Toufic Kachaamy MD FASGE AGAF FACG

Patients want more convenient accessibility in healthcare and are shifting to consumerism in healthcare as a more affordable and modern option. As they become more vocal about what they need and want in healthcare options/platforms, these are the top factors motivating patients' mindset: ➡️ Consumerism in healthcare ➡️ Digital transformation ➡️ Generational shifts ➡️ Time constraints #Healthcare #DigitalTransformation #HealthcareStrategy #PatientExperience

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The connection between microplastics and human health is an emerging area of concern, with the UCSF study shedding light on the potential risks these particles pose to reproductive, digestive, and respiratory systems. The findings are a sobering reminder that our everyday habits—such as reliance on plastic packaging or the wear and tear of car tyres—have far-reaching consequences. While more research is needed to confirm causation, this underscores the urgency of addressing microplastic pollution at both individual and systemic levels. As healthcare professionals, we must stay informed on environmental health issues like this, which could influence long-term disease patterns in our patients. Collaborative efforts in public health policy and sustainable practices are vital to mitigate these risks. #PublicHealth #EnvironmentalHealth #Sustainability

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Proud of the excellent work by our Satyan Lakshminrusimha for his incisive look at funds flow from a chair’s perspective. His findings have helped to inform our own administration and others around the nation about what works and what doesn’t. Some context (and more details below in the journal article): UC Davis Health implemented an aligned funds flow model in July 2021 to create a mission-aligned model in which all departments had financial margins to optimize recruitment, retention, research, and teaching. Results: Total collections for departments increased by 4% in the first year, 0.2% in the second year, and 11.3% in the third year of funds flow. Total productivity increased by 4.9% during the first year, 3.6% during the second year, and 8.4% during the third year. 

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It’s Sepsis Awareness Month! Are you looking for peer inspiration to get started on improving Sepsis practices? Check out our 2023 Sepsis Honor Roll hospital journey posterboards, compiled in this Excellence in Practice Hospital Journey virtual booklet. https://hubs.ly/Q02MWxGn0 #SepsisAwarenessMonth

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Frustrated with stone retrieval after a long lithotripsy case? In this episode of the BackTable Urology Podcast, I hosted guest Roger Sur, MD, director of the Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center at UC San Diego Health, to delve into the latest technological advancements in the treatment of kidney stones. The episode focused on the CVAC (continuous vacuum aspiration and irrigation) device as a suction platform for endourologists. I learned interesting historical detail on the evolution from open surgery to modern techniques including percutaneous nephrolithotomy, shockwave lithotripsy, and ureteroscopy. Dr. Sur highlighted the CVAC development journey from lab experiments to FDA approval. We covered data on CVAC’s superiority in patient outcomes and stone-free rates compared to other technologies. Key insights from recent studies, such as the ASPIRE trial, underscore the benefits of CVAC in reducing postoperative events and stone regrowth. Our conversation also explored practical aspects of integrating suction platforms into practices and looked ahead towards the potential for machine learning to refine these technologies. Thank you to Photocure for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at: https://www.photocure.com/ Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gz2qRgVX #Uro197 #residency #BackTable #Urology #Urologist

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The start of a new approach? #Medical #Education is steeped in tradition. Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, started in 2020, has added Health Systems Science as a third pillar in its curriculum (very commendable), complementing more traditional Biomedical and Clinical Science pillars (https://lnkd.in/g4aHus4d) However, as the medical landscape rapidly evolves, it's imperative to ask: What additional competencies should medical education incorporate to prepare physicians for the future? Beyond traditional medical training, future physicians will need: ⏺️ Business Acumen: Understanding healthcare economics and management is crucial for effective practice and leadership (https://lnkd.in/gum_7CFS) ⏺️ Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the ability to develop and implement new healthcare solutions (https://lnkd.in/gt7X-tXS) ⏺️ Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy: Navigating and leveraging AI technologies to enhance diagnostics, treatment plans, and operational/revenue cycle efficiencies (https://lnkd.in/gQ582GXp). ⏺️ Critical and Adaptive Thinking: Making informed decisions in complex, unpredictable healthcare environments (https://lnkd.in/gJZNgQQB) ⏺️ Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: Effectively leading diverse teams and communicating across various healthcare stakeholders (https://lnkd.in/g-ECEjcZ). If I were to develop five pillars for medical education to train future physicians this is what I would choose: 1-Biomedical Science: Maintaining a strong foundation in the biological and physiological principles of medicine. 2-Clinical Science: Developing hands-on patient care skills and clinical decision-making abilities. 3-Health Systems Science: Understanding healthcare delivery, policy, and economics. 4-Innovation and Technology Integration: Training in the application of AI, digital health tools, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. 5-Leadership and Management: Cultivating skills in team leadership, business management, and effective communication. By incorporating these pillars, medical education can produce physicians who are not only clinically proficient but also equipped to lead, innovate, and adapt to the ever-changing healthcare landscape. What would you choose? #UsingWhatWeHaveBetter

