S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 | V O L U M E 1 2 | N O. 1

Dr. Lafrance retiresafter 36 years

( PAGE 4 )

Clinic receives highestlevel of Patient

Centered MedicalHome recognition

( PAGE 7 )

There’s a doc for you at

The Corvallis Clinic.Call our Find-a-Physician to be personally

matched up with one of ourexceptional providers.

541-754-1368www.corvallisclinic.com

There’s a doc for you at

The Corvallis Clinic.Call our Find-a-Physician to be personally

matched up with one of ourexceptional providers.

541-754-1368www.corvallisclinic.com

Newconvenient location for Physical Therapy

( PAGE 2 )

Newconvenient location for Physical Therapy

( PAGE 2 )

Pictured on cover: Faye Wood with the Director of Physical Therapy Michael Gray, DPT, COMT, who will be the primary therapistat The Corvallis Clinic’s newest physical therapy location. Cover story photography by Lainey Dyer Photography.

Smelling the RosesNeurologist, Dr. RichardLafrance retires after 36 years at The Corvallis Clinic

New to NeurologyNeurology welcomes two newproviders;addingathird this summer

Sound ReasoningConnect to your world easierwith new hearing aid accessories

Recognition ReceivedClinic receives highest level of Patient Centered MedicalHome recognition

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Inside

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The Bottom LineColonoscopy saves lives

Department ChangesNew oncology site set forcompletion in May; Dermatologyoffice undergoes remodelingand expansion

Alzheimer’s TreatmentResearch Center investigatesnew treatment strategy

New Providers

Classes & Research

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Physical Therapy Arrives in AlbanyService opens at Clinic’s Waverly Drive facility. ( PAGE 2 )

Everything You Need ToManage Your Health Is NowJust A Few Clicks Away

Sign up now for My Corvallis Clinic Connection. Enjoy secure, online access to your

personal health information, and add to your ability to make more informed decisions

about your health.

Just look at what you’ll be able to do at anytime, from anywhere, online:

n Email your doctor’s office

n Request appointments

n View lab and test results

n Receive appointment reminders

n Request prescription renewals

n Get useful medical news and information

If you’re already a Corvallis Clinic patient, we invite you to make the online

connection to better health: My Corvallis Clinic Connection. Know more about your

health, more quickly. Improve interactions with your doctor’s office. Just go to

www.myclinicconnection.com to sign up today.

If you’re not yet a patient of ours, gaining the advantages of My Corvallis Clinic

Connection is all the more reason to become one. Just call us at 541-758-2688 and

we’ll help you make the connection to better health at The Corvallis Clinic.

www.myclinicconnection.com | 541-758-2688

Physical Therapy Arrives in AlbanyService opens at Clinic’s Waverly Drive facility. ( PAGE 2 )

A publication of The Corvallis Clinic.444 NW Elks Drive, Corvallis, OR 97330541-754-1150

Send comments or questions to Judy Corwin,Director of Marketing & Public Relations at judith.corwin@corvallisclinic.com.

www.corvallisclinic.com

More than 100 providers in 27 specialtiesserving the mid-Willamette Valley at these locations:

Asbury Building | Aumann Building North Albany VillagePhilomath Family Medicine Surgery Center | Walnut Boulevard Waverly Drive/Albany

Faye Wood recently went to her

first physical therapy appointment

in her life. “Guess I never had

anything to go for,” the 80-year-

old Albany resident said. To get

treated for arthritis in her neck,

Ms. Wood had to make the journey

to The Corvallis Clinic’s Physical

Therapy Department in Corvallis,

something she did not want to

continue to do.

“I don’t like the inconvenience of

driving to Corvallis,” she said.

Fortunately, her sudden need

for physical therapy coincides

with the opening of physical

therapy services at The Clinic’s

Waverly Drive office in Albany,

where she has been a longtime patient.

Ms. Wood first heard about the move from her primary

care provider at the Waverly Office, Dr. Rachael

Pakunpanya, who referred her for physical therapy. “I

thought that it would be wonderful,” she said. “It’s a lot

more convenient.”

The Waverly Drive office is now offering the same full-

service care provided at Walnut Drive in Corvallis, just on a

smaller scale, said Director of Physical Therapy Michael

Gray, DPT, COMT.

