Moving Forward

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4/13/2010

Are Doctors Sometimes Fibbers?

Post written by Bradley Hiner, MD

Speaking for me and my colleagues, the obvious answer to the title of this post is “absolutely not!” Yes, my tongue is planted firmly in my cheek. But what has my dander up currently is this: doctors who claim to be something they are not.

We all accept that behaviors of healthcare professionals that are blatantly false or misleading are unethical and perhaps immoral. Claims of “miracle cures” abound; remember Laetrile, the apricot-pit cure for cancer? The proliferation of outlandish claims in the treatment of incurable illness has been matched only by the growth in the Internet. Recently, I’ve had patients come in with articles they have gotten off the Internet about some treatment being offered somewhere in the world claiming phenomenal success rates for a variety of disorders including Parkinson’s. The story of “stem cells” being offered in China, Germany and elsewhere come to mind. In the words of our 37th President, “let me make one thing perfectly clear”: These claims are complete and utter hogwash. Unfortunately for the consumer, the claims are couched in so much pseudo-science that it may be difficult to sort out. But again I reiterate: Do not believe a word of it.

To me, these types of issues are a slam dunk. The claims are total nonsense and the world would be a better place if these folks spent some time in lockup. More problematic in some ways, however, are not the outright liars (I think they’re easy to spot) but claims made by reasonable doctors that are nonetheless misleading.

For example, I just today received a flyer about a Parkinson’s seminar being given by several doctors who, right on the poster, describe themselves as “Parkinson experts”. Well, I happen to know these doctors. I think they are very good neurologists. But I also know that they are general neurologists and not specialists.

Mind you, I have all the respect in the world for generalists be they in neurology or any other field. To be a generalist, you have to know about a lot of different conditions. One day in the office you may see patients with headaches, or dizziness, or back pain, or MS, or etc., etc. You may see the occasional movement disorder patient as part of that mix, but make no mistake — it is a mix.

I am proud to say that the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Program at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin does one thing and one thing only: We see Parkinson’s and other movement disorders — all day, every day. We have three neurologists dedicated to evaluating and treating these often complex conditions. We have personnel in multiple disciplines who have completed specialized training in these conditions. We have a comprehensive approach to Parkinson’s and movement disorders that includes the only active deep brain stimulation program in the region.

This is all we do, folks. We think we do it well, and we can confidently tell you that we are in fact “experts”.

The following is feedback received for this blog:

I completely agree. You are experts in the field of movement disorders. I want to thank everyone associated with your clinic for all the hours of schooling and study to get to your respective positions. I am the beneficiary of everyones dedication and hard work. THANK YOU!! On another subject, with all our scientific advancement, we are not very far from the "snake oil salesman", that can cure everything from rheumatism to the common cold. They seem to prey on desperate people.

- Donald Bogart

Posted 4:04 PM

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4/5/2010

Awareness Month

Post co-written by Drs. Blindauer, Hiner and Hung

For the first time, the United States has recognized April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month. The United States Senate passed a resolution March 26. We celebrate this major achievement in our efforts to advance the fight to end the burden of Parkinson's disease. Now with April upon us and this major achievement under our belt, let’s take Parkinson’s awareness to the next level.

Here are five easy ways to get involved during Parkinson’s Awareness Month:

Participate in one of the many Parkinson’s events that we have scheduled over the coming year. Mark your calendars for our annual Parkinson’s Symposium for patients and families on Sept. 25 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Country Springs Conference Center in Waukesha. Our keynote speaker this year is Eric Ahlskog, MD, PhD from the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Ahlskog has written, researched and spoken on Parkinson’s disease for many years.
Join one of our Parkinson’s support groups. About 150 people meet at these five groups each month to learn more about Parkinson’s and to how to “live well.” They enjoy the information and the sharing. Watch for information about the series of classes on Chronic Disease Self-Management: Living Well with Chronic Conditions. Vicki Conte(e-mail vconte@mcw.edu or call 414-805-8326 ), our Parkinson’s Program Coordinator has been trained as a leader and has scheduled several of these classes already. Watch for more information in our next blog.
Educate others about Parkinson’s. There are groups at your place of worship, school, workplace, senior center, club that may appreciate a speaker — such as yourself — to talk about Parkinson’s. Call our office (Vicki listed above). if you would like handouts for any such a presentation. Or, simply get in the habit of giving a brief explanation if your Parkinson’s symptoms are obvious and someone looks curious. “That darn Parkinson’s makes me freeze in doorways sometimes.” “I have Parkinson’s and my tremor is making me spill my soup.” Or, “my Parkinson’s disease makes things a bit slower from the brain to the mouth; but if you are patient, I will find my words.”
Donate to our Parkinson’s Program either for program development or research. Our second annual fund-raiser, “Moving Forward: Ride/Walk/Fun Run for Parkinson’s will take place on Oct. 10, 2010. Watch for more information on how you can volunteer, participate or donate. Call Vicki to discuss this event or to learn more about Parkinson’s research right here in our clinic. A future blog will talk about our Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Databank for research as well as an interesting study currently being conducted using an iPod Touch to measure tremor.
Read the latest Parkinson Report — the National Parkinson Foundation’s newsletter — to learn about the latest PD research taking place around the world and to access helpful tips for living well with PD. Read our blog!!

April is the one month of the year when the spotlight is on Parkinson’s disease. We all have a role to play in making sure that it shines bright and helps spread the message of hope.

Posted 11:53 AM

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Blog post by Dr. Karen Blindauer

We started our blog more than years ago and now are taking a break. We feel honored to have appeared so often on the front page of the Froedtert website. We’ve been able to share information on the illnesses that we treat, but, more importantly, we’ve shared stories about the people who have these illnesses. We’ve talked about patients who dance, sing, create poetry and prose. We’ve shared ways that people are “living well” despite chronic conditions. We have been inspired.

The Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Program at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin remains strong, comprehensive, interdisciplinary and continuously growing. We have three fellowship-trained movement disorder neurologists with over 40 years of experience among us. We have nationally renowned experts right here in Milwaukee. Our program offers the most up-to-date care in Parkinson’s disease (PD) including the state-of-the-art Deep Brain Stimulation surgery for PD and other movement disorders. Our nurses and therapists specialize in the treatment of PD and all have had the latest training.

Our Outreach Coordinator connects with all possible sources of information and referral for our patients regarding any psycho/social needs. She facilitates six local support groups and the Living Well with Chronic Conditions Program that we have spoken of so often.

The annual Wisconsin State Huntington Disease Conference meets on Saturday, April 21, at the Country Springs Conference Center in Pewaukee. Our annual Symposium for People with Parkinson’s and Their Families will take place on Saturday, September 15, also at the Country Springs Conference Center. Our annual Moving Forward: Ride/Walk for Parkinson’s event will again be held beside the Glacial Drumlin Trail in Dousman on Sunday, October 7.

We continue to teach medical students, residents and fellows, so the next generation of experts can carry on our legacy. We remain involved in research in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, from the basic sciences to the latest clinical trials. We continue to participate in community lectures to educate our patients about their conditions and treatment options. We remain committed to providing the most comprehensive, state of the art, compassionate, and expert care for our movement disorders patients. We’re just going to take a break from blogging.

Vicki Conte, the Community Outreach Coordinator in the Neurosciences Center is going to begin a blog that will cover topics throughout the neurosciences from ALS, dementia, epilepsy, spine care and stroke. You’ll learn about the roles that our neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-psychologists, and physical medicine and rehab staff play. And importantly you’ll hear about the struggles and victories of patients who are cared for here. Tune in to "The Nerve Center" on a regular basis at www.froedtert.com/nervecenter.

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