Otolaryngoloic treatment for cancer

Otolaryngology simply refers to medical attention given to ear, nose and throat conditions. Whereas in the recent past, EENT put all these three together, that is, including the eye, ENT (perhaps, a shorter and simpler way) now only refers to the said vital three organs of the human anatomy, especially because they are connected and related not only in terms of distance to one another but also in their functions.

The nose, probably the most conspicuous among the three, is connected to the ear, as well as to the throat through passageways that allow the air we breathe to be conducted into our body interiors. Although the ear was not specifically designed to serve as a passage for any fluid, whether air or liquid, it does allow air to enter through the ear canal with the help of valves that control the intake or outtake. Hence, every time we cough or sneeze, we can feel some air going out of our ears and even feel a bit slight hearing loss during colds due to some clogging of the passageways. Likewise, when we climb up a mountain, we can experience the same effect when the pressure inside our ears is higher relative to that of the pressure outside. This is easily solved through yawning, which alleviates the discomfort by opening up the ears valves and equalizing the external and internal pressures.

That is a simple description of the three organs as they relate with one another at their optimal level of functioning. But what if something happens to either one of these organs? Or especially, if a tumor grows in any one of them? We know that cancer cells can occur in any part of the human body. For smokers, often the effect of the habit on the throat (not to mention the lungs) is patently tragic as it bears the brunt of the toxins and carcinogens carried by the cigarette smoke. This is where Dr. Rich Isaacs’ expertise comes in. Removing tumors or cancer cells from the throat, as well as the ears and nose, requires a wide knowledge and experience in otolaryngologic procedures which he has acquired as a top practitioner in the field, among other fields he practices. Knowing how these organs function is a vital part of treating them when they encounter issues in structure, function and general muscular or cellular conditions.

Employees to serve as role models

Carman stopped exercising after leaving the military in 1991, and the pounds began piling on. But after his father died at age 54, and at the urging of his daughter, a nursing student, Carman decided in 2012 to start making a change. The constant encouragement Carman receives through Kaiser has helped him overcome his biggest obstacle: sticking with his exercise program consistently. “I’m just very grateful for everything my employer does,” Carman said.

While many employers encourage a healthy workforce, Kaiser, which employs 66,000 in its Northern California region, including 12,000 in the Sacramento area, has an additional motivation as a health-care provider. “We want all of our staff and physicians to be role models for our community,” said Dr. Richard Isaacs, physician-in-chief of Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center.

Kaiser’s program offers more than 250 wellness options that focus on six categories: physical activity, healthy eating, emotional health, prevention, healthy workplace and healthy community. Issacs, a head and neck surgeon, said the program has caused a cultural transformation at the company, reducing absenteeism and making employees happier and more engaged. Employees encourage colleagues to get involved, take lunch-time walks or train for competitions. There are free exercise classes, with yoga, Zumba and boot camp among the popular options.

Health care leadership program

“These leaders bring a broad range of experience as medical directors, administrators, and supervisors, as well as diverse fields of expertise including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, clinical informatics, public health, and business,” said Mark D. Smith, M.D., M.B.A., president and CEO of the California HealthCare Foundation. “In the nine years that we’ve supported this effort, we’ve been impressed with participants’ sustained commitment to improve the quality and efficiency of health care in California,” said Smith.

Over the course of two years, fellows convene in seminars led by nationally recognized health care and leadership development experts and faculty associated with UCLA’s Anderson School of Management. The program addresses health care issues from business, leadership, and public policy perspectives. Participants learn to build and lead teams, manage complexity and change, understand and use financial management tools, and respond to the changing health care environment.

“The CHCF Health Care Leadership Program was and continues to be a transformational experience for me” said alumna Susan Ehrlich, M.D., M.P.P., CEO of the San Mateo Medical Center. “As a public hospital CEO and practicing primary care physician, I am deeply committed to improving the health of our communities and the quality, cost, and experience of health care. Through its network of fellows and alumni, I believe the program will make improvements of these types at every level of health care policy and operations throughout the state.”

