in designated areas only.

·Promoting physical distancing with new clinic layouts.

·Cleaning and disinfecting exam rooms between each patient visit, and regularly disinfecting high-traffic and high-touch areas.

Virtual Visits

If you don’t require in-person attention, a virtual visit is still a good option. Many people are choosing virtual visits in non-emergency situations for routine follow-ups and non-life-threatening conditions. This option allows you to consult your doctor or other health care providers in your network via a secure video or phone appointment, all in the comfort of your home. Before your telehealth visits:

·Make a list of all the medications – prescription and over-the-counter – that you take and include the name, address and phone number of your pharmacy.

·Write down details about your symptoms, concerns, pain and feelings.

·Take digital photos of any injury, rash or other visible concern.

·Have your insurance ID card available.

·Use a phone, tablet or computer that’s connected to the internet. If you’ve never video-chatted before, consider a practice run with a friend or family member to work out the process and check the microphone and speakers. Headphones or ear buds provide better sound quality and more privacy.

·Have your home thermometer, bathroom scale, glucometer or blood-pressure monitor nearby.

Many area medical offices offer both virtual and in-person visits with extra precautions in place. In the Greater Seattle Area, patients and their caregivers who visit a physician who is part of the Seattle Medical Group (SMG) will have their temperatures taken while they wait in their cars, and then they are brought directly to the examination room.

Whether you choose a virtual or in-person visit, check with your health insurance provider to see if they’ve taken steps to help ease the burden during the health crisis. For example, Humana is waiving cost sharing (including copays, coinsurance and deductibles) for in-network primary care, outpatient behavioral health and virtual visits for our Medicare Advantage members for the remainder of the calendar year.

Getting the care you need is always important. Consider these options to stay safe and healthy. And remember, for life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or suicidal thoughts, always call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room. Bottom line, don’t delay care because you are worried about contracting COVID-19.

By Richard Smith, MD, Intermountain Regional Vice President of Health Services Humana

Neal ElAttrache Biography

Published on April 2, 2020

The world of professional sports is highly competitive. Athletes have to stay in shape and stay on top of their game to see success for their team. The body of an athlete is put under high demand, and this consistent demand can lead to sports-related injuries. These injuries can affect an athlete’s season, as well as their entire career. When an athlete gets injured and requires surgery, their future success is ultimately in the hands of their surgeon. This means the surgeon has to know what they are doing and provide the best care to ensure the athlete will be able to return to the game they love. One surgeon who has demonstrated his skill and passion for aiding athletes return to full strength is Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

Neal ElAttrache is an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in sports medicine at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles. He has dedicated his career to helping professional athletes recover from significant injuries that could have halted their careers. He is most recognized for the treatment and research of knee, shoulder, and elbow injury and repair.

Rise to Top Sports Physician

Dr. Neal ElAttrache studied at the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1981. His focus was set on entering the medical field, knowing he wanted to specialize in sports medicine. Following his graduation from Notre Dame, he went on to earn his medical doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh in 1985. He immediately started his internship in general surgery and started his residency in orthopedic surgery. Following this residency, he went on to become a sports medicine fellow at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in 1990. Dr. ElAttrache loved his time at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic so much that he joined the team directly following his fellowship.

Memberships

Neal ElAttrache is dedicated to his craft, both hands-on and through important educational and consulting positions. Dr. ElAttrache is a member of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic Board of Directors. He is also Chairman of the Board of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Foundation. He serves on the Board of Directors and functions as co-chair of Medical Affairs for the Kerlan-Jobe Institute. He also collaborates with Cedars-Sinai whose goal is to lead and support advancements in the fields of sports medicine and orthopedics on a global scale.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache is a former member of the Executive Committee of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Association. He is also the former Program Chairman for the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine.

In addition, he’s been selected for membership in the Alpha Omega Honor Medical Society, NFL Physicians Society, and many other prestigious groups that are leaders in orthopedic surgery.

