Members in the news

The WAFP wants to celebrate the accomplishments of its members.  That’s why we’re asking members to submit newsworthy articles regarding you, your practice and your commitment to the community.  Send your articles to the academy@wafp.org.

The WAFP reserves the right to screen all submissions.

Dr. Byron Crouse has been awarded AAFP’s prestigious Thomas W. Johnson award for 2011! The award recognizes outstanding contributions to family medicine education, an honor Dr. Crouse richly deserves for his continuous support of family medicine students over his thirty-year career.

Dr. Crouse’s passion for rural family medicine and his students is evident in his many innovative educational programs, including his development of the interdisciplinary Minnesota Rural Health School as well as the Wisconsin Academy of Rural Medicine at UW—Madison. Both programs are well known for the impressive number of students who go on to careers in rural family medicine. Dr. Crouse was previously recognized for his influence as a teacher when he was named 2008 Family Medicine Educator of the Year by the WAFP. Click here to watch his video and learn more about his inspiring work as a family medicine educator.

Watch Dr. Crouse's acceptance speech.

WAFP Member, Dr. Thomas  Willet has been recognized in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for  bringing affordable health care to the community by cutting back on office costs, and in turn, passing the savings on to the patients. Using this system, has not changed his income.  Furthermore, he has met with local government to propose implementation of a pilot Medicaid program for the state.  He estimates this program could save his county over half a million dollars. Read the full Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Article.

Congratulations to WAFP resident member Robert Jeske, MD on his appointment to AAFP’s Commission on Health of the Public and Science (CHPS).  Dr. Jeske’s enthusiasm, passion and commitment to family medicine make him the ideal choice for this position. Locally, Dr. Jeske has been involved in health care projects in the LaCrosse community and has been active in the LaCrosse-Mayo family residency program. He has helped recruit students to the program and has been involved in community outreach efforts. At the state level, Dr. Jeske is active in the WAFP and the WI Medical Society. At the national level, he has served on two AAFP commissions: Quality and Practice and Governmental Advocacy. Dr. Jeske was also the recipient of the 2011 Rich Roberts Future Leader Award.

As a key member of the AAFP Commission on Health of the Public and Science, Dr. Jeske will be working with other committee members on policy development for public health issues and review of clinical practice guidelines. Additionally, this commission will make recommendations for clinical preventative services, promote usage of new scientific and practice knowledge as well as work to address issues of cultural proficiency and disparities in health and care.

After a 2005 study in the Annals of Family Medicine showed the average length of doctor visits was 7 minutes, during which primary care physicians covered an average of four problems, WAFP member Dr. Paul Hartlaub was convinced of a more effective approach. Now, the founder of Proven Health Ways, Inc. has published a new app called My Health Checklist 2011.

A family physician specializing in preventive medicine, Dr. Hartlaub gathered trusted recommendations from research-based organizations, including the US Preventive Services Task Force and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. My Health Checklist users can access specific recommendations by entering their age and gender, or by browsing an A-Z list of health topics.

Dr. Hartlaub warns that My Health Checklist is a health education tool and is not meant to replace regular checkups with a physician. “It allows you to learn and improve your health, but just as importantly helps you prepare for that checkup. That way you know more ahead of time about what you are really interested in, and what questions to ask.”

My Health Checklist is currently available through the Apple App Store. Proven Health Ways also plans to make the app available as a cost-saving benefit supplied by employers, healthcare providers and insurance companies.

 Read the original press release here.

Congratulations to WAFP member Dr. David Usher on his ReforMedicine Clinic, where he hopes to bring affordable health care to patients. Dr. Usher will offer family medicine and bariatric services for flat fees, which will be posted for patients’ benefit, and will accept walk-ins for patients who need immediate care. Laboratory work and x-rays will be referred to area centers.

Dr. Usher has practiced family medicine in the Mayo Clinic Health System since 1999, previously serving as the chairman of the department of family medicine and the medical director for weight management services.

Read the original Eau Claire Leader Telegram article here.