The willingness to serve

Medical practice is obviously a wide subject and incorporates so many different aspects of health-care and variations of methods or approaches, from traditional, alternative and even emotional in nature. The majority of people, however, depend on the general field of medical practice recognized by most societies and governments as the scientific and professional field of health-care provided by products of Schools of Medicine and are referred to as Doctors of Medicine (MD’s).

The more common term “physician” has also become synonymous with MD. To be a physician, in general, is to be qualified to provide essential health care using methods recognized by most public institutions as in keeping with accepted modern medical practices. This does not mean, of course, that ancient practices which have proven to be effective are without value in the modern medical profession. It only means that we have progressed to the level of fine-tuning the human capability to provide health care and to alleviate the sufferings of millions of sick people. And the people tasked with providing such highly-specialized skills also possess higher amounts of persistence, diligence and self-sacrifice than most people.

Dr. Richard Isaacs, MD, is a prime example of the qualified modern physician who has made good use of the worldwide web to present his credentials and his services to those who require medical care or assistance. A lot of people might either be surprised or turned off by such a direct approach to promoting one’s profession to the greater virtual community out there. That is because it might come out as somewhat demeaning to the noble profession of the physician which many consider to be more altruistic or service-oriented than most other vocations.

But that was common in the older times when medical practitioners worked silently in the bigger institutions, hospitals or hole-in-the-wall clinics they worked in. Today, doctors form so-called poly-clinics to provide a para-hospital alternative facilities for providing diagnostic and consultancy services. Most doctors, in the past, made do with putting up a sign on their home front-door as simple private general practitioners with a handful of devoted patients in their immediate neighborhood or locality.

Dr Richard Isaacs willingness to serve

The more common term “physician” has also become synonymous with MD. To be a physician, in general, is to be qualified to provide essential health care using methods recognized by most public institutions as in keeping with accepted modern medical practices. This does not mean, of course, that ancient practices which have proven to be effective are without value in the modern medical profession. It only means that we have progressed to the level of fine-tuning the human capability to provide health care and to alleviate the sufferings of millions of sick people. And the people tasked with providing such highly-specialized skills also possess higher amounts of persistence, diligence and self-sacrifice than most people.

Dr. Richard Isaacs, MD, is a prime example of the qualified modern physician who has made good use of the worldwide web to present his credentials and his services to those who require medical care or assistance. A lot of people might either be surprised or turned off by such a direct approach to promoting one’s profession to the greater virtual community out there. That is because it might come out as somewhat demeaning to the noble profession of the physician which many consider to be more altruistic or service-oriented than most other vocations.

But that was common in the older times when medical practitioners worked silently in the bigger institutions, hospitals or hole-in-the-wall clinics they worked in. Today, doctors form so-called poly-clinics to provide a para-hospital alternative facilities for providing diagnostic and consultancy services. Most doctors, in the past, made do with putting up a sign on their home front-door as simple private general practitioners with a handful of devoted patients in their immediate neighborhood or locality.

However, today, the number of physicians and medical-help providers has multiplied and the means of providing such services have become more dynamic and diverse with the aid of technology. A doctor does not need to be with the patient to provide care, especially with common ailments. Or even in more serious cases where the doctor cannot be present and as long as there are other qualified professionals who can administer the prescription in an acceptable manner. Hence, it is not uncommon for a patient to be in a hospital for a couple of days, for instance, without having been visited by a medical specialist who may be preoccupied somewhere else although she does gets proper medical care under resident doctors. Times change and the way doctors apply their skills has also evolved with the times and the needs of the growing population.

Business Journal names winners

Five Sacramento-area companies won top honors at a luncheon Friday for their employee health and wellness efforts. Rood & Dax Advanced Insurance Services Inc. of Sacramento won in the micro category (10 – 50 employees).

