During the past few months I have been reflecting on why the nursing association was successful in having its demands met, and why the teachers union was able to get Gov. Schwarzenegger to back down from extensive cuts to the state education budget.

Eighteen physicians, medical students and staff represented the San Bernardino County Medical Society at the 11th Annual California Health Care Leadership Academy May 2-4 at Disney's Grand California Hotel & Spa in Anaheim.

San Bernardino County Medical Society leaders joined Democratic state legislators, nurses and paramedics at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center on May 16 to discuss the impact of Governor Schwarzenegger's proposed budget cuts.

Rodney Borger, MD, received a prestigious Molina Healthcare Professional Award during the second annual Molina Healthcare of California Community Champions Awards dinner.

Whether marching on Sacramento or Washington, D.C., or visiting our local or national legislators, SBCMS tried to be anything but predictable or locked in the proverbial box.

Thirty-four San Bernardino County Medical Society members attended the California Medical Association's annual Legislative Leadership Conference in Sacramento.

Museum Open House Reveals Some Answers

In response to the old adage "work smarter, not harder, Tom Whitley writes in NetworkWorldFusion: "Trying to 'work smart, not hard' is extremely dangerous. Change the 'not' to 'and,' and you have a priceless gem of truth."

Join us at the Southern California Medical Museum Annual Open House, at 2 pm on Sunday, April 27, for a trip to the past.

Physicians and representatives from San Bernardino County hospitals attended the quarterly Medical Staff Forum on February 27, 2008 at the Inland Empire Conference Room in Riverside.

The Medical Leadership Council on Cultural Proficiency, including the San Bernardino County Medical Society, works to improve language access in healthcare and to increase the diversity and cultural proficiency of the state's healthcare workforce.

In observing the presidential candidates during their campaigns, you could conclude that a "me" focus has again emerged. Of course the candidates state they are seeking office to give the American people a new life, a better economic climate, a change for the future, and a secure environment for our children.

On Jan. 28, 2008, the San Bernardino County Medical Society board approved the following report from the Nominating Committee, dated Jan. 16, 2008. Please review the slate of officers.

On Friday, Jan. 11, Corporal Bryan Lane called for volunteers of the San Bernardino County Medical Reserve Corp to help with the search for a missing hiker.

Thirty-six Medical Reserve Corps volunteers attended the Mock Activation and Tabletop Drill training at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department headquarters in San Bernardino on January 8.

Years ago, before planning for leasehold improvements in my new practice space, I remember sitting in what was to become the reception room, contemplating what I would want to see, hear and experience if I were a patient. It needed to be a zone of comfort for reflection, relaxation and rest. What came to mind was an environment of healing that was warm, inviting and even safe.

On Dec. 18, 2007, leaders from the San Bernardino County Medical Society attended a fundraiser hosted by the California Medical Association Political Action Committee and the California Academy of Eye Physicians & Surgeons for Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter at the Claim Jumper Restaurant in San Bernardino.

Doctors who have served in a missionary capacity in developing countries consider their experiences life changing. Similarly, doctors who have become patients in their own hospitals also find the experiences eye opening.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008, is the CMA Annual Legislative Leadership Day in Sacramento, and Sunday, April 27, 2008, is the Southern California Medical Museum Annual Open House and "Medical Quackery" Presentation.

On Nov. 15, the San Bernardino County Medical Society and area High Desert hospitals sponsored the 12th Annual High Desert General Membership Meeting. Nearly 100 SBCMS members, nonmembers and hospital administrators were treated to a complimentary dinner and reception at the Ambassador Hotel in Victorville.

Andy Oppenberg, MPH, director of risk management at Glendale Memorial Hospital & Health Center, and I recently presented a paper at the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management Conference.

In response to the devastating firestorms, the Sheriff activated on Oct. 22 the San Bernardino County Medical Reserve Corps, a medical volunteer unit created by the San Bernardino County Medical Society and housed within the County Sheriff's Volunteer Forces Unit.

The San Bernardino County Medical Society is pleased to announce that our former president Dev GnanaDev, MD, was named president-elect of the California Medical Association during the 136th Annual House of Delegates in Anaheim in October. The CMA also pays tribute to Ronald Bangasser, MD.

As physicians, how we address death is influenced by our own personal growth and view of life itself.

The Physicians' Memorial, Gift & Benevolence Fund is a nonprofit public benefit corporation organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its federal tax ID is 33-0219397.

Three events highlight the increased presence of the San Bernardino County Sheriff Medical Reserve Corps.