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My attention is drawn to a recent interesting observation published in JAMA Network Open (Sept 5, 2024), titled "Upper Gastrointestinal Mucosal Damage and Subsequent Risk of Parkinson Disease." This research explores the potential link between gut health and Parkinson disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting 8.5 million people globally. Parkinson Disease (PD): PD is marked by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the brain's substantia nigra, leading to motor symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, along with nonmotor symptoms such as constipation. The „Braak hypothesis” suggests a gut-first pathway for PD in some individuals, with pathology traveling from the gut to the brain via the vagus nerve - backed by recent animal studies showing this connection. Key Findings: This cohort study of 9350 patients with no prior history of PD found that upper gastrointestinal mucosal damage (MD), such as erosions, ulcers, and esophagitis, is associated with a 76% increased risk of developing PD. This finding supports the "gut-first" hypothesis for some PD cases. What's New? - The study is among the first to examine upper gastrointestinal damage (beyond H. pylori infection) and its link to PD, addressing an important gap in existing research. - While H. pylori has been linked to PD in prior studies, this research expands the focus to broader mucosal damage, including peptic ulcers and erosions, potentially caused by NSAID and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use. Study Limitations: - Confounding factors such as NSAID use (known to cause GI damage) may play a role, as NSAIDs have a mixed relationship with PD risk, possibly offering neuroprotective effects in some cases. - The study’s retrospective design limits the ability to establish causality. - Generalizability is limited to the specific patient cohort from the Boston area. This research opens avenues to better understand the gut-brain connection in PD, offering opportunities for early intervention and treatment strategies. Congratulations to Jocelyn J. Chang, Subhash Kulkarni, PhD, and Trisha S. Pasricha, MD, MPH, for this important contribution to the field! Read the full study here:: JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(9):e2431949]: https://lnkd.in/d7T7rwcN

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I'm thrilled to share the launch of our innovative, highly anticipated, and scalable at-home chronic care monitoring program for patients at UC Davis Health, starting with hypertension! This initiative offers one-to-many team-based care by seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology, analytics, and human compassion in hypertension management and also has the potential to address clinical labor shortages and burnout Why This Matters:  Patients with hypertension face $2500 higher annual costs and contribute to 145M ER visits due to elevated BP. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, but effective management is challenging. Our program leverages advanced technology for remote BP monitoring, ensuring timely interventions and personalized care plans. The Program: - A 3-month journey supported by physicians, pharmacists, nurses, medical assistants, and administrative staff from our Connected Care Center, along with Best Buy Health’s tech support. - Continuous at-home blood pressure monitoring - Real-time data analysis and feedback - Virtual consultations with healthcare clinicians - Personalized lifestyle and medication management plans This program empowers patients to take control of their health and enhances the patient-provider relationship through more frequent and meaningful interactions. This achievement could not have been possible without the incredible team at UC Davis Health, University of California, Davis David Lubarsky, Bruce Hall, Michael Condrin, BJ Lagunday, Ashish Atreja, MD, MPH, Debbie Aizenberg, Joseph Galante, Christine Williams, @Alan Hall, Benjamin Leavy, Ben Rasmussen, Victor Baquero, Crystal Hapgood , Huong (Huynh) Sandhu PharmD,MS,BC-ADM, , Tom Nguyen, Tim Sobol, MS, PMP, BRMP, Brenyale N. Daniel Stein, @vaishali wells Kristin Hill, Naveen Jacob, MD, MBA Diana Gelston at Best Buy 🔗 Learn more below. #HealthcareInnovation #HypertensionManagement #UCDavisHealth #RemoteMonitoring #ConnectedCare #FutureOfHealth