Dr. Richards Isaacs accepts a Healtiest Employers award on behalf of Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Kaiser won in the mega category (10, 000-plus employees). The health care nonprofit, which has made healthy living a central message in its advertising years, has had a wellness program since 2002.

Health and wellness facility

On June 16, Kaiser Doctors and area leaders broke ground at what will eventually be the new Promenade Medical Office Building in south Elk Grove. The two-story, 67,000- square-foot Kaiser Permanente facility will be designed to focus on matters affecting patients’ mind, body and soul. It will feature a 50-meter outdoor sports track that will be part of a 4,000-square-foot Sports Medicine Center where athletes can be evaluated and rehabilitated.

In addition to the sports center, the medical office will also house adult medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, health education, radiology, laboratory and pharmacy services. Elk Grove Mayor Sophia Scherman, Vice Mayor Steve Detrick, city council member Pat Hume, Dr. Richard Isaacs, M.D., and Dr. Lisa Liu, M.D., broke ground where the new facility will be built. “Your presence in Elk Grove means more quality health and wellness for our residents,” Scherman said in a speech before they broke ground.

Dr. Isaacs and Dr. Liu also addressed the crowd. Liu said the building will be “thoughtfully designed” with soothing colors, local artwork and a coffee bistro inside. “We’re committed to making our facility a one-stop shop,” she said. “We’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time,” Isaacs said. “Driving through the community, we’re aware of the economic impact in this area.”

Liu echoed that statement in her speech, saying, “I’m sure it won’t be long until this facility is surrounded by retail stores and restaurants.” The building will be adjacent to the vacant Elk Grove Promenade Mall site where construction halted due to developer General Growth Properties undergoing bankruptcy. When Scherman addressed the crowd, she discussed the unfinished mall behind her. “Although there is no set date, the mall will open,” Scherman said; “hopefully, within two years, it will be completed.”

Kaiser is thinking about the future, Isaacs said. “We’re really hoping this will stimulate this part of the region,” he said. Since 1999, Kaiser began phasing out the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic in construction and implemented more environmentally friendly construction materials in their building designs. The Promenade Medical Office Building will be built so that solar energy panels can be added in the future.

Kaiser promotes healthy babies

The healthiest thing any child will ever consume is his or her mother’s breast milk. Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento wants to make certain new mothers learn how to breastfeed their babies before they leave the hospital to increase the future good health for babies. Max Villalobos, senior vice president for Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento said, “This is an international recognition.”  He said a special thanks to Barb Hansen, assistant manager of health education, and Cheryl Cox, manager of the perinatal services unit. “Sometimes we overuse words, but this is prestigious,” he said. Currently, Kaiser South Sacramento is one of 83 hospitals nationwide to fulfill the program’s 10-step process to become baby friendly. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative was launched in 1991 with help from UNICEF.

Kaiser staff received a certificate of intent to work towards being admitted to the Baby Friendly program in 1993. Physician-in-Chief, Dr. Richard S. Isaacs thanked the staff for their commitment. Isaacs, an ear, nose and throat doctor, said he learned that breast-feeding a baby causes fewer ear infections as they grow. “It gives the child the best start,” he said. “It gives them natural immunity, it helps prevent infection, and it gives them tremendous nutrition. But more importantly it’s an emotional bond between the mother and the child.” Debra Payne, program planner for First 5 Sacramento was at the Aug. 14 ceremony to congratulate the staff. First 5 Sacramento was involved with this program at Kaiser too. Joni Wuthrich, director of prenatal services, said the staff have undergone training courses, learning the importance of encouraging breast-feeding over formula and allowing new mothers to “room in,” or stay with their baby the entire hour after delivery to breastfeed. “I’ve been a nurse for 34 years and every single year more research comes out about how good breast-feeding is for babies,” she said.

