Medicine

The clinical efforts of the Department of Medicine are diverse spanning primary care to sub-specialty procedures, outpatient clinics to clinical laboratories, on-campus facilities to far-reaching clinical venues. The matrix of interactions supporting these activities is similarly broad. Importantly, the summation of our clinical efforts is reflected not only in “activity” measures but also in efficiency and quality. My goal is to provide structure, support, and planning for all of the clinical efforts of the Department, no matter where or how the care is delivered.

A few of the current clinical activities of note are the growth of Hospitalist Services at Froedtert Hospital and the coordination of this activity with the growth plans of both Medical College Physicians and Froedtert Hospital. The Hospitalist Service is focusing on re-admissions and preparing for computer order entry in the in-patient realm. Our Medical Consult Service continues to expand with growth in Pre-Operative Testing clinic and now co-management of Vascular Surgery patients. Without doubt, these two groups continue to be integral to hospital activities. Growth in the Cardiovascular and Cancer Service lines continues to be notable. Benign Hematology and Sickle Cell are emerging as significant new services. Geriatric services have moved back on campus and are engaged in a planning process for a sustainable platform for future growth. Gastroenterology has re-organized services to provide greater support to Hepatic Transplant. The Ambulatory Work Group continues to address coordination of our clinics and the challenges of delivering care. Many in the Department have undertaken leadership roles in the operational and quality efforts of Froedtert Hospital and Medical College Physicians with enthusiasm and perseverance. These efforts are merely a snapshot of the breadth of clinical activity in our Department. Come July, we will re-organize the delivery of nephrology inpatient services and further grow Hospitalist Services. We will continue to facilitate reduction in housestaff work-hours in a manner that supports the educational venue.

On a final note, I wish to thank the Department for their efforts in caring for patients during the recent severe weather. Many stayed extra hours or performed herculean efforts to remove snow. Thank you very much for placing such a high priority on your clinical efforts.

Article written by David Scott Marks, MD, MBA, Vice Chair, Clinical Affairs

Newsletter Committee

Any comments or suggestions? Looking to get some information out to the Department? Please email Kathy Rafel at krafel@mcw.edu with any queries.