“This is an exciting time for The Corvallis Clinic in

Albany,” Mr. Gray said. “Currently the people of Albany are

underserved in the area of physical therapy, and this new

PT service will help fill in the gap for those individuals.”

A section of the office has been remodeled to

accommodate two “curtain” treatment rooms, a treadmill

and other cardio equipment, a mat table for therapeutic

exercises, parallel bars, heat and cold treatment, and speed

pulleys. It also offers industrial medicine and work

conditioning in conjunction with Dr. Christopher Swan, the

occupational medicine physician

at Waverly.

“In the past, individuals in

Albany have been used to coming

to (Corvallis) for physical

therapy,” Mr. Gray said “This is

a great way for us to come to

them, decrease their drive, and

provide convenience to the people

of Albany and the surrounding

areas for their medical and

therapy needs.”

For Rod Aust, Chief Operating

Officer at The Clinic, it’s all about

service. “For us it means that we

are going to better serve our

patients in Albany,” he said.

“Right now if a patient needs

physical therapy, we either have to refer them outside The

Clinic or back to our PT facility in Corvallis. Neither one is

as convenient as if they can get the physical therapy right

where they are receiving their other care. We’re very

excited about it.”

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Physical Therapist Michael Gray explains to Faye Wood the spinal anatomy

and the sources of spine pain.

“Currently the people of Albany are underserved in the area of physical therapy, and this new PT service

will help fill in the gap for those individuals.”

MICHAEL GRAY, DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

The Corvallis Clinic’s physical therapists are experienced

in therapeutic treatment as prescribed by your doctor for

people recovering from an injury or surgery, or for relief

from a chronic or disabling condition.

The Physical Therapy department is equipped with

strengthening and aerobic equipment. Rehabilitative

treatments are also available.

Therapists evaluate and administer manual therapy

directed by a physician and emphasize patient involvement

in healing.

For more information, call 541-754-1265.

Physical Therapy at a Glance

For Patients Like Faye Wood,New Albany LocationProvides Convenience

For Patients Like Faye Wood,New Albany LocationProvides Convenience

Luckily for many neurology patients over the years, Dr. Richard Lafrance is allergic

to rats. LaFrance, who retired last December after 36 years as a neurologist at

The Corvallis Clinic, found out about this allergy at a summer job while a medical

student at the University of Rochester in New York. “I had a project lined up in

which I was going to use rats for research,” he said. “It turned out I wheezed when

I was around rats, so I had to drop that project at the last minute. The only opening

I could find was at the rehabilitation unit that was doing some other research.”

And it was there where Dr. Lafrance found his medical calling. “I had not had

any exposure to neurologic patients,” he said. “But I met people with brain

injuries and others who had suffered strokes. I became fascinated by what was

happening to them and what could be done to make them better. And that

started me reading and learning about it and taking a few extra courses in

medical school.” Dr. Lafrance’s career will not totally come to a halt. After about a month

“couch surfing” in Florida, visiting his sister and friends from his high school, medical school and residency days, he will help

clinical research and serve as a part-time neurohospitalist (taking care of neurology patients at the hospital) for about a year.

Time to “smell the roses” forlongtime Clinic Neurologist

What are some of the other aspects of neurology thatdrew you to the specialty?

One of the things that intrigued me about neurologyversus internal medicine was the spectrum of ages that onecan see. You see children, adolescents, and people up to100 years of age. You see males and females, and peoplewith critical illness and those with non-critical illness.

What types of changes have you seen in neurology sinceyou began to practice medicine in the early 1970s?

I was a resident when CT (computed tomography) scansfirst came out. I remember going to a meeting that was anadd-on at the end of a three-day course on neuroradiology.They showed some CT scans, and it kind of blew everybodyaway. All of a sudden, the field changed.

There have been tremendous advances in both treatmentand diagnosis. If you look back many years, neurology wasprimarily a diagnostic specialty. It didn’t have much treatmentto offer. Since then there has been tremendous advances inthe treatment of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke and avariety of the other neurologic illnesses. It’s almost become atreatment specialty now — with very effective treatments.

You have been involved in many Alzheimer’s diseasestudies. What do you see going forward in terms oftreatment for it?

