A Publication that Indicates Commitment to Humanism

I am submitting a publication and current activities that indicate commitment to humanism in UICOMP Rheumatology faculty.

Prof. Muhammad Yunus and I have endorsed and have practiced according to the definition for Humanism in Medicine: Humanism encompasses those attitudes and behaviors that emanate from a deep sensitivity and respect for others, including full acceptance of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Further, humanism is exemplified through compassionate, empathetic treatment of all persons while recognizing each one’s needs and autonomy.

Our publication on a “Person-centered approach” to fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS)

(Masi, A.T.; White, K.P.; Pilcher, J.J. Person-Centered Approach to Care, Teaching, and Research in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Justification From Biopsychosocial Perspectives in Populations. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, Vol 32, No 2 (October), 2002: pp 71-9.) indicates the humanistic emphasis that has been devoted to care, teaching, and research with patients having this complex disorder, by Prof. Yunus and myself.  Dr. Yunus is an international leader in clinical research on this condition and has always emphasized personal issues in the development of this condition.  The disorder was not viewed as a disease caused by “agents”, but rather a reaction of the person to various host and environmental circumstances.  The difference is that the person was always the focus in doctor patient interactions. 

Presently, Prof. Yunus and I are preparing a submission for a widely-circulated rheumatological publication on person-centered approach to FMS.  Available survey information indicate that most rheumatologists either address this condition dubiously in terms of the reality of the entity or treat the symptoms and manifestations as the primary objectives, rather than managing the needs of the whole person.  

The reward for such attitude followed by our UICOMP rheumatologists is that former patients continue to express gratitude for past management, even after many years.  The satisfaction is that one can enhance the function and hopes of persons under ones care. 

Hoping that these remarks will inspire further commitments to humanistic practice in medicine, especially in Peoria.    

Best wishes,

A.T. Masi, MD, DR.P.H.

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria

OSF Employees Answer the Call

The following is reproduced with permission from Keith's Connection, the OSF St.Francis Medical Center news bulletin. Friday, February 4, 2011; Volume X, Issue 3
 

Even through blizzard, OSF employees answer the call.

All across central Illinois, we found ourselves digging out from the recent blizzard that dumped over a foot of snow across our OSF service areas. For the first time in many years, our Corporate Office locations, some OSF support services and physician offices were officially closed due to the inclement weather. Hospitals rolled out emergency protocols to keep our patients safe and well cared for. And once again, our employees answered the call.

Maintenance and housekeeping, food service, clinicians and technologists, physicians and nurses. . . all sacrificed their own needs and those of their families, to care for our patients in need. In times like these we are reminded of the impact of our call to serve. By God's grace, we Sisters and our healthcare ministry are blessed with all of you who dedicate your lives to helping others every day, no matter the weather or other interruptions of life. We Thank You! And we also thank your families. Their sacrifices and support of your work at OSF allow for you to live our Mission of serving with the greatest care and love.

Exergaming

I would like to simply recognize all those medical students, dietitians, and nurses involved in the "Exergaming" program throughout the year, a program in which students interact one-on-one with local community children once a week at the Riverplex to teach the value of regular exercise, healthy lifestyle choices and preventative health.  The beauty is seeing how positively the children respond to having this mentor in their lives.  Despite a hectic schedule these individuals still find time to give back to the community in a creative and positive manner, and should be recognized for this altruism and humanism in medicine! 

Peoria Cares about HIV/AIDS

When:    Friday February 11, 7:00 pm - till
Where:   Panache, 4203 N. Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL
What:     Benefit Concert Featuring Dave McDonald, Brett David, Arcade Across the Room
Cost:     $5.00 per person
Why:     100% of the Proceeds will help provide medications for patients with HIV/AIDS
Who:     Sponsored by Neutral Ground - First United Methodist Church

An Example of Humanism in Medicine from Tucson

Nancy Koff, a Dean at the University of Arizona College of Medicine wrote to the Arnold P. Gold Foundation regarding recent tragic events in Tucson. She shared that Dr. Randall Friese, the trauma surgeon who was in charge of triage as the victims of the shooting came in to the University Medical Center emergency room, was asked in an interview what happened when Rep. Giffords arrived in the ER and what he was doing. He said, "The most important thing I did was hold her hand." He was giving orders at the same time. Dean Koff commented, "...but I think it was powerful that he considered most important his actions of holding her hand, speaking to her and reassuring her that she was in the hospital and would be cared for...."
Inspired by Dr. Friese’s words, the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) Chapters around the country are joining in solidarity on February 14, 2011, to emphasize the power of humanism in medicine.

Linda Rowe, EdD
GHHS Chapter Advisor
U of IL College of Medicine at Peoria

What is PeoriaCares?

Here is the complete announcement about the PeoriaCares Project.  Pass it along!

PeoriaCares: The Power of Humanism in Medicine peoriacares@uicomp.uic.edu
Gold Humanism Honor Society

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria Through February 21, 2011

The students of the GHHS Chapter of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria firmly believe that the spirit of humanism is alive and flourishing in Peoria and deserves to be celebrated. We believe that "PeoriaCares," and we need your words to help tell our story.

With your help we will compile this online community "journal" of examples, moments, gestures, acts, decisions, activities, and projects that illustrate the power of humanism in medicine in Peoria. Settings could include hospitals, physician offices, therapy centers, emergency sites, homes or classrooms. Most importantly, we want to share how and where YOU see humanism in action.

Contribute to this project by describing an instance of humanistic, caring, behavior that has occurred or is occurring in a healthcare setting in the Peoria area. This could be something that you have witnessed, or that you yourself have done, or a project that is ongoing. Tell us what happened, where it happened, and how it contributed to better care. How did it make you, and others, feel?


The GHHS adopts this definition for Humanism in Medicine: Humanism encompasses those attitudes and behaviors that emanate from a deep sensitivity and respect for others, including full acceptance of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Further, humanism is exemplified through compassionate, empathetic treatment of all persons while recognizing each one’s needs and autonomy.

DIRECTIONS for Submitting an example of humanism to PeoriaCares:
• Send your example in an email to peoriacares@uicomp.uic.edu • Respect the privacy of others. We ask that you not include names or personally identifying information about patients or their families. • If you wish for your own name and identity to be included with your post, please so indicate. Otherwise, examples will be anonymous.•

To read our PeoriaCares journal, visit the UICOM-P website from February 14 through February 21.
Thank you for being part of a caring community!
Class of 2011 GHHS Members: Stuart Covi, Sachin Jain, Stephanie Kok, Mario Martinez, Stephen Soong, Julia Wirjo
GHHS Chapter Advisor: Linda P. Rowe, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
To learn more about the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and GHHS, visit:
PLEASE PASS THIS ANNOUNCEMENT ALONG TO OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND STUDENTS IN THE PEORIA AREA. INVITE THEM TO CONTRIBUTE!
GHHS reserves the right to edit submissions, if necessary, for space, spelling, or to protect privacy. http://peoria.medicine.uic.edu There will be a link to the journal from our home page.http://www.humanism-in-medicine.org

Paying it Forward

I would like to nominate Dr. Kelvin Wynn’s physician and medical student community volunteer group, called ‘Pay It Forward’. They get together 1-2 times a month to donate their time to local communities.

For example, they just recently donated time by helping with food service and other responsibilities at the Community Harvest food shelter in Morton, IL. They will also be returning there for more volunteer service on February 5^th and 12^th I believe.

I think it is great to see such extremely busy physicians and medical students finding time in their schedules to give back to their communities and setting great examples like this.

-Abe

Abraham Hafiz Rodriguez

M2 Medical Student

B.S. Biology / Neurobiology