The doctor is out to serve you

Dr. Isaacs’ qualifications, as posted in his web homepage, were not meant to impress but to inform and convince people of what he is capable of providing. Rich is not only a specialist in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery but is also an experienced physician who has dealt with various cancer cases (facial skin cancer, jaw tumor. laryngeal cancer, paranasal sinus cancer and thyroid cancer and others). He has also worked in developing innovative medical procedures using robotics and computer-aided medical systems.

With his extensive experience and expertise, it is not surprising that Rich, who attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as an undergraduate, excelled in academics and garnered honors a graduate. He was born and raised in Detroit and finished his medical degree at the Wayne State University School of Medicine there, also finishing with honors.

Dr. Isaacs joined Kaiser Permanente in 1995 and he holds Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery. His specializes in such cases as orbital, nasal, and maxillofacial surgery, as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgical procedures. Moreover, Rich has undergone training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and is likewise an expert in post-tumor facial reanimation and facial reconstruction surgery. Rich is a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery as well as of the American College of Surgeons. He has written several articles in different medical and other related publications.

Kaiser health facility coming to Elk Grove

On June 16, Kaiser Doctors and area leaders broke ground at what will eventually be the new Promenade Medical Office Building in south Elk Grove. The two-story, 67,000- square-foot Kaiser Permanente facility will be designed to focus on matters affecting patients’ mind, body and soul. It will feature a 50-meter outdoor sports track that will be part of a 4,000-square-foot Sports Medicine Center where athletes can be evaluated and rehabilitated.

In addition to the sports center, the medical office will also house adult medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, health education, radiology, laboratory and pharmacy services. Elk Grove Mayor Sophia Scherman, Vice Mayor Steve Detrick, city council member Pat Hume, Dr. Richard Isaacs, M.D., and Dr. Lisa Liu, M.D., broke ground where the new facility will be built. “Your presence in Elk Grove means more quality health and wellness for our residents,” Scherman said in a speech before they broke ground.

Dr. Isaacs and Dr. Liu also addressed the crowd. Liu said the building will be “thoughtfully designed” with soothing colors, local artwork and a coffee bistro inside. “We’re committed to making our facility a one-stop shop,” she said. “We’ve been looking forward to this for quite some time,” Isaacs said. “Driving through the community, we’re aware of the economic impact in this area.”

Liu echoed that statement in her speech, saying, “I’m sure it won’t be long until this facility is surrounded by retail stores and restaurants.” The building will be adjacent to the vacant Elk Grove Promenade Mall site where construction halted due to developer General Growth Properties undergoing bankruptcy. When Scherman addressed the crowd, she discussed the unfinished mall behind her. “Although there is no set date, the mall will open,” Scherman said; “hopefully, within two years, it will be completed.”

Kaiser is thinking about the future, Isaacs said. “We’re really hoping this will stimulate this part of the region,” he said. Since 1999, Kaiser began phasing out the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic in construction and implemented more environmentally friendly construction materials in their building designs. The Promenade Medical Office Building will be built so that solar energy panels can be added in the future.

Kaiser Permanente: Company wants employees to serve as role models in community

Carman stopped exercising after leaving the military in 1991, and the pounds began piling on. But after his father died at age 54, and at the urging of his daughter, a nursing student, Carman decided in 2012 to start making a change. He credits Kaiser’s Live Well, Be Well program for his improved fitness. Carman dropped 40 pounds since starting the program and trimmed 6 inches from his waist. And in September, he was able to stop taking the blood pressure medication he’d been on for 10 years.

Carman ran in the December marathon as part of a four-member relay team with his daughter and friends. His goal is to run half the marathon this year, and the entire course in 2015. He’s also working on losing another 20 pounds. The constant encouragement Carman receives through Kaiser has helped him overcome his biggest obstacle: sticking with his exercise program consistently. “I’m just very grateful for everything my employer does,” Carman said. “We want all of our staff and physicians to be role models for our community,” said Dr. Richard Isaacs, physician-in-chief of Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center.

