USF medical school's proposed move to downtown Tampa part of a trend

TAMPA The University of South Florida is not alone in its ambitions to build a medical school in the heart of a city.

The University of Buffalo, Indiana University, the University of Texas and the University of Washington have all launched or plan to launch similar projects.

"It makes the medical school more attractive to top faculty and students," urban consultant Paul Umbach said of a downtown campus, "and it helps economically stimulate urban areas."

He cites such institutions as Johns Hopkins Medicine in downtown Baltimore, the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. They're renowned as medical schools as well as research and treatment centers.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn also sees successful urban cores fueled by the rise of those schools.

"An economic engine in the form of a major university," Buckhorn said, "has transformed other cities."

Umbach said it's not just medical schools going downtown. Everyone and everything is going urban.

"I think you'll see that's a megatrend in the next 50 years," he said.

His firm, Tripp Umbach, which has helped plan and build about 20 of these urban medical campuses, is working on similar projects in Evansville, Ind.; Omaha, Neb.; Spokane, Wash.; and Las Vegas.

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USF medical school's proposed move to downtown Tampa part of a trend

Dr. Franklin Zeplowitz, surgeon, UB professor

Sept. 30, 1933 Oct. 7, 2014

Dr. Franklin Zeplowitz, former chief of staff at Our Lady of Victory Hospital and past president of the Erie County Medical Association, died Tuesday at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland following a short illness. He was 81.

Dr. Zeplowitz was a lifelong Buffalonian. He earned his bachelors and medical degrees from the University of Buffalo, graduating from medical school in 1958, and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. From 1959 to 1970, he was a captain in the New York National Guard Medical Corps, and from 1962-63 he was chief resident in surgery at the Youngstown Hospital Association in Youngstown, Ohio.

Dr. Zeplowitz, a general and pediatric surgeon, joined the staff at OLV in 1963. He was president of its medical and dental staff in 1980-81 and vice president of medical affairs and chief of staff from 1994 until the hospital was closed in 2000. He also practiced at Mercy, Buffalo General and Women & Childrens hospitals, where he maintained emeritus staff status. After OLV closed, Dr. Zeplowitz continued work as a private medical consultant.

Also, in 1990, he was appointed to the faculty of the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Dr. Zeplowitz was a member of several professional organizations. He was a past president of the Buffalo Surgical Society as well as the Erie County Medical Association; past chairman of the Governing Board of the James Platt White Society of the UB Medical School, and a member of the UB Medical School Alumni Association and the American Medical Association. He was a state alternate delegate to the AMA from 1998 to 2005 and was a tireless advocate for patients rights.

My father put patients first, second and third, said his son, David Zeplowitz.

Dr. Zeplowitz also was a member of Temple Beth Zion and Temple Beth Tzedek.

Besides his son, he is survived by his wife of 52 years, the former Piera Salama; and his daughter, Lynn.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Sunday at Temple Beth Zion, 80 Delaware Ave.

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Dr. Franklin Zeplowitz, surgeon, UB professor

Making it into Medicine (UCL 20/09/2014) – Student Testimonial 5 – Video


Making it into Medicine (UCL 20/09/2014) - Student Testimonial 5
Making it into Medicine is an interactive course for secondary school students and their parents. This course is delivered by enthusiastic junior doctors and medical students, and is designed...

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Making it into Medicine (UCL 20/09/2014) - Student Testimonial 5 - Video

Guest: My journey from an undocumented immigrant to Harvard Medical School

AFTER years of delay, President Obama has finally acted on immigration reform. This is a watershed moment in my life and the life of my community in Seattle. These days I am studying for a doctor of medicine degree at Harvard Medical School, after graduating from the University of Washington in 2011. But I grew up undocumented in Seattle.

I was 5 years old when my family embarked on a journey from Mexico to the land of opportunity. They chose Seattle because we had relatives in the area. We eventually settled in the Delridge neighborhood near White Center.

Despite my parents numerous attempts to obtain a green card, they found no viable option. With their choice to remain and endure came a sense of fear and uncertainty as illegal aliens, a status that marred our every connection with the world. Despite working six days a week in low-paying jobs offering no benefits, my parents had trouble providing for my family. At school I was perpetually aware of the consequences of having my illegal status revealed. I was plagued by nightmares of being caught and deported. This was my childhood.

At a young age, I understood my duty was to not allow my parents sacrifice to have been in vain. Although I felt inhibited in some capacities by my status, I nonetheless felt compelled to respond to the injustices my family and I encountered.