Role as a Sports Surgeon

Neal ElAttrache has built his career on providing the best in orthopedic care, as well as giving back to his community and supporting future orthopedic surgeons. He takes pride in continuing to provide expert surgical procedures for professional athletes who still have a long career ahead of them. His reputation and track record of successful surgeries has led him to become one of the most highly demanded orthopedic surgeons in Los Angeles. He has held the position of head team physician for the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s also served as an Orthopedic Consultant to the Los Angeles Kings, L.A. Lakers, and the Anaheim Ducks. He also served as senior surgeon for on-site surgical support for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache specializes in knee, shoulder, and elbow injuries. All of these injuries can commonly occur in individuals who participate in contact sports.

As head physician for the Los Angeles Rams, Dr. ElAttrache was proud to be there when the team experienced their big Super Bowl win. He loves the rush of being right there on the sidelines to provide aid at a moment’s notice to the different members of the team. He takes personal pride in ensuring the health and safety of the athletes under his care.

Recognitions

Dr. Neal ElAttrache has a long career in sports medicine with no sign of slowing down any time soon. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and recognitions for his dedicated work in sports medicine. He has been recognized as a top sports medicine specialist by several different organizations. The Los Angeles Daily News included Dr. ElAttrache as a “Top 50 Most Powerful in Los Angeles Sports.” USA Today included him in their list of “The 100 Most Powerful People in MLB.” He was selected by peer review for “Best Doctors in America,” and Castle Connolly included him in their list of “America’s Top Doctors.” He’s also been labeled “Super Doctor” by Super Doctors of Southern California.

Baseball Prospectus, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated Online all recognized him as “Top 10 Sports Medicine Doctors in America.” His list of recognitions goes on and on. What all his recognitions share in common is that they highlight his commitment to orthopedics and sports medicine. His commitment to athlete success continues to build his career and his recognition not only in Los Angeles, but throughout the entire U.S.

He was installed as the 47h president of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) on Saturday, July 7th, 2018.

Work Outside of Surgery

Dr. ElAttrache is truly committed and passionate about sports medicine. When he isn’t operating, he is serving his community through different memberships and committees. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. He has authored over 40 textbook chapters and 100 research journal articles. He’s also participated in 10 orthopedic instructional videos. He has also given over 317 lectures at national and international orthopedic surgery conferences. With over 37 years of experience, he enjoys sharing his experiences with others in the field.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache Today

Neal ElAttrache continues to focus on providing quality medical treatment to the athletes of the L.A. Rams team. He knows how detrimental an injury can be, and so he provides the expert care these athletes need to continue to play at their best. According to the ChicagoTribune.com, Dr. ElAttrache is married to Tricia as well as the brother-in-law to Sylvester Stallone. His long career is full of recognition for his commitment to advancing sports medicine and orthopedic medicine. He continues to support the state-of-the-art work performed at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic.

Photo credit: “Twilight at Dodger Stadium” by LifeSupercharger is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

A Huge Win for 3M and Bair Hugger, Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuits from over 5,000 Plaintiffs

Published on August 2, 2019

Over the last six years, lawsuits against 3M have been slowly making their way through the legal system and 3M has been rigorously defending their product, the Bair Hugger. The lawsuits claim that 3M’s patient warming system, the Bair Hugger, causes post-surgical infections. The judge tossed out the lawsuits because as 3M stated originally when the lawsuits were filed, the Bair Hugger is a perfectly safe for patients used them during a surgery.

The legal victory was announced on Thursday. In a statement released by 3M, the general manager of 3M Medical Solutions Business, Dr. Todd Fruchterman, says that this victory is a win for not only 3M but for patients, hospitals and doctors everywhere who use Bair Hugger. The benefits of using Bair Hugger on patients who have to undergo surgery are numerous and the lawsuits continue to prove Bair Hugger provides a critical component to an operating room.

The plaintiffs claimed in their lawsuits that the Bair Hugger could increase the risk of infection in a few different ways. One claim was that the blower could be colonized with bacteria and has the capabilities to blow bacteria in the air above a surgical wound. Another claim is that the blower can suck up bacteria particles from the floor and blow those particles over the surgical wound. The lawsuit also claimed that the Bair Hugger could disrupt the ceiling to floor airflow that is designed to remove skin particles from the operating room. U.S. District Judge Joan Erickson in Minneapolis ruled that none of the plaintiff’s experts could prove the above claims.