Upon completion of my residency in obstetrics/gynecology, my parents sent me a small bronze statute of a mountain ram. They proudly declared that I had reached the pinnacle of my educational career in medicine and was now on top.

San Bernardino County's most trusted and comprehensive physician directory is hot off the press! As a benefit of membership, SBCMS active members will be mailed a complimentary copy of the directory. Active members can order additional copies for their home or office at the discounted price of $35 each.

The San Bernardino County Medical Society, the Riverside County Medical Association, and the District II Delegation of the California Medical Association proudly and enthusiastically endorse the candidacy of Dev GnanaDev, MD, MBA, FACS, for 2007 president-elect of the California Medical Association. CMA elections will take place on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, at the CMA House of Delegates in Anaheim.

In August 2007, the San Bernardino County Medical Society received two grants from the Medical Leadership Council on Cultural Proficiency (MLC). The monies are designed to improve the quality of care received by San Bernardino County patients with limited English proficiency.

I am thankful for and humbled by what women have taught me about personal and professional relationships. This includes cultivating an ability to remain objective in a crisis while still connecting personally to add meaning to the healthcare experience, regardless of the outcome.

In honor of Women in Medicine Month, the San Bernardino County Medical Society presents this historical view of female physicians, based on American Medical Association materials.

A class of students enrolled in the medical assistants program at Everest College in San Bernardino toured the Southern California Medical Museum on July 13. Pictured in the center rear is Thomas Gibson, MD, a member of the Historical Committee, who regularly serves as a docent for tours.

Not engaging in self-obsolescence results in inertia and resistance to change. "This is how we have always done it around here." "It has always worked before, so why change now?" These arguments are enhanced because of the strong bottom line. Yet the wise leader will push onward to reward change advocates and cherish the innovative minds that challenge the status quo.

During the Installation of Officers event on June 21 at the Mission Inn, Alton Garrett, senior advisor for U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, read Sen. Boxer's speech concerning Ronald Bangasser, MD, that was entered into the Congressional Record. At right, Garrett presents a framed excerpt of the Congressional Record to Susan Bangasser, PhD, as a tribute to her late husband.

Awards were presented to three physicians and one dentist for their outstanding contributions.

I have read many medical school applicants' personal statements, but have yet to find one that said, "I want to be a doctor so I can become wealthy." Most applicants recount experiences that illustrate why they want to become caring, giving, service-oriented physicians. Their idealism and altruism are catching as they describe their passion to help people.

In recent months, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Medical Reserve Corps volunteers have been busy with training and recruitment opportunities.

Friends and colleagues who wish to honor the memory of Ronald P. Bangasser, MD, a former president of the San Bernardino County Medical Society and the California Medical Association, are invited to contribute to a scholarship fund. The Ronald P. Bangasser, MD, Medical Student Scholarship Fund will award scholarships to local medical students.

Please mail your tax-deductible donation to the Physicians\' Memorial, Gift & Benevolence Fund, 3993 Jurupa Ave., Riverside, CA 92506. In the memo section of the check, reference Ron Bangasser. Contact Linda Stratton at 951/787-7700 or lstratton@sbcms.org for more information. The tax ID number for the charitable organization handling the donations is 33-0219397.

During a ceremony held at the Mission Inn in Riverside on April 19, Dev GnanaDev, MD, was honored with a prestigious Dr. C. David Molina Community Champion Award, given by Molina Healthcare of California. Dr. GnanaDev received the award designated for a healthcare professional.

Could it be that we physicians have heard it all? Our voice was described as "blah, blah, blah" and a "pox" was wished upon us! Read on to learn how such strong words came about.

The San Bernardino County Medical Society shares a review of activities in several key areas, including membership, physician advocacy, Alliance programs, legislative advocacy, community advocacy, medical student activities and communications.

Two years ago, I had a fall off a stepladder, which resulted in an emergency orthopedic procedure. After I was discharged and at home for two days, I was quite winded taking only 16 steps with the walker.
My wife asked a colleague friend to check on me. Upon listening to my lungs and watching me breathe, he said to her, "Get him to the hospital right now!"

For registration information about five upcoming programs, call the San Bernardino County Medical Society at 951/787-7700 or 909/825-6526, except where noted.

San Bernardino County Medical Society President Clifford Walters, MD, presented a memorial resolution to Mrs. Elena Smith from the SBCMS board of directors honoring her late husband, Roger Smith, MD, during a celebration of his life at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center on March 11, 2007. The resolution cited Dr. Smith's service to the medical society and his contributions to medicine as a neurosurgeon. The gathering was hosted by Arrowhead Regional, St. Bernardine Medical Center and SBCMS. Dr. Smith passed away Feb. 19, 2007, in San Bernardino.