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Satyan Lakshminrusimha-- thanks for the post and work you are doing in this area. Can all missions of an academic medical center align? ....In this era of diminishing cash flows as costs increase and traditional revenue streams decrease? Can clinical care, education, research, and healthcare administration/operations truly align for common missions and funds flow sustainability? You even highlight that this model may not be sustainable at UC Davis; "the implementation of funds flow had a negative fiscal effect on the academic medical center." Thoughts? #UsingWhatWeHaveBetter

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An alarming rise in colorectal cancer rates among young adults is the focus of ongoing research by Washington University cancer epidemiologist Yin Cao, ScD, MPH, at Siteman Cancer Center. The Wall Street Journal highlighted her work to understand and remedy this troubling trend. Learn more: https://on.wsj.com/4gExyyO

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Explore foundational concepts of respiration, ventilation, and related medical management over 13 days. Get the essential information you need to inform clinical decisions, advocate for patients, and enhance long-term outcomes. Earn up to 2.0 ASHA CEUs. https://at.asha.org/ib

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📢 Check out the latest issue of the Journal of Diabetology! (Apr-Jun'24, Volume 15, Issue 2) Highlights include: • Review articles delve into diabetes mind-body interactions, cardiovascular benefits of newer combinations, neuromuscular taping and Clinical and Biochemical Features for diabetes classification. • Original articles cover diverse topics such as non-pharmacological diabetes management, Insulin Degludec impact on COVID-19 patients, and new-onset diabetes in Long COVID-19. • Case reports spotlight persistent hypoglycemia and a prolonged honeymoon phase in type 1 diabetes. • A letter to the editor discusses the potential of AI in gestational diabetes management Read more: https://lnkd.in/gFvprUmM #Diabetes #Research #Healthcare #Innovation #JournalOfDiabetology

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Dr. Sonali Bose, along with fellow researchers, highlights how historical redlining practices from the 1930s continue to impact child asthma rates today. Their study, using data from the Children’s Respiratory and Environmental Workgroup (CREW), reveals that systemic racism, through redlining, has perpetuated socioeconomic and environmental inequities, disproportionately affecting Black, LatinX, and marginalized communities. This research emphasizes the critical need to address both past and present systemic factors contributing to health disparities. Together, we can work toward a healthier future for all children. #Asthma #HealthDisparities #PublicHealth #StructuralRacism #EnvironmentalJustice #CREW #CommunityHealth #HealthcareEquity https://lnkd.in/eEuDQm95

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The Lupus Foundation of America presented new research led by Drs. Michael P. Fisher, Joy Buie, Ph.D., MSCR, RN, and Karen Costenbader, highlighting top solutions to address health disparities in lupus related to social determinants of health. One priority is increasing screening for lupus risk factors in high-risk communities. Learn more about these findings and the steps we’re taking toward health equity: https://buff.ly/48QLzWW #ACR24 #LFAatACR

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Physicians are high value partners to health care foundations who bring unique credibility, earned trust and influence that ideally positions them to foster or deepen connections with patient and family donors.   However, many health care organizations do a poor job in selecting potential partners, which impedes their ability to maximize the impact of these valuable relationships.  Challenges largely stem from utilizing a selection framework that does not align with what positions a physician to be successful and that is not responsive to what decreases friction in a donor relationship.  To significantly elevate the value and impact of physician partnerships, it’s essential recalibrate the selection of physician partners to align with what both scientific studies and actionable-on-the-ground anecdotal evidence shows is most effective.  Many health foundations start their search for physician partners with the wrong mindset.  They tend to focus on positions, titles and clinical outcomes rather than on the elements that support vibrant partnership.  For example, a physician may be chosen based on being a member of the foundation or hospital governing board, serving as chief of staff of the hospital; while these characteristics do demonstrate an interest in the health care organization, they are not indications of having the competencies, characteristics or commitments to be successful in fostering gratitude-based partnerships with potential donors.  Other times, physicians are chosen for being a clinical “rock star” with exceptional clinical outcomes; however, again, someone can have deep scientific knowledge, surgical acumen or other competencies that lead to great clinical outcomes while simultaneously having poor bedside manner or a disregard for the importance of personal relationship quality.  or being a clinical “rock star” or having exceptional clinical outcomes.  Finally, a physician may be both committed to the organization and have great interpersonal skills but have no alignment with the current philanthropic priorities of the health care foundation; and, physicians are hamstrung in the ability to help when strategic priorities are not within their area of clinical practice or, frankly, consistent with what they deeply care about.  Therefore, optimizing selection begins with having a framework that places a primary emphasis on two things: harnessing the power of alignment between the physician’s expertise and interest and the current strategic funding priorities of the foundation as embracing the power of interpersonal skills that foster gratitude, trust and commitment.  Read more in the new Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Journal article I'm thrilled to have written with Jennifer Nicely from CommonSpirit Health CHI Memorial Foundation in Chattanooga, TN. For AHP Members, you can access the article here: https://lnkd.in/d-EumD38 Accordant. Erin M. Stitzel, FAHP Linda Roszak Burton

