| Date: March 14, 2011 | Media Contact: | Chuck Moran |
| | | Pennsylvania Medical Society |
| For Immediate Release | | (717) 558-7820 |
(Harrisburg, PA) Callers flooded the phone lines on March 9 with an array of health-related questions with many asking about low-cost resources during the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s public service program “Docs on Call.” Approximately 300 viewers ranging in age 20 - 84 spoke with 24 volunteer physicians during WGAL’s evening news programming.
Callers’ questions ran the gamut of health topics, from fibromyalgia to heart issues, and from sciatica to and skin rashes. Several physician volunteers noted the increase in callers’ questions regarding free or low-cost clinics. “It’s a sign of the times,” noted Lebanon electrophysiologist Jeffrey Williams, MD, “and we’re grateful to be able to help.”
“Being able to spend time talking with nearly 300 patients who may not have access to a physician makes ‘Docs on Call’ especially rewarding to our members,” says Ralph Schmeltz, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
Pennsylvania Medical Society member physicians who volunteered for “Docs on Call” include:
Cumberland County Medical Society: Namrata V. Haldipur, MD, Internal Medicine; Arlene G. Seid, MD, Family Medicine, Occupational Medicine; Dauphin County Medical Society: Alison L. Chetlen, DO, Radiology; Luke V. Chetlen, DO, Emergency Medicine; Henry D. Train, MD, Phlebotomy; James A. Yates, MD; Plastic Surgery; Lancaster City & County Medical Society: Paul Allegretti, DO, Gastroenterology; William A. Carter, MD, Family Medicine; Laura H. Fisher, MD, Allergy & Immunology; Joseph J. Irwin, MD, Family Medicine; Bertram Johnson, Jr., MD, Cardiovascular Disease; William T. Monacci, MD, Neurosurgery; Michael R. Pavlica, MD, Ophthalmology; Alan S. Peterson, MD, Family Medicine/Geriatrics; Karen A. Rizzo, MD, Otolaryngology; Matthew A. Weitzel, MD, Family Medicine; Thomas R. Westphal, MD, Orthopedic Surgery; Lebanon County Medical Society: Beth P. Williams, MD, Ob/Gyn; Jeffrey L. Williams, MD, Cardiovascular Disease; York County Medical Society: Jeffrey H. Chaby, DO, Ophthalmology; Michael B. Furman, MD, Physical Medicine & Rehab; Guita Ghadiri, MD, Internal Medicine, Nephrology; Robert L. Sterling, Jr., MD, Clinical Neurophysiology; David D. Vega, MD, Emergency Medicine.
The patient-doctor relationship has been the priority of the Pennsylvania Medical Society since its founding in 1848. While there are many issues currently being debated about health system reform, the physician members will continue to focus on better health for all Pennsylvanians.
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