In the past we’ve been focused on trying to get theinjured brain to work a little faster, and that’s been morehelpful than not. However, going forward scientists will betrying to find a way to reverse the biologic process thatleads to Alzheimer’s disease and probably Parkinson’s

disease. Both are neurodegenerative diseases where thebrain cells die off at an accelerated rate. We don’t alwaysknow what’s behind it. But the real trick with any disease istrying to reverse the underlying tide of biology that iscausing the cells to die. I think we are really at the cusp ofbeing able to do that with at least a couple of the diseases.

What did you like about working at The Corvallis Clinic?I like the multi-specialty group. I think it’s always nice to

have people who may look at the medical world a littledifferently than you do. I think you can learn from them. It’s agood relationship. And it’s important to have a little bit of thebusiness side taken out of my day-to-day thought pattern.

Tell us about your experience with teaching neurologyresidents.

That’s been fun. It’s a different way to challenge your brain. In teaching, you have to go back and re-examine things thatsometimes you have taken for granted and be sure that you can explain it to other people. You have to explain to otherprofessionals why you have proceeded along this avenue,rather than another avenue in regards to treatment or diagnosis.

What do you plan to do in your retirement?I don’t really have any hobbies. I’m just going to be

interested in smelling the roses, I guess. There’s a lot I canpotentially do in Corvallis, a lot of educational opportunitiesavailable through the university and the community at large.I like to learn about just about anything.

I think I’ll get an RV this summer. Then, I’ll travel aroundthe U.S. and see what’s going on.

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Neurology Department welcomes two newproviders; adding a third in June

Charmin Sagert, M.D.Dr. Sagert comes from Loma Linda University in

California, where she was an attending physician andassistant professor in neurology, neuromuscular medicineand clinical neurophysiology.

Dr. Sagert received her medical degree in 2006 from LomaLinda University School of Medicine where she received theGuy Hunt outstanding medical student award. She completedan internal medicine internship at Loma Linda in 2007, aresidency in neurology there in 2010 and a residency inclinical neurophysiology in 2011.

Dr. Sagert is certified in neurology and neuromuscularmedicine by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Before becoming a physician, she worked as a physicaltherapist for six years after receiving a master’s of sciencedegree in physical therapy in 1996 at Andrews University inBerrien Springs, Mich.

Julie Solomon, ARNP-CNurse practitioner Julie Solomon brings nine years of

professional experience, caring for neurology and oncologypatients, most recently at St. Anthony’s Neurology Group in St. Petersburg, Fla. She will work directly with Clinic neurol-ogists Cecilia Keller, Shelley Svoboda, and Charmin Sagert toprovide follow-up care for patients.

In 2005, Ms. Solomon earned a bachelor’s degree innursing with honors. In 2010-11, she earned dual master’sdegrees in nursing and public health from the University ofFlorida. Ms. Solomon is a certified Advanced RegisteredNurse Practitioner in Adult.

Alex Wang, M.D.Dr. Wang, who will join The Corvallis Clinic on June 2, is

currently lead neurologist and senior partner at HealthCarePartner Medical Group in Torrance, Calif. He received hismedical degree in 1984 from Bethune Medical University inChangchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China, and completedhis internship in internal medicine in 1995 and his neurologyresidency in 1998 at the University of Washington MedicalCenter in Seattle. Dr. Wang completed a neuromusculardiseases fellowship in 1999 at the University of SouthernCalifornia’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles.

Pictured below: The Corvallis Clinic Neurology Departmentconsists of (l to r) Shelly R. Svoboda, M.D., Cecilia A. Keller, M.D.,

Charmin K. Sagert, M.D. and Julie C. Solomon, ARNP-C. Alex Wang, M.D. will join the group in June.

Dr. Lafrance, back row on the right, ispictured with some of his fellow colleagues in1984. Dr. Cecilia Keller, his colleague inNeurology for 30 years, is sitting on the left.

S O U N D R E A S O N I N G

As consumers, all of us receive dailymessages about new technology andproducts, via television, newspapers, mailand email and even over the telephone.

The world of hearing-aid technology isno different. New products areintroduced each year with improvementsto the previous model. I am frequentlyasked by patients if their hearing aids

have become obsolete. However, if you take care of thehearing aids, they should continue to function for manyyears. Ultimately, the manufacturers might “retire” some oftheir older technology and replacement parts will eventuallybe unavailable for a repair.

