Long Term Care Symposium Attracts 500 Medical Pros

By  //  February 9, 2012

HEALTHCARE NEWS

Long-Term Care Symposium founder, John H. Potomski, Jr., D.O., CMD, presents the 2011 Long Term Care Award to Joyce Boyle, LPN, for her more than 25 years of service to the older adults residing in nursing facilities. Boyle is currently a unit manager at Melbourne (Florida) Terrace Rehabilitation Center. (Image courtesy of SpaceCoastMedicine.com)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The 2011 Long Term Care Symposium, presented by the Brevard County Medical Directors Association (BCMDA), attracted more than  500 health care providers and enjoyed great support from the health and medical marketplace. 

Long-Term Care Symposium founder, John H. Potomski, Jr., D.O., CMD, is president of the BCMDA and has been a medical provider for residents in area rehabilitation and nursing centers, as well as assisted living facilities, for more than 28 years.

Dr. Potomski, who serves as the medical director of Osler Geriatrics, now part of Osler HMA Medical Group, has always been an advocate for the most vulnerable elders. As the chairman of the Brevard County Commission on Aging, he has advocated at the national, state and local legislative levels.

Attendees included medical directors, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, nursing directors, administrators, pharmacy consultants, hospice and home health care representatives and facility department heads.

“This program was started as an educational dinner meeting for approximately 80 health care professional in long-term care and has now grown to a spectacular educational event for approximately 500 health care providers,” said BCMDA Executive Director Jo Ann Fisher.

The symposium, held Nov. 30  in Melbourne, Florida, was organized by Fisher, with support from the staff of Osler Geriatrics and Brevard Geriatric Assessment Services, who managed the registration process and supplied the CEU credit.

This year’s nationally known speakers included Norman Silverman, MD, of Rely Radiology Group on the topic of “Bedside Imaging Examinations: Indications and Results;” Robyn Bjork, MPT, WCC, CLT (please see the video below), on the topic of “Differential Diagnosis of Lymphedema and Treatment Options;” and Kevin O’Neil, M., CMD, chief medical officer of Brookdale Senior Living on the topic of “Cross Train Your Brain.”  The speakers were supported by an educational grant from Osler Geriatrics.

Boyle Wins Long Term Care Award

Among the highlights of the event was the presentation of the 2011 Long Term Care Award to Joyce Boyle, LPN, for her more than 25 years of service to the older adults residing in nursing facilities. Boyle is currently a unit manager at Melbourne (Florida) Terrace Rehabilitation Center.

The keynote address was delivered by DiAnn Barnes, RN, with Hospice of St Francis; Father Robert Bruckart of Health First Pastoral Care gave the invocation; and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Capt. Jessica Pabon form Patrick AFB.

“I have always felt that it is important to give back to the community,” said Dr. Potomski. “This event not only shows our appreciation to the professionals in long term care, but also provides them with education in the field of geriatrics at no cost.”