Kaiser’s program offers more than 250 wellness options that focus on six categories: physical activity, healthy eating, emotional health, prevention, healthy workplace and healthy community. Issacs, a head and neck surgeon, said the program has caused a cultural transformation at the company, reducing absenteeism and making employees happier and more engaged. “I’m watching our employees actually transform their lives,” Isaacs said. “They look different. They just exude health.” Employees encourage colleagues to get involved, take lunch-time walks or train for competitions. There are free exercise classes, with yoga, Zumba and boot camp among the popular options.

Employees can track their health improvements online and enroll in a wellness university, where they earn credits and even graduate.

To encourage healthy eating, there are on-site farmers markets and employee gardens at Kaiser’s South Sacramento Medical Center, as well as at offices in Davis and Rancho Cordova. There, workers grow vegetables and chefs demonstrate healthy cooking techniques. The program’s emotional health component encourages employees to pursue creative outlets. Toward that end, the South Sacramento Medical Center held its third annual art show March 28, where physicians and employees displayed paintings, photographs, sculptures, quilts, beadwork and floral arrangements.

Partnership with Kaiser Permanente to Develop Physician Leaders

This summer, as many as 16 third-year medical students from the College of Medicine will begin a year of clinical rotations at Kaiser Permanente medical centers in Sacramento, South Sacramento, Roseville and Vallejo.

The medical students will do rotations in pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, surgery, outpatient psychiatry, family medicine and adult medicine.

“Drexel University College of Medicine represents a longstanding commitment to excellence in medical education and Kaiser Permanente embraces this opportunity to partner with their faculty in bringing top-notch emerging physicians to the Sacramento region. We know that many of these students will choose to live and practice right here in our own community,” said Dr. Richard Isaacs, physician-in-chief, South Sacramento.

“We’re delighted to have our students participate in this partnership program and have the opportunity to learn about the unique model of care at Kaiser Permanente,” said Dr. Barbara Schindler, professor and vice dean for educational and academic affairs for the College of Medicine.

Premed students attending the Drexel campus in Sacramento have already had opportunities to observe Kaiser Permanente’s model of care through a unique 10-week physician shadowing program that was started in March 2011. Drexel’s Interdepartmental Medical Science program is one of very few such programs in the country. This is the first time the program was taught outside of Philadelphia.

“Our physicians are really excited about welcoming and training this first group of medical students who are expected to arrive in late June and begin their clinical rotations on July 1st,” said Dr. Lisa Liu, South Sacramento’s assistant physician-in-chief of health promotion who is spearheading the training program. “It’s a great opportunity to expose medical students to the power and integration of Kaiser Permanente and to showcase how we truly are the model for health care in this country.”

Kaiser Permanente and Drexel are also proud to co-sponsor the Sacramento Metro Chamber’s 2013 study mission, taking place this September in Philadelphia.

The fight of his life

James Grieve, 44, was diagnosed with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour (DSRCT) last July, when the family were living in Perth.

Grieve told his oncologist the family, who were originally from Britain, were only in Perth on a work visa and he and his wife Victoria wanted to take their children home to Taranaki.

But they were told it was a very aggressive sarcoma and he had to start chemo straight away, Grieve said.

"He made it clear I was going to die. I was going through chemo because I have four kids and something was better than nothing."

After six rounds of chemo, nothing had changed, he said, so they came home.

But before they left, Grieve's oncologist in Australia gave him three months worth of a trial drug, Pazopanib, which may inhibit the tumour's growth and give him more time with his four young children.

However, back home in New Zealand Pharmac won't fund the drug, which costs $10,000 for three months supply.

In a letter to MidCentral oncologist Dr Richard Isaacs, Pharmac said if Grieve was granted Pazopanib, people with other soft tissue sarcomas would also apply, because there was no clinical evidence to support the use of the drug specifically for DSCRT rather than other soft tissue sarcomas.