Because I work with women afflicted with infertility, my patients are either elated when their pregnancy tests become positive or disappointed when their menstrual flows begin. As time progressed, I questioned what I was really providing as a reproductive endocrinologist. If my product was a pregnancy and ultimately a baby, then what was I providing to those who test negative?

As a result of SB 1773, San Bernardino County physicians will receive between $1 million and $1.7 million in additional money for emergency medical services. The increased funds will greatly assist physicians who treat uninsured patients, providing much needed resources to keep the emergency care system intact.

Check out this master calendar for April and May activities at the San Bernardino County Medical Society.

What compels leaders to lead and command us to follow? What in their souls drives them to positions of leadership? Is it power? Might it be issues of control? Is it a need to have attention? What qualities must a leader possess to be considered great? What role does perfection play in a leader's character? And most importantly, what price does a leader pay to have that role?

On Jan. 29, 2007, the San Bernardino County Medical Society board approved the following report from the Nominating Committee, dated Jan. 9, 2007. Please review the slate of officers.

The San Bernardino County Medical Society will accept nominations for the 2007 Outstanding Physician and Citizen Awards until April 20. Three medical society members and one citizen will be honored June 21 during the Installation of Officers meeting at the Mission Inn in Riverside. The award categories are:
- Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Medical Society
- Award for Outstanding Contribution to Medicine
- Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community, and
- Outstanding Citizen Award.
Remember, the deadline for nominations is April 20. Visit our Web site at www.sbcms.org and click on the link "SBCMS Accepting 2007 Nominations." For more information, contact Linda Sue Myers at 951/787-7700, ext. 105, or e-mail lmyers@sbcms.org.

The San Bernardino County Medical Society, Riverside County Medical Association and the California Medical Association are proud to introduce you to one of our outstanding affinity partners, athenahealth, and invite you to a complimentary dinner and presentation on Wednesday, May 16, 2007.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Great Apes and Other Animals of Africa, San Bernardino
Hear Richard Moersch, MD, speak and enjoy dinner at Arrowhead Country Club. The cost is $30 per person for a steak dinner and $21 for pasta. Contact SBCMS, 951/787-7700 or 909/825-6526.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007
California Medical Association Annual Legislative Leadership Day, Sacramento
Join physicians from around the state to meet with our legislators and discuss the latest healthcare policy issues. Contact Lucy Garcia, 951/787-7700 or 909/825-6526.

Sunday, April 29, 2007
Southern California Medical Museum Annual Open House, Riverside
Calling all history buffs to attend this fun and informative event. This year's theme is "Treatment of Snake Bites, Past and Present." Contact Michele Brown, 951/787-7700 or 909/825-6526.

Recent studies reveal that approximately 30.3 percent of children ages 6 to 11 are overweight and 15.3 percent are obese. Moreover, the prevalence of child obesity has quadrupled over the past 25 years. A 2003 California Field Poll shows that only 23 percent of Californians count unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity as top health concerns. These are alarming numbers.

The council launches a new Web site with practical tools designed to help physicians care for limited English-proficient patients.

Select a fellow member for recognition by the society and make your nomination by April 20. Four awards will be presented.

H.L. Mencken said, "For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat and wrong." To that point, can we be sure that pay-for-performance (P4P) programs are right for patient care?

On Nov. 8, 2006, 100 physicians, hospital administrators, medical students and their guests attended the Annual High Desert General Membership Meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Victorville.

On Dec. 12, 2006, Sheriff Gary Penrod conducted a "swearing-in" ceremony for medical volunteers of the San Bernardino County Sheriff Medical Reserve Corps, validating the merger of our existing 202-member San Bernardino County MRC with the Sheriff's Volunteer Services Division.

Technologies such as electronic medical records, computerized order entry for prescriptions and diagnostic tests, and clinical decision-support tools may improve quality, reduce medical errors and prevent deaths.

Members of the San Bernardino County Medical Society actively participated in the California Medical Association House of Delegates meeting in Sacramento, Oct. 28-30. The CMA celebrated its 150th anniversary and dealt with 145 resolutions and 46 reports.

The San Bernardino County Medical Society Nominating Committee will meet on Jan. 9, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. to nominate one or more candidates for each elective office on the SBCMS Board of Directors, and for California Medical Association delegates and alternate delegates to serve during the 2007-08 fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2007.Submit your nominations by Dec. 22, 2006.

Because the image of politics is soiled, many physicians are reluctant to become part of the political process, and they are skeptical about joining organized medicine.

Nearly 130 physicians and attorneys attended the Sept. 12 medi