So, what does all of this new technology mean to you? I’msure you have seen the pictures of accessories to go withhearing aids - remote controls, TV streamers, cell-phoneclips, and mini microphones. Full-page newspaper ads arefilled with info about these devices.

The goal of these devices is to enable communication withfriends and family more easily and effectively. If you canachieve this by seamlessly streaming your cell-phone callsdirectly to the hearing aids, think how much better you

could hear? If you can place a mini microphone on yourspouse’s lapel when traveling, and stream their voice directlyto the hearing aids, how will that improve hearing conver-sation in the car?

And this also applies to streaming music, streaming aPodcast from the computer to the hearing aids and variousother challenging listening situations. A remote controlallows the user to easily switch programs in the hearing aids,mute the aids, or change the volume.

The public demands innovation and anything that canprovide easier communication will be welcomed and embraced.

Hearing aids will continue to operate as stand-aloneelectronic devices and many people will only want this. Butas the world of technology expands, more and more peoplewho are “tech savvy” and work and play in challenginglistening environments will welcome these new accessories.Most hearing-aid manufacturers offer these accessories andall are affordable. I would be happy to introduce these to youand provide more information.

Hearing Instrument Specialist Diane Bach can be reached at The Corvallis Clinic Ear, Nose and Throat Department, 541-754-1251.

Connect to Your World Easier withNew Hearing Aid Accessoriesby Diane Bach, Hearing Aid Specialist

Clinic receives highest level of Patient Centered Medical Home recognition

The Corvallis Clinic and its satellite clinicshave reached the highest level of recognitiondesignated by the National Committee forQuality Assurance (NCQA).The Clinicreceived a Level 3 Patient CenteredMedical Home Recognition from thisnational organization.

“The Clinic as a medical home is aplace where you can coordinate all ofyour medical needs,” said MirandaHennan, RN, BSN, who is TheClinic’s RN Care Coordination Manager. “When patient caretransfers easily between primary care and specialists, itensures overall better patient care and satisfaction.”

Patient Centered Medical Home Recognition is based onthe following six standards:

n ACCESSIBLE: Care is available when patients need it.

n ACCOUNTABLE: Clinics take responsibility for theircommunity and provide quality care.

n COMPREHENSIVE: Patients get the care, information and services they need to stay healthy.

n CONTINUOUS: Providers know their patients and workwith them to improve their health over time.

n COORDINATED: Clinics help patients navigate thehealth care system to get the care they need in a safeand timely way.

n PATIENT AND FAMILY CENTERED: Patients andfamilies are the most important part of health care.Care should draw on a patient’s strengths to set goals,and communication should be culturally competentand understandable for all.

Within each standard are six must-pass requirements thata practice must meet in order to be recognized. To attainthe Level 3 recognition, an organization must achieve atleast 85 assessment points out of 100.

The Clinic is only one of three practices in Oregon tohave received this quality recognition.

“Research has shown that access to robust primary careis the best way to get better health outcomes at a bettercost,” said Dawn Creach, a policy analyst with OregonHealth Authority, which oversees state’s Patient-CenteredPrimary Care Home program.

This “robust” primary care is evident with the approach

The Clinic takes.“We provide triage for internal medicine

and call patients to notify them if they areoverdue for any aspect of their healthcare,”Ms. Hennan said. “If a patient or theircaregiver is particularly unsure of their

healthcare and need guidancedeciphering a safe medication

schedule, we work with the pharmacyto map it out for the patient. Andhelp them navigate the healthcare

system by requesting home-health or placement services.”This type or coordination requires Clinic personnel to

partner with others in the community for resources thatprovide the best care possible for patients, based on theirneeds and wants.

In one case, The Clinic collaborated with a patient’sinsurance case worker on issues not directly related to hismedical needs. So, in addition to getting him referrals forhome-health care, physical and occupationaltherapy, and other specialist care, theyhelped him get signed up for Meals on Wheels and secured him a betterplace to live.

“Patient-Centered Primary CareHomes are clinics that have beenrecognized for their commitment toquality, coordinated care,” theOregon Health Authority stateson its website. “At its heart, thismodel of care fosters strongrelationships with patients andtheir families. Clinics improvecare by catching problemsearlier, focusing on prevention,wellness and management of chronic conditions.”

In the end for The Clinic, it’s all about providing a personal touch.