The curse of poverty that afflicted my family also poisoned the health of my community. Inadequate access to care coupled with fear and distrust toward health-care providers were ubiquitous among my fellow immigrants. I soon realized that below the surface of our skin, we were all fundamentally the same we all need to be valued and acknowledged for our inherent worth. This understanding was a catalyst in my desire to become a doctor the kind of doctor that people in my community would trust.

Despite being ineligible for federal financial aid and uncertain about how my undocumented status would affect me, I applied to college, a risk that many of my undocumented peers did not take. When I was granted admission to the University of Washington at the age of 18, I knew I was one step closer to my dream: to become a compassionate and culturally responsive doctor.

Like other undocumented immigrants who pursue college, I was catapulted into a new world. I pursued two degrees, in bioengineering and biochemistry, and I joined a research lab to help develop a novel HIV diagnostic system for the developing world. In my mind, medicine and technology became intertwined and it was encouraging to discover the social impact I could have not only on my immediate community, but on the world.

To say that my life changed two years ago would be a complete understatement. When I received my permanent resident card, sponsored by my wonderful wife Carmen, I finally felt like I belonged. I am now at Harvard with support from the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. Though I look forward to finally becoming a U.S. citizen, I will forever carry with me remnants of my past and I am thankful, for they have provided me with a unique outlook on life, which will make me a better doctor. But, I do not wish my childhood on anyone.

Before President Obamas announcement, millions of people suffered in the shadows with the stress and self-doubt of being undocumented. Today, I know that the kids and families who have been touched by the presidents action on immigration reform now have a shot. The work is not done, and a permanent path to citizenship is still needed. But today we must celebrate and welcome the hardworking people who have long contributed to Americas success.

Carlos Estrada Alamo grew up in West Seattle, graduated from the University of Washington and is currently studying for his doctor of medicine degree at Harvard Medical School.

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Harvard Town Hall Meeting Fosters Enthusiasm About Family Medicine

This headline question was posted recently on the events page of Harvard Medical School's Center for Primary Care: "What Could the Future of Harvard Medical School Look Like With Family Medicine?"

The event being touted -- a town hall meeting coordinated by medical students Diana Wohler, Mark Wu, Rachael Rosales and Ashley Shaw -- was designed to foster discussion about how to develop robust family medicine education opportunities for both students and faculty. The invitation was open to students, residents, faculty and administrators from Harvard Medical School and, in fact, all of greater Boston.

Fast forward to Nov. 5, when at 6 p.m., the town hall crowd started to arrive. As close to 120 people settled into their seats, the buzz began.

"We started five minutes late because as soon as people came in they started conversing with each other," said Wohler, as she described the evening for AAFP News.

"It was nice to see the community and the connections being formed right in front of us," said Wohler, who admitted she fell in love with family medicine after attending a family medicine interest group meeting shortly after arriving on campus in 2011.

"We had students and admins and faculty raising their hands; my (microphone) runners could hardly keep up with the number of people who were happy to talk about their experiences as learners and teachers," said Wohler.

Attendees were encouraged to share their experiences with primary care education, including successes, barriers and lessons learned, and to talk about what they wish they could experience.

Russell Phillips, M.D., has served as director of Harvard Medical School's Center for Primary Care(primarycare.hms.harvard.edu) since it opened in 2010.

Phillips, a primary care internist, told AAFP News that the center was created out of what was initially a student initiative to highlight and strengthen the role of primary care at the medical school.

"Our mission is to improve the health of our communities through transformation of primary care practice and education. And from the very beginning, there has been strong interest on the part of the medical school and center leadership to strength family medicine at Harvard," he said.

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Harvard Town Hall Meeting Fosters Enthusiasm About Family Medicine

VUSM Student Develops Guide on Health Needs of LGBT Patients

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Newswise Vanderbilt University Medical School student Kristen Eckstrand, Ph.D., is making a national impact on the way healthcare is delivered to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities.

As chair of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Advisory Committee on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Sex Development, Eckstrand has written a national guide developed to educate the academic medical community about the health needs of patients who are LGBT, gender nonconforming and/or born with differences in sex development (DSD).

The publication, Implementing Curricular and Institutional Climate Changes to Improve Health Care for Individuals Who are LGBT, Gender Nonconforming, or Born with DSD: A Resource for Medical Educators, will be used to assist academic health centers in implementing and modifying existing curricula to be inclusive and responsive to individual patients needs.

This book is the first step, said Eckstrand, who has chaired the committee since 2012. The AAMC is the first and only academic health association to produce a comprehensive evidence-based curriculum and institutional guide.

This book has several goals: to provide education around the health needs of LGBT individuals, highlight the role of academic medical centers in supporting these populations, provide support to medical schools and medical educators in integrating this content into medical education as well as improving institutional culture and climate for LGBT students, faculty, staff and patients.