Dr. Fruchterman said in the statement, “There is no legitimate scientific support for the plaintiffs’ theory. We are pleased that the court has dismissed all of the cases in the multidistrict litigation. “ He concluded with, “Most importantly, we want physicians and patients to understand that the practice of patient warming is supported by leading health care institutions, professional societies and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Our industry-leading 3M Bair Hugger system has been proven to be a safe, effective and efficient method of delivering patient warming therapy.”

The Bair Hugger was invented by an anesthesiologist from Minnesota named Dr. Scott Augustine in 1987. He pioneered the idea of using a warming blanket to keep patients warm during a critical time during surgery. He invented the Bair Hugger as a means to warm a patient’s body before, during, and after surgery to help prevent perioperative hypothermia. During surgery, the body is not clothed and operating room temperatures are kept cold keep the staff comfortable during a stressful time. These two factors were known to cause hypothermia in patients. Other benefits of warming a patient during surgery include less bleeding and a fast recovery post surgery.

After the invention of the Bair Hugger, the device was used in hospitals all over the country. The Bair Hugger also made Dr. Augustine a lot of money. For decades, the device was used with no complaints or issues until Dr. Augustine had a very public falling out with the board of his company.

The company that sold the Bair Hugger warming device was Arizant Inc. and in 2002, he resigned as chairman and CEO. There as a disagreement and he decided to resign but the reason was never made clear. Shortly after, Dr. Augustine and Arizant settled in court over Medicare fraud concerning a different device that he had invented. In 20014, he pled guilty to a single misdemeanor charge stemming from the Medicare fraud investigation. He then sued Arizant claiming that they owed him the $2 million fine from the fraud charge and under a settlement he received $5 million. Arizant during this time was purchased by 3M. The product then became the 3M Bair Hugger.

Once the lawsuits were settled, Dr. Augustine did not stop there. He then rallied against 3M and the Bair Hugger, his old invention, claiming that his old invention was faulty. He said that the Bair Hugger poses a danger to surgical patients receiving implant devices such as heart valves and joints by spreading bacteria via the forced air. The bacteria can then potentially cause infections that have life threatening consequences.

All these claims sound very alarming but the one thing that Dr. Augustine did not have was proof of his claim. Also, his defamatory statements came a very coincidental time for Dr. Augustine. He had just launched a competitive product to the Bair Hugger and it was believed by individuals who were familiar with the technology that these statements were designed to drive interest to his new product.

He went so far as to speak out about the Bair Hugger and professional medical meetings and had studies underwritten on his behalf to try and prove that the Bair Hugger was responsible for spreading bacteria throughout the operating room. He put videos on his new website that suggested that his device was superior and safer than the Bair Hugger.

Professionals and specialist in the medical field found his claims to be unsubstantiated however, the legal community saw an opportunity. A false rumor spread that the Bair Hugger was responsible for post surgical infections and the lawsuits soon followed. However, these Bair Hugger lawsuits are proving to be built on baseless accusations. This dismissal is a huge win for 3M but there are still two similar cases pending that were filed in Texas and Missouri. This legal victory for 3M sets the tone for the rest of the lawsuits moving forward. Experts believe that these other lawsuits are also just as baseless and believe that they too will be dismissed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bair_Hugger

Blood Supply to Local Trauma Centers in Seattle Running on Fumes

Published on April 26, 2019

Bloodworks Northwest issuing urgent appeal for donors after inventories dipped sharply

Bloodworks Northwest at Less Than 1 Day Supply of O Blood Types.

SEATTLE, Wash. (APRIL 25, 2019) – Running out of gas is inconvenient but running out of blood is deadly. Bloodworks Northwest is at less than a single day supply of O Positive and O Negative because those specific types are required most for emergencies in trauma centers across the Pacific Northwest.

“Making things worse, there is a nationwide shortage on group O, the universal blood type, which effects our ability to receive assistance from other parts of the country,” says Brian Danforth, Bloodworks Northwest Senior Customer Engagement and Business Development Executive. “Compounding the problem is the fact that Easter weekend donations were down as well.”