“We try to meet patients face-to-face if possible,” Ms. Hennansaid, “so they feel like they havea person here who is working for them and they aren’t just achart in our system to us.”

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Miss Oregon Teen USA Alexandra Perry, a junior at Santiam Christian, is oneof The Corvallis Clinic Foundation’s Health Care Heroes. Miss Perry started Cook for Cancer, a program of Project H.E.R. and the Foundation that providesdinners for oncology patients and their families as they are undergoing cancertreatments. Perry’s mom is a breast-cancer survivor and so she created theprogram as a way to give back to cancer patients.

Perry and Miss Oregon USA Emma Pelett made a special appearance at theseventh annual Pink Out Breakfast and Silent Auction on Feb. 1. The event washosted by Oregon State’s gymnastics program and raised more than $6,000 forThe Corvallis Clinic Foundation’s Project H.E.R. (Help. Enlightenment. Resources.).

If you would like to donate to Cook for Cancer, please contact Sarah Blanton,Project H.E.R. Coordinator at 541-768-2375.

Cook for Cancer founded by Oregon Teen

Dermatology office undergoesremodeling, expansion

When Dr. Brad Yentzerjoined Dr. Kyle Van DeGraaff in The CorvallisClinic DermatologyDepartment late lastsummer, it increasedaccess fordermatology care formid-Willamette Valleyresidents. Now, the

dermatologists and their staff are accommodating theseadditional patients with an expanded and remodeled office.

A larger and refurbished waiting room and check-in deskalong with a new exam room and nurses’ station awaitpatients at the 444 NW Elks Drive office in Corvallis.

“The expansion of the waiting room necessitatedeliminating an exam room adjacent to the waiting area, “Dr. Van De Graaff said. “There was some unused space inthe rear of the office, so that is where the replacement examroom and a new nurses’ station will be built.”

Construction of the new walls, cabinetry, and floorcoverings, plus application of fresh coats of paint, wascompleted in late February.

“With two dermatologists, you need room for morepatients,” Dr. Yentzer said. “We are excited that the(expansion and remodel) offers more space and comfort for our patients.”

Work continues on a project to move oncology and hematology care at The Corvallis Clinic to theAumann Building. Construction on the renovated space in the southeast corner of Aumann, previouslyused for mammography services, is expected to be completed in May.

The location chosen is much quieter than its current space in the Asbury Building, and there will benearly twice as much room, with approximately 4,700 square-feet of space. Lab services will be locatednearby, and there will be easier access to the building, including handicap-accessible parking.

Additional windows will allow more natural light in a new chemotherapy center that is part of thedepartment and showcase a view of the Cascade Mountains and the beautiful plants and flowers that will surround the building.

The open design of the infusion area reflects patient feedback that many people enjoy the camaraderieof seeing other people during treatment. And for patients who are frail or seek greater privacy, there will also be a privateinfusion room. There will be places for people to keep their belongings nearby, and charger outlets for media devices.

New Oncology site set for completion in May

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The Bottom Line: Colonoscopy Saves Lives

Q: What are my chances of having colon cancer?Question: What are my chances of having colon cancer?For men, colon cancer is the third-most common cancer

diagnosed, and for women, it is the second-most commoncancer in the world. Each year, more than 140,000 new casesof colon cancer are diagnosed in the United States.

Q: What is a colonoscopy?Colonoscopy is the visual examination of the large intestine

(colon) using a lighted, flexible fiber optic video endoscope.

Q: Why do I need a colonoscopy?One of the best ways to prevent colon cancer is to have a

colonoscopy. The main goal of a colonoscopy is to findcolon polyps and remove them before they are cancerous.

Most colon cancer begins with the formation of polyps.Colon polyps are shaped like a mushroom or a dome-likebutton, and grow on the inside lining of the colon. They maybe the size of a small pea or larger. Over time, they cangrow and become cancerous.

Q: When do I need to start getting a colonoscopy?As with most cancers, the risk of colon cancer increases

with age. The average person has a 5 percent lifetime risk ofdeveloping colorectal cancer, with more than 90 percent ofcases occurring in people after age 50. Therefore, thecurrent recommendation is to get a colonoscopy starting atage 50, continuing every 10 years until age 75. Your doctormay recommend this screening sooner if you have a family

history of colon cancer and for patients with inflammatorybowel disease.