A standardized set of 30 competencies related to sexuality, gender and sex development for all students and trainees to be competent in is outlined. The publication also describes the importance of institutional climate and faculty continuing education. Eckstrand, an M.D./Ph.D. candidate, has been involved in LGBT initiatives on both the national and local levels. At Vanderbilt she is the founder and co-director of the Vanderbilt program for LGBTI Health, an innovative effort to improve the care of LGBTI patients.

Eckstrand said diversity in medical education has evolved since she first arrived at Vanderbilt in 2008.

Basically, medical education has paralleled the national stage on LGBT issues, Eckstrand said. As more states are eliminating discriminatory policies, passing same-sex marriage laws and moving toward equality for all people, medical education has taken responsibility for its role in educating the next generation of physicians to provide comprehensive care for LGBT patients.

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Editorial Makes Case for Training Medical Students in Health IT

Medical students need unfettered access to electronic health records (EHRs) during their training so they'll have a good handle on how to use the technology when they begin their residency training.

That was the gist of an editorial(www.annfammed.org) written by key players in the Association of Departments of Family Medicine (ADFM) and published in the November/December Annals of Family Medicine.

The editorial, titled "Electronic Health Records: How Will Students Learn If They Can't Practice?" points out that 78 percent of office-based physicians reported using an EHR in 2013.

"Learning how to elicit medical histories while electronically recording key findings, using EHR-associated decision-making tools and providing management plans requires full EHR access," the authors write.

Furthermore, they note that future physicians also need to learn how to navigate patient registries and use other analytic EHR functions if they are to become skilled in population management. Safety reminders and point-of-care references provided by EHRs also are keys to providing top-notch care.

"Unfortunately, students at many medical schools are not able to adequately access EHRs to receive this necessary training," say the authors. That's largely because of "varying local interpretations of Medicare guidelines on student EHR use."

Notably, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) released an updated compliance advisory(www.aamc.org) on Sept. 30 that attempts to sort out the difference between medical students' documentation in a medical record and the fact that students do not bill for their time.

However, according to the editorial, academic health centers have interpreted the AAMC's earlier 2012 compliance advisory on health information technology (health IT) in a variety of ways that has led to "markedly disparate policies around the country regarding medical student access to EHRs."

In fact, in some institutions, medical students are forbidden any access to EHRs.

Authors note that the most significant barriers to medical student access to EHRs are concerns about

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Editorial Makes Case for Training Medical Students in Health IT

New Resource Available for Parents of Children Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Newswise NEWARK, NJ (November 20, 2014) Navigating through the maze of health and medical services can be challenging for parents of children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). A new resource is now available for caregivers, health professionals and, especially, parents. A pediatric neurologist and pediatrician/geneticist at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School recognized a need for a comprehensive guide to help parents obtain quality medical care for each stage of their childs development.

As a result, Navigating the Medical Maze with a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Practical Guide for Parents (September 2014, ISBN: 978-1-84905-971-8) was published to show parents how to play an effective and active role in their childs medical care from diagnosis through early adulthood. According to Sue X. Ming, MD, PhD, professor of Neuroscience and Neurology, and Beth A. Pletcher, MD, associate professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, the guide includes lay descriptions of developmental and medical conditions, explanations about common diagnostic tests, and tips on managing day-to-day medical and behavioral challenges.

Ming said, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of autism in 8-year old New Jersey children is 1 out of 45. In contrast, nationally, the statistic is 1 in 68 children. Boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with an ASD. The CDC reported an estimated cost of caring for children with ASDs to be more than $9 billion three years ago.

Somerset County resident Brian Kerwin understands the problem firsthand. He remembers seeing his son bent over in severe gastrointestinal pain. That was before Connor was diagnosed at age two. He is now 23-years old. Although Connor does not communicate verbally, he lives with his loving parents and has three supportive brothers.

Connor is always in pain; sometimes he feels good enough that he forgets about it, said Kerwin. While flipping through the guide, Kerwin sees chapters that would have helped when Connor was first diagnosed and other topics that are useful now: oral and dental exams; allergies and immunology; gastrointestinal disorders. When I look at the chapters, I recognize that theres no longer the denial of medical comorbidities that we experienced, Kerwin said, whose family established a Medically Fragile Autistic Facebook page to advocate for children with autism.

Instead of communicating verbally, Kevin Clinton expresses himself through body language. Long before Kevin was diagnosed at age 10, his mother, Cassandra Clinton served as his voice. She continues to be her 26-year old sons biggest advocate and receives tremendous support from her daughters, ages 29 and 23.