Bloodworks has fun perks for people who donate a pint by April 30 to help end the shortage. Donors who give before the end of the month will be entered to win travel prizes like $500 Alaska Airlines vouchers, $100 REI and gas gift cards. The campaign is called Bold for Blood & Adventure. So far, response has been encouraging, but Bloodworks is concerned that the upcoming Memorial Day weekend will impact their ability to provide urgently-needed blood for emergencies at a time when the trauma units around our region typically experience high patient usage.

“We’re urging folks to make an appointment as soon as possible to pump up the community, if you will, and help restore our inventories to normal levels,” says Danforth. “A strong blood supply is critical to healthcare in our community.”

Donors can find locations of donor centers and drives or make appointments online at BloodworksNW.org, by calling 800-398-7888, or by texting ‘bloodapp’ to ‘91985’ to download the Bloodworks App.

Blood donation takes about an hour and each donation can help up to three people in the Pacific Northwest. The actual donation time is only about 10 minutes. Most people in good health are eligible to donate blood every 56 days. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood.

Bloodworks Donor Centers:

Please check BloodworksNW.org for latest hours and locations.

About Bloodworks Northwest

Bloodworks (formerly Puget Sound Blood Center) is backed by 75 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. It is local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based. A recognized leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks serves patients in more than 100 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska — partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Comprehensive services include blood components, complex cross-matching, specialized lab services for organ transplants, care for patients with blood disorders, and collection of cord blood stem cells for cancer treatment. Bloodworks Research Institute performs leading-edge research in blood biology, transfusion medicine, blood storage and treatment of blood disorders. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. For more information, visit bloodworksnw.org

Bloodworks Northwest Receives $240K Grant

Published on December 12, 2018

Bloodworks Northwest Says Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound
$240,000 Grant Will Help Hospital Partners Save Lives
New Automated Blood Banks Will Increase Safety, Access to Emergency Blood Support

SEATTLE, WA – Seattle-based Bloodworks Northwest is proud to announce a $240,000 grant from the Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound to help Bloodworks Northwest provide a new fleet of live-saving HaemoBank blood dispensers to area hospitals—an “ultra-smart refrigerator” that operates like a highly-computerized vending machine.

The Blood Track HaemoBank Blood Allocation System by Haemonetics is a 24/7 virtual, automated blood bank allowing local hospitals immediate access to a full range of red blood cells types—all tested, and transfusion ready. They are digitally linked directly to Bloodworks Northwest transfusion service labs and backed up by sophisticated tracking and matching systems. That means it takes less than 10 minutes to assign specific units to patient in need. The new HaemoBank machines replace older, larger Haemosafe machines.

The first round of this transition from older Haemosafe machines to the newer, smaller HaemoBank machines began in Monroe where Evergreen Hospital installed a 20 blood unit dispenser. More HaemoBanks will be installed at Virginia Mason in March and later at Snoqualmie Valley Hospital in May 2019. Bloodworks Northwest CEO & President Dr. Jim AuBuchon says, “These machines will have a huge impact on hospitals and help Bloodworks Northwest better serve more rural local hospitals early in 2019. By moving to these newer models with a smaller footprint, we have the opportunity to move into smaller facilities that do not transfuse as many units as larger hospitals. This program allows hospitals have faster access to blood on-site.” Blood transfusions are the most frequently-performed medical procedure that people have during hospital stays. About five million Americans receive transfusions every year. Dr. AuBuchon adds, “We are grateful to The Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound (ECF) for their generous funding of these lifesaving machines that emphasize safe, quick, and efficient support for our hospital partners and will make more un-cross matched blood readily available to better respond to major emergencies. Bloodworks Northwest is grateful for ECF’s support that will have a big impact on thousands around Puget Sound.”

Patricia Meissner, ECF Board President says, “The $240,000 ECF grant for the new HaemoBank Blood dispensers was made possible by the generous Boeing employees who choose to combine their contributions by giving to ECF, which enables us to make significant grants that keep our communities strong and healthy.”