Q: What should I expect in a colonoscopy?In order to prepare for your exam, your colon must be

clean and free of stool so that visualization is optimal. Youwill need to drink a solution that flushes the colon cleanthe day before the procedure, as well as keep a diet ofclear liquids.

A colonoscopy is performed on an outpatient basis. You willreceive a mild sedative before the procedure, although somepatients choose to stay awake. An endoscope is moved gentlyaround the bends of the colon. If a polyp is encountered,special equipment is passed through the channel of the scopeto remove the polyp. Due to the mild sedation, you will needsomeone to drive you home after the procedure.

Q: Are there any side effects or complications with acolonoscopy?

It is very uncommon for there to be serious risks with acolonoscopy. Risks include excessive bleeding, especiallywith the removal of a large polyp, and in rare instances, atear in the lining of the colon can occur. These compli-cations may require hospitalization or surgery. Alsouncommon, a diagnostic error or oversight may occur.

Dr. Chow and Dr. Chun are physicians in The Corvallis ClinicGastroenterology Department. They can be reached at 541-754-1988.

Convincing someone to have a colonoscopy is no easy task. Just ask Gastroenterologist Sooyun Chun,M.D. (left), of The Corvallis Clinic.

In 10 years of practice in her specialty, she’s heard a lot of excuses.“I have more important things to do.”“The stuff they make you drink to prepare is awful.”“I’ll have to take time off work.”People have many reasons for why they don’t want to have this important and potentially

life-saving screening procedure. Dr. Chun even encountered resistance with her parents, who are in their sixties.“I was trying to convince my own parents, and they nodded their heads in agreement, but then

nothing happened,” Dr. Chun recalled. “All my incessant nagging did nothing.”It wasn’t until after one of their good friends was diagnosed with colon cancer that her parents

followed through.“I could tell you a million reasons why you should get a colonoscopy, but the bottom line is, the

reason has to speak to you,” Dr. Chun said. “For my parents, it was a close friend being diagnosedwith colon cancer that finally spoke the truth.”

People shouldn’t feel scared about getting a colonoscopy, Dr. Chun said.“Most often, you won’t have to repeat the inconvenience of going through the colonoscopy

preparation for another 10 years,” she said. “And after all, it is your life that you are saving.”Below, Dr. Chun and Corvallis Clinic Gastroenterologist Hsichao Chow, M.D., Ph.D., answer some

of the most common questions they get from patients.

Dr. Wallen

Dr. Yentzer Dr. Van De Graaff

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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Nelson J. Binggeli, PhD | 541-754-1288

Nelson J. Binggeli, PhD , will join The Corvallis Clinic Behavioral Health Department as a licensedpsychologist on April 7. Dr. Binggeli was a staff psychologist and assistant coordinator for clinicalservices at the Georgia Institute of Technology Counseling Center in Atlanta since 2006. He was anassistant professor of psychology at Colorado State University-Pueblo from 2004-2006. He received a doctorate in counseling psychology from Georgia State University in 2003, a master’s in counseling and counselor education in 1995 and a bachelor’s degree in history in 1988 from Indiana University.

SLEEP MEDICINE Kerin Konkler, FNP-C | 541-754-1268

Kerin Konkler, FNP-C, of Indianapolis, IN, joined The Corvallis Clinic inOctober 2013 in the Sleep Medicine Department. Ms. Konkler bringsthree years of emergency room, intensive care, retail clinic, andprimary care experience to Corvallis, having served as aprimary care provider in the Emergency Room at GrandviewMedical Center in Dayton, Ohio; an Intensive Care nurse at Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark, OH; and aprimary care provider at the Walgreens Take Care Clinic,in Indianapolis. In 2012, Ms. Konkler managed a 39-bed Progressive Care Unit at Good SamaritanHospital in Dayton.

