Jefferson Anesthesiologist Comments in CNN Story on Michael Jackson

9.02.2009 editor
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A CNN story appearing online last week includes the insights of Jefferson’s Director of Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Management, Eugene Viscusi, MD. Dr. Viscusi was interviewed regarding the drugs found in Michael Jackson’s body at the time of his death in June. The Los Angeles County coroner has ruled the death a homicide, and found that the drug propofol and the sedative lorazepam were “the primary drugs responsible for Jackson's death.”

Dr. Viscusi commented that adding [sedatives including lorazepam found in Michael Jackson’s body] to propofol, commonly used as a general anesthetic for surgeries and diagnostic procedures, amplifies the sedative effect and increases the risk of respiratory arrest. Interactions are "managed all the time, and well understood" in a hospital setting, he said, but emphasized, "These drugs have no place in an unmonitored setting or in unskilled hands.”

Read the CNN news story.

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20th Annual Free Prostate Cancer Screenings September 16 and 23

8.28.2009 editor
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For the 20th consecutive year, Jefferson Hospitals will offer free prostate cancer screenings in September -- the month designated for national prostate cancer awareness. Prostate cancer screenings are recommended for all men age 35 years and older.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men. Screening is important because prostate cancer shows no symptoms in its earliest stages.

Event Overview

Free Prostate Cancer Screenings (You must register for these screenings by calling 1-800-JEFF-NOW)

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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Edith Mitchell Receives National Medical Association Council on Concerns of Women Physicians Pfizer Research Award

8.28.2009 editor
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Edith Mitchell, M.D., clinical professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, was honored with the 2009 National Medical Association Council on Concerns of Women Physicians Pfizer Research Award.

The award is given to a woman who has made outstanding contributions to clinical or academic medicine. It was presented at the Muriel Petioni, M.D. Awards Luncheon, which took place at the National Medical Association Convention in Las Vegas in July. Female physicians who strive to eliminate health care disparities and provide quality health care to minorities are honored.

“This is a great honor as there are so many women physicians who are also deserving of this award,” said Dr. Mitchell, who is also Associate Director for Diversity Programs at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson.

Read the full news release

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Recommended Shots for Children Heading Back to School

8.24.2009 editor
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Last week, thousands of radio listeners in the Philadelphia area heard Jefferson’s Gary Emmett, MD, recommend both regular flu and H1N1 shots for children heading back to school this fall. Dr. Emmett, who is Director of Hospital Pediatrics, said that because swine flu remained in the area over the summer and affected a number of children in summer camps, parents are much more willing to get a flu shot for their children.

Dr. Emmett conveyed what he and other physicians say to parents when they bring their kids in for checkups before school starts.

"You have to talk to parents with children with asthma and other chronic illnesses every time they come in and remind them that if they are well enough to get a flu shot that day, get it that day."

Read the full story

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Endoscopic Ultrasound of the Pancreas: What Can a Patient Expect?

8.21.2009 editor
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Thomas Kowalski, MD is an associate professor of medicine and Medical Director of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Jefferson Digestive Disease Institute. He has been named one of the area’s Top Doctors by Philadelphia magazine.

Question: Recently, I had a CT scan for something totally unrelated, and an abnormality in my pancreas was found. My doctor says I need an endoscopic ultrasound for further evaluation. What is this procedure?

Answer: Your experience is not unusual -- abnormalities of the pancreas are often discovered on standard imaging studies. In fact, one-quarter of the population over 60 years has some abnormality of the pancreas that may need further evaluation for a possible precancerous lesion.

Endoscopic ultrasound, considered one of the best imaging procedures of the pancreas, provides high-resolution images of the entire pancreas. It allows the doctor to perform a needle biopsy -- the removal of tissue or fluid for examination under a microscope of any abnormality. The procedure is both safe and accurate.

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