About BloodworksNW
Bloodworks (formerly Puget Sound Blood Center) is backed by 70 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. It is local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based. A recognized leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks serves patients in more than 90 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska — partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Comprehensive services include blood components, complex cross-matching, specialized lab services for organ transplants, care for patients with blood disorders, and collection of cord blood stem cells for cancer treatment. Bloodworks Research Institute performs leading-edge research in blood biology, transfusion medicine, blood storage and treatment of blood disorders. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. For more information, visit bloodworksnw.org

VA Reports Show Hospitals Need Further Improvement

Published on October 17, 2018

Veterans Affair Department

The Veterans Affairs administration has had significant issues over the years. Between internal matters festering to the outside, false reporting, and patient care falling to the wayside over the years, the VA has not been meeting standards. With yearly VA reports recently released, reports indicate that improvements have been made, but, not enough has been changed to create sustainable change. The Veterans Affairs administration has struggled to provide quality care to veterans. The VA has released new statistics that show small steps are being achieved to move this broken system in a better direction. According to USA Today, the number of one-star Veterans Affairs hospitals has dropped from 14 to nine since last year. That means that will improvements are being made, but, there is still a lot of progress to be made.

A VA medical center in Memphis Tennessee has been one of the lowest rated medical centers in the country. It was recently ranked a one-star hospital for the third year in a row. The issues in this hospital that have been reported have surrounded the critical issue of patient safety. Patient safety issues have increased at this location and led to the low score this facility continues to receive. The questions persist, why can’t they improve the processes or leadership that prohibit this facility to earn a higher rating that would ultimately help veterans? If there are consistent issues, there might be a theme that runs through these hospitals. Employees within the VA have reported that internal reporting can fall on deaf ears, and often issues that need to be addressed are pushed aside or silenced. This is not a way to fix a broken system.

Facilities that continually score low and have persistent problems need increased monitoring and stronger leadership. In the reports that are released each year, there seem to be several consistent findings among the lower performing hospitals. Not surprisingly, the Phoenix VA hospital remains at the bottom of the barrel for national ranking. Since the 2014 scandal that arose out of their false patient reporting, it seems like they have made very little progress. Across the board, there was both downward and upward movement for hospitals across the country. While some improved, others dropped. This inconsistent in upward improvement reveals that there is still a lot of work to improve the system so that veterans across the country are receiving quality care.

Whistleblowers have been coming forward to expose the truth about their patient or professional experience with the VA. When they have come forward, Attorney Natalie Khawam of the Whistleblower Law Firm has been representing them in their fight for justice. Khawam works with internal and external whistleblowers, as well as veterans who are not receiving the proper health care they are entitled to that have led to problems that could have been prevented. While veterans were willing to put their lives on the line for our country’s freedom, when they return home they are not always treated how one would expect. Attorney Khawam has represented several veterans who have fallen victim to low VA healthcare standards.

Sergeant First Class Richard Stayskal is a veteran. Due to a misdiagnosis, Stayskal is facing terminal cancer. He will leave behind a wife and two children and is not able to take legal action according to certain doctrines. Attorney Khawam is representing him to fight for a different outcome and find recourse for him and his family. Another example of this is when Attorney Khawam represented a Marine combat veteran who was trying to sue for malpractice. A five-year delay in diagnosing potential cancer will cut his life short. If the VA isn’t taking care of its patients, someone else must fight for their and their family’s future and ensure mistakes made by healthcare providers are corrected. Of course, health care providers are not perfect, and sometimes mistakes are made. But the consistent pattern of the VA failing its veterans is displayed through the misdiagnosis that was fueled further by unreasonable wait times.

These recent reports do not instill confidence in Veterans and their families. The only thing that seems consistent about the VA is how inconsistent the system functions. It is a terrifying thought that the inefficiency of VA hospitals leads to life or death outcomes. But unfortunately, this has been the result for some veterans who have had to rely on VA health care. Systems that have persisting problems take time to improve. But is unfortunate for veterans located in specific parts of the country, that little to no improvement has been made in the lowest ranking hospitals. Thankfully there are resources like the Whistleblower Law Firm, who aim to help veterans get what they deserve.

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