PAIN MANAGEMENT Paul Coelho, M.D. |541-754-1256

Paul Coelho, M.D., of Coburg, OR, will join The CorvallisClinic Pain Management Department on April 1. Dr.Coelho brings14 years of experience in physical medicine and rehabilitation and inpain management. In private practice since 2005, he was an attending physicianat the Kaiser Permanente Richmond/Oakland, CA, Departments of Orthopaedics and Spinal Diagnosticsfrom 1999 – 2005. Dr. Coelho completed a fellowship in Spine and Pain Management in 2000 at KaiserPermanente Richmond/Oakland, where he was honored with the Fisher-Peabody Quality Award, and hisresidency in physical medicine and rehabilitation in 1999 at the University of Washington, Seattle, wherehe was honored with a Harborview Medical Center’s House Staff award. He completed his internship ininternal medicine in 1995 at Northwestern University in Chicago, received his medical degree from theUniversity of Chicago and earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California at Davis in 1991. Dr. Coelho is certified with the American Board of Pain Medicine and the AmericanBoard of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

SLEEP MEDICINE Roland B. Szemerei, PA-C | 541-754-1268

Roland B. Szemerei, PA-C, will join The Corvallis Clinic Sleep Medicine Department on April 1. Mr. Szemerei has been a physician’s assistant since 2012 at the High Desert Cardiopulmonary MedicalCenter in Apple Valley, Calif. He received a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in July 2012 at Western University of Health Science in Pomona, Calif.

Trusted Care for Every Member of Your Family

N E W P R O V I D E R S

The Clinical Research Center has been selected toparticipate in a clinical study to evaluate an investigationalnew treatment for those who have been diagnosed withmild Alzheimer’s Disease. This study is very importantbecause it represents a shift in Alzheimer’s diseasetreatment strategy. Whereas earlier Alzheimer’s diseasemedications were developed to improve the symptoms ofthe inevitable cognitive decline, the investigationaltreatment being tested in the Expedition 3 study isintended to slow the progression of thephysical changes in the brain that areassociated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Patients who volunteer toparticipate in the study mustalready have a diagnosis of mildAlzheimer’s disease or meet studycriteria for having probable mild

Alzheimer’s disease. Volunteers will be carefully evaluatedby The Corvallis Clinic medical staff to see if they qualify forthe study. Some of the study criteria are quite straight-forward, such as being between 55 and 90 years of age.

Qualifying patients will receive specialized brain imagingusing Amyvid (florbetapir). Amyvid imaging is important forpatients and their families, because it is a new diagnostictool that helps clinicians determine whether or not dementiais likely due to Alzheimer’s disease or another cause.

There is no cost to participate in the Expedition 3Alzheimer’s disease research study.

For more information on this study orto become a study volunteer, call

Josh at the Clinical ResearchCenter at 541-754-1398, option 7,or send an email to

research@corvallisclinic.com.

Diabetes Studies ContinueThe Corvallis Clinic’s Clinical Research Center and itspatient volunteers are continuing their longtime roles inhelping the FDA approve drugs that battle diabetes. TheResearch Center is currently participating in multiplediabetes studies.

“The clinic has worked on every new class of drug fordiabetes treatment that has come on the market in thepast 10 years,” said Pat Eshleman, Clinical ResearchCenter manager. “Some of the drugs that our volunteershave helped study now on the market are Januvia and Bydureon.”

One study centers on people with type 2 diabetes whoare taking the anti-diabetic drug metformin but still have ahigh average level of blood sugar over a period of time.Another study, also for type 2 diabetes, is a comparison ofa commercially available medicine that is injected once aweek with that of another once-a-week injected drug thatdoes not yet have FDA approval. Typically, these studieslast from six to 12 months.

Later this winter, the Research Center will begin anotherdiabetes trial studying the subpopulation of patients withdiabetes who also have cardiac and/or renal disease.

In addition to the research medication, diabetes studiesprovide testing supplies and research physician visits to participants.

“These medications are mimicking the naturallyproduced protein in the body that helps with insulin(production and release) at the time the patient needs it,”said Internist Michael Chen, M.D., the principal investigatorfor both studies. Endocrinologists Susan Sanderson, M.D.,and Lindsay Bromley, M.D., are also working on the trials.

“And there’s some data to suggest,” Dr. Chen said, “thatthey probably help the pancreas maintain the ability toproduce insulin for the long term.”

For more information on this study or to become a study volunteer, call Josh at the Clinical Research Center at 541-754-1398, option 7, or send an email toresearch@corvallisclinic.com.

Research Center part of studyto help investigate newAlzheimer’s treatment strategy

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To learn about classes and events offered on important health issues that matter to you and yourfamily, see www.corvallisclinic.com.