This Jersey City resident and mother of three constantly searches for services that enhance Kevins quality of life. Clinton believes this guide would have been helpful when she was seeking a diagnosis for her son. Im glad Dr. Ming and Dr. Pletcher have addressed the parents voice in this guide, said Clinton. Whats her advice to parents? Be your childs biggest advocate. If you believe something is wrong. Trust your gut and seek services to address his or her special needs. Dont give up.

Another parent Catherine Wersinger, of Monmouth County, also could have used the guide years ago when her 2-year old son was diagnosed with ASD. Now, the 15-year old is a high functioning honor roll student, a high school wrestler and football player. This kind of reference could only help parents of a newly diagnosed child as well as teenagers and young adults. It would be great for physicians to have this guide in their waiting rooms. For parents of a newly diagnosed child, it would be a Godsend.

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New Resource Available for Parents of Children Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Medical examiner: White Bear Lake student died of hanging at school

Sawyer is our hero, and we are so grateful God blessed us with him on this earth as long as he did," said his mother, Kris Nordstrom. "I wish it had been longer, and I know you do, too, but he lives on in the lives of others."

A White Bear Lake High School student who was fatally injured at school earlier this month died as the result of hanging, the Ramsey County medical examiner's office said Monday.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Sawyer Moeller, a 14-year-old freshman, are still being reviewed by authorities, though his mother apparently considered the matter an accident. He was injured Nov. 10 at White Bear Lake Area High School's North Campus. He died Friday, 11 days later.

Sawyer's mother, Kris Nordstrom, released the following statement through White Bear Lake police:

"In regard to Sawyer Moeller's accidental death. While these teenage boys were goofing around after school, Sawyer was alone briefly. His friend returned to find Sawyer injured. He bravely called 911 and began CPR," Nordstrom said.

A police statement issued Saturday said officers arrived at the school to find a boy who appeared to have a neck injury. They saw a red mark or abrasion on his neck and administered CPR until medical personnel arrived and took him to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

One of Moeller's friends gave him CPR after the incident, which made it possible to donate his organs, Nordstrom said.

She said Moeller's liver went to a 62-year-old man, who has been waiting 422 days, one kidney and a pancreas went to a 48-year-old woman waiting more than 500 days and the gift of tissue will go on to hundreds of people.

"His heart went to a 13-year-old girl, which I suppose would have happened at some point," she said.

On Sunday, Nordstrom remembered her son during a celebration of his life at Firestarters Worship Center in Ottertail, Minn.

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Medical examiner: White Bear Lake student died of hanging at school

DMSF launches high-end CT scan

THE Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) Inc. launched Monday a P48-million worth Philips Ingenuity Core 128-Slice CT Scan that will support the hospital's operation.

In a press conference on Monday, DMSF Inc. president Jonathan Alegre said the acquisition of a new medical equipment is a milestone for the hospital since it can expedite the process of diagnosing a patient.

With state-of-the-art medical equipment in place, Alegre is hoping to serve more patients with quality services at an affordable price.

DMSF is not the first hospital to acquire a 128-slice CT Scan, but the hospital is the first one to utilize a medical equipment manufactured by Philips, which is safer since it uses low-dose radiation.

Dr. Samuel Bangoy, a radiologist of DMSF, said that it is not anymore how advanced the technology in place that's needed but rather how safe it is to the patients.

In this case, the Philips 128-Slice CT scan takes only a shorter time to come out with the results, thus the lesser the patient's exposure to radiation.

"To scan an entire body, it will only take about 10 to 15 minutes. Before, it takes hours," he said.

He added that they are also hoping to serve patients of the other hospitals in Davao City who will need the services of the 128-Slice CT Scan.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on November 25, 2014.

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DMSF launches high-end CT scan

Former Dean of Medicine, Nobel Laureate David Greer dies

David Greer, former dean of medicine at Alpert Medical School who co-founded an anti-nuclear organization that received the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize, died Nov. 18 at his home in Fall River, Massachusetts, at the age of 89.

Throughout his tenure as dean of medicine from 1981 to 1992, Greer introduced a number of educational innovations, said Vincent Mor, professor of health services, policy and practice at the Med School. Greer established the Department of Family Medicine, the Department of Community Health and the Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, in addition to developing the Program in Liberal Medical Education.

He was a real humanist, said Julianne Ip, associate dean of medicine for PLME. Medicine was not solely a scientific pursuit for Greer, but also a holistic, humanitarian one, she said.

With five other physicians, Greer created the Nobel-winning International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War a coalition of doctors, medical students and others involved in health care who advocated a nuclear-free world.