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OUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTION: ELEVATING PCOS CARE TOGETHER https://lnkd.in/gy5SWQjX My heartfelt purpose is helping primary care providers to deliver expert care to women with PCOS in their communities. At the University of California, Davis Medical Center, I developed the PCOS program, treating thousands of women who had to travel long distances. My experience underscored the necessity of community-based care for over seven million PCOS patients in the USA. I strongly believe primary care physicians can provide expert PCOS care. Diagnostic tests for PCOS are readily available, and primary care doctors frequently prescribe treatments like birth control pills, metformin, and spironolactone for other disorders already. Unfortunately, the current medical care model and education do not prepare primary care physicians to provide the optimal care for PCOS patients. The current models lack a cohesive approach, dividing care among various specialties such as obstetrics, gynecology, dermatology, and endocrinology. To bridge this educational gap, I am launching the "Advancing PCOS Care: Empowering Health Care Professionals" course for primary care providers. This course offers comprehensive knowledge and skills, along with mini-coaching sessions to enhance competence, confidence, job satisfaction and career growth. By downloading the free Resource Guide for Diagnosing PCOS, you allow me the opportunity to share further insights about my course with you. I assure you that your privacy is paramount, and your contact information will never be shared. Join me on this exciting journey to improve PCOS care. #PCOS #Insulinresistance #Obesity

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Fascinating talk from Dr. Edward Chang, Chief of Neurological Surgery at UCSf discussing how the growth in high-res brain data and AI are powering innovation in med tech to advance our ability to support patients with neurological conditions. Exciting! #OWHIC #neuroscience

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Cancer and Blood Specialists of Arizona (CBSA), a community oncology practice and partner of the American Oncology Network (AON), recently announced the addition of Ronak Rakesh Shah to its physician care team. https://lnkd.in/edzhwEPp #OncoDaily #Oncology #Cancer #Health #Medicine #CancerCare #HealthCare

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Has the era of "Digital Health Integrators" begun? "Kaiser Permanente announced a significant AI partnership this week aimed at enhancing value-based care. The West Coast-based health system is deploying Innovaccer’s healthcare AI platform and population health management tools — starting with its Washington market and potentially expanding to new markets in the future. "San Francisco-based Innovaccer was founded in 2014. The healthcare technology company specializes in data-driven solutions that help providers enhance patient care and operation efficiency. "Its healthcare AI platform helps simplify patient care by bringing together data from various disparate sources. By combining all this information, the platform provides a complete and detailed view of each patient’s health, explained Innovaccer CEO Abhinav Shashank. “This helps doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals get a clearer understanding of each patient’s situation and deliver better care. Therefore, it is not just a point AI application, but a holistic approach to healthcare AI that helps the healthcare ecosystem journey from data to data-driven decisions,” he remarked." #digitalhealth #dataintegration #digitalhealthintegrators #digitalhealthtwin #10phealth #digitaltransformation #ai #ai4h #artificialintelligence #artificialintelligenceinhealthcare #health #healthcare #healthsystem #biomedicine #medicine #telemedicine #telehealth #ehealth #medtech #medicalinnovation #healthtech #healthtechnology #healthtechinnovation #bioinformatics #genome, #phenome #10ph #systemsbiology #genomics #omics #precisionmedicine

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