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An Informed Mind isa Healthy Mind

Baby Bundle

Each Baby Bundle session featuresClinic obstetricians discussingchildbirth, including signs of labor,birthing options, pain relief, when tocall your doctor, partner help duringlabor and choosing your baby’s doctor.

7 p.m. Asbury Dining RoomWednesday, May 14Wednesday, Aug. 13Wednesday, Nov. 12

Register: 541-738-2075 or www.corvallisclinic.com/classes

Clinical Research currentlyenrolling studies:

Endocrine: Dr. Michael ChenDiabetes

Neurology: Dr. Richard LafranceAlzheimer’s Disease

Women’s Health: Dr. Amey LeeUterine Fibroid Study

Allergy: Dr. Roland SolenskyDust Mite Allergy Treatment

Cardiovascular: Dr. Michael ChenWarfarin Dose Optimization

To learn more about ongoing andupcoming studies at The Corvallis ClinicResearch Center, or to learn aboutbecoming a study volunteer, seewww.corvallisclinic.com/research or call James Bechtel at 541-754-1398Option 6.

Healthy Baby

Each Healthy Baby session features oneof our expert pediatricians andlactation consultant. Pediatric topicsinclude normal newborn appearance,crying, sleeping and bathing,development, medical care andproblems, nutrition and breastfeeding.

7 p.m. Asbury Dining RoomWednesday, April 2Wednesday, June 4Wednesday, Aug. 6Wednesday, Oct. 1Wednesday, Dec. 3

Register: 541-738-2075 or www.corvallisclinic.com/classes

INTERNAL MEDICINE Jodi Sorenson, FNP-C | 541-754-1260

Jodi Sorenson, FNP-C, joined The Corvallis Clinic Internal Medicine Department in December 2013.Ms. Sorenson received her master’s degree in nursing in 2012 from Gonzaga University and completed anurse practitioner fellowship in June of 2013 at Boise VA Medical Center. She is a certified family nursepractitioner. Prior to coming to The Clinic, she was a critical care nurse for 14 years at Good SamaritanRegional Medical Center in Corvallis. Ms. Sorenson, originally from Minnesota, received an associate’sdegree in nursing from Linn-Benton Community College in 1998 and a bachelor’s in psychology in 1989from Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minn.

CARE NOW Norma Soffa, ARNP-C

Norma Soffa, a Michigan native, joined The Corvallis Clinic on Feb. 17. She was a nurse practitioner forSouthwest Medical Associates in Las Vegas, where she was responsible for adult primary care, chronicdisease management, preventive medicine and sick visits. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner in 2012,she was a registered nurse in cardiology and emergency care for various organizations in Las Vegas. Ms. Soffa earned a Master of Science in Nursing, Adult Primary Care, in 2012 from South University inSavannah, Ga. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1994 from Oakland University inRochester, Mich., and a Bachelor in Health Sciences from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich.

NEUROLOGY Charmin Sagert, M.D. | 541-754-1274

Charmin Sagert, M.D., will join The Corvallis Clinic Neurology Department in December. Dr. Sagertcomes from Loma Linda University in California, where she is an attending physician and assistantprofessor of neurology, neuromuscular medicine and clinical neurophysiology. She received her medicaldegree in 2006 from Loma Linda and won the Guy Hunt outstanding medical student award. Shecompleted a residency in neurology and clinical neurophysiology. Before becoming a doctor, she workedas a physical therapist for six years in Michigan. She is certified in neurology and neuromuscularmedicine by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

CARE NOW Jennifer Betz King, FNP-C

Jennifer Betz King, who will be joining The Corvallis Clinic on April 1, has been a family nurse practi-tioner at Western Oregon University’s Student Health and Counseling Center in Monmouth since May2013. She treats acute and chronic conditions with a focus on family planning, women’s health, laboratorydiagnostics, mental health, sports physicals and general preventative care. Prior to joining WesternOregon University, Ms. King was a family nurse practitioner at Carolinas Medical Alliance, Lake CityMedical Clinic in Lake City, S.C., providing women’s health care and preventative health care for ruralhealth community clinics. She was a registered nurse from2006 to 2012, working in emergency care,critical care, and surgical trauma intensive care for various providers in South Carolina. Ms. King earned a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner in 2011 and Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2005 from the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

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