By: Robert Remler
The minor surgical procedure is having a major effect on the lives of these patients, almost all of them women. And now that Corman has come east, he offers help and hope to people in the tri-state area suffering from this embarrassing and often psychologically devastating condition. Corman participated in clinical trials of the device, which received FDA approval in late summer."People who suffer from anal incontinence often lead lives of isolation and despair," said Corman. "They can't go to restaurants, or the movies. If they must venture out of their homes and away from their bathrooms, they wear adult diapers, a $7 billion industry in the U.S. After the surgery to implant the artificial sphincter, many have told me they feel as if they've been given back their lives."One of Corman's patients, a 79-year-old woman named Rosemarie Puccio, actually attempted suicide after a mortifying episode in a coffee shop, consuming an entire bottle of sleeping tablets. She woke up three days later in her local hospital, where there was no help to be found, either for her anal incontinence or her desperate mental state.Then she found Dr. Corman."I am so happy now," says Ms. Puccio, whose Acticon Neosphincter was implanted about three months ago. She is able to travel with her fellow senior citizens to Las Vegas for a night of gambling, leaving behind the little bag containing supplies and a change of clothes in case of an "accident." "I love Dr. Corman," she adds.Dr. Corman is a noted name in the field of colorectal surgery. "That's what I'm in this business for," he said, "to make people people's lives better. It's that simple."For information, call Elaine Wohl or Thea Welch at (516) 465-2600.
Diabetes support group
Franklin Hospital Medical Center's Internal Medicine Department staff member Gregory Ajemian, M.D., will be the featured speaker at the hospital's Diabetes Support Group meeting set for Mon., Dec. 10.Dr. Ajemian will lead an informal presentation on the topic "Current Diabetes Issues." The support group will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the hospital's Geriatric Conference Room.Additional information about the monthly meetings of this informal gathering, or those seeking assistance and information concerning diabetes, are urged to contact Franklin's Diabetes Support Group Coordinator Ilia Scrivano, R.N., at (516) 256-6000 beeper 131.
School of radiology
As the demand for radiologic technologists increases, Mercy Medical Center offers residents who are looking to change careers or begin a career, the School of Radiography. One of the longest running programs in New York State, Mercy's staff has been educating imaging professionals since 1961.The program, which is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee, is now accepting applications for Sept. 2002. The total program requires 24 months and provides both clinical and classroom education at Mercy Medical Center. Upon graduation and passing the national certifying exam, students will be fully licensed professionals with the ability to work almost anywhere in the USA. The school is proud of its 100 percent employment and 100 percent licensing exam pass rate upon completion of the program. Those interested with a high school diploma or G.E.D. will be considered, and applications are due Feb. 1, 2002. For more information, call (516) 705-2274 or e-mail Bill Brennan at wbrennan@sfhmmc.org.
The gamma knife
Mercy Medical Center announced that it has signed a contract