Fall of 2015
PMH STORY by Kristina Barsten, MS-IV TCOM Class of 2016,UNT Health Science Center
As a fourth year medical student at the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth, I have had the opportunity to rotate through several of the hospitals and clinics in the DFW area over the past year and a half. Spending the month of August in Dr. Robert Kelly’s practice, however, was the first time I experienced the model of medical care like that provided by Premium Medical Home.
The comprehensive and coordinated care provided with this model impressed me and was different from mainstream medical clinics I had seen. It allows for the primary physician, the individual most familiar with a patient’s medical history and needs, to continue to direct their care while admitted to the hospital or rehab facility, with coordination of care by other providers and specialists when that is needed. During my rotation, I saw referrals to United States medical centers of excellence in cases of complex diagnoses, to ensure that appropriate treatment options were considered while a plan of therapy was developed. I had not seen this before. The quick availability of the physician to advise patients and answer medical questions is another major advantage of the model of care provided by Premium Medical Home. I have not seen this in other medical clinics. Patients have the option to communicate with their physician using the means they feel most comfortable with, whether it be email, text, phone, or in person, without being limited to the typical M-F 8-5 office hours that most practices keep.
Excellent medical care is provided in a professional manner addressing the individual needs of the patient. I am very grateful for having had the opportunity to work with Dr. Kelly and hope that my patients will be able to benefit from the same model of care in my future practice.
ARTHRITIS PAIN AND WEIGHT LOSS by Robert H. Kelly, MD FACP
We all know the importance of nutrition with regard to diabetes and heart disease. Somewhat less well-known is the role of nutrition in patients with chronic pain. A recent study looked at nutrition with regard to knee pain.
ASPIRIN HAS A ROLE by Robert H. Kelly, MD FACP
Aspirin, a derivative of willow leaf, has had a long relationship with mankind. Ancient Egyptians are said to have used willow bark (basic aspirin is in willow bark) as a remedy for aches and pains. Nearly 3,000 years ago Hippocrates recommended willow to ease the pain of childbirth and to reduce fever. Celsus, the Roman writer, also suggested willow leaf for inflammation.
WHEN TO GET THE FLU VACCINE by Allan R. Kelly, MD FACP
The flu vaccine became available in September. It is not uncommon to hear people say, “When is the best time to get the flu vaccine?” Some people have heard that it is good to wait.
THE SLIPPERY SLOPE by Allan R. Kelly, MD FACP
By now we have all read that physician-assisted suicide is legal in Washington State, Canada, and elsewhere. At PMH we consider this a dangerous stepin the wrong direction. We believe that the dying should be cared for so that they are comfortable every day with their families and those who can help them.
PMH QUOTATIONS FALL 2015
“I will keep the sick from harm and injustice. I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody who asks for it, nor will I make suggestion to this effect.”
Hippocrates, a physician, 375 BC
“In every human being there is a special heaven, whole and unbroken.”
Paracelsus, a physician, 1527
“All we know is still infinitely less than all that remains unknown.”
William Harvey, a physician, 1640
“We need a system that rewards the physician who understands the limitations of guidelines.”
George Sarosi, MD, 2015