Before Greers arrival at the University in 1981, the Med School largely focused on specialty medicine. Greer transformed it to be more oriented around primary care and evidence-based medicine, Ip said. Greers tenacity and sense of innovation ultimately attracted Mor to work at Brown, Mor said. Greer took Mor under his wing, incorporating him into the various projects he was building at the time. He was sort of like my dad, Mor said.

Greer pushed for the University to engage with the community in Rhode Island and its surrounding towns by helping to place medical students in state agencies for their residencies and maintaining his own medical practice in Fall River, Mor said. The University is no longer the ivory tower. Its actually engaged, he added.

Though he did not know Greer closely, Jack Elias, dean of medicine and biological sciences, said Greer will be remembered for his commitment to society. Greer was partially responsible for a project that built apartments near a Rhode Island clinic so that patients with disabilities could easily access medical care, he added.

Given his holistic approach to medicine, Greer believed practicing medicine required a broad-based education rather than one centered solely on biology courses, Ip said. He lengthened PLME so that the program would be eight rather than seven years to allow students to take more courses in ethics, political science, economics and other areas of study they would not typically explore, she added.

Outside of his professional work, Greer was an avid squash player, Mor said.

He was also a family man, known to be joined at the hip with his wife, Ip said, adding that the caring demeanor he exuded as a father and husband extended into his work life.

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Former Dean of Medicine, Nobel Laureate David Greer dies

Student Spotlight: Emily Ward, 17-year-old senior at Boulder's Fairview High School

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Emily Ward

Emily Ward, 17-year-old senior at Boulder's Fairview High School

Emily Ward was nominated to attend the recent Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Washington, D.C. The Congress is an honors program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. Emily was nominated to represent Colorado based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.

During the three-day Congress, Emily heard from Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science Winners; got advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; and learned about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.

During the summer of 2013, Emily also participated in the Medicine & Healthcare Conference at Columbia University, a weeklong workshop for students interested in medicine. Additionally, she took a course titled Nontraditional Careers in Life Sciences at Brown University.

What was the Congress like?

The Congress exceeded all my previous expectations. The speakers were phenomenal, ranging from accomplished teenagers to the Surgeon General of the United States.

What was the most interesting experience?

Witnessing a live surgery was by far the most interesting and memorable experience I gained. As an introduction to the latest surgical procedure used by fertility specialists, we witnessed a live laparoscopic fibroid removal.

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Student Spotlight: Emily Ward, 17-year-old senior at Boulder's Fairview High School

Medical, dental program enrolling students

A Bowling Green school to train medical and dental assistants is enrolling students.

The Medical Institute of Kentucky recently had a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 944 Fields Drive, Suite 103, behind OverTime Sports Bar and Grill. Classes have been underway at TMIKY since August, though the building opened in July. The first class will graduate next month.

TMIKY is an accelerated program, taking between 16 and 20 weeks, TMIKY Director Rick Raque said. The students learn a lot in those 16 to 20 weeks, but its all essential and hands-on learning.

No math (classes), no English (classes). Its just focused on skills training in the medical assisting and dental assisting programs, Raque said.

TMIKY also has schools inLouisville, Lexington, Florence, London, Somerset and Mount Sterling, according to its Facebook page.

Students who graduate from TMIKYs programs are nationally certified, allowing them to serve as medical or dental assistants in any state. The National Healthcareer Association, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and the Better Business Bureau approve TMIKYs programs. TMIKY is a resident license school with the Kentucky Commission of Proprietary Education.

Raque estimated about 95 percent of the students are women, some of them with young children. The program is better suited to those students, Raque said, because its fast-track.

Jenny Rivas of Bowling Green is attending TMIKYs medical assistant program and has an 11-month old and a 2-year-old. Her weekly schedule is packed. On Mondays and Wednesdays, she goes to her externship at a Russellville orthopedic office from 8 a.m. to noon, then squeezes in a couple hours with her daughters before going to her full-time job at Bendix until late in the evening. She goes to class at TMIKY from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Its fast and thats what I needed because I have two girls and I dont have time to go to a program for nine months or two years, Rivas said.

Rivas said the material she learns is the perfect amount for her.

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Medical, dental program enrolling students

Robin Williams Update – Lewy Body Dementia and What the Media is Still Missing – Video


Robin Williams Update - Lewy Body Dementia and What the Media is Still Missing
What is Lewy Body Dementia, how is it related to Parkinson #39;s Disease, and what role did it play in Williams #39;s death?

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Robin Williams Update - Lewy Body Dementia and What the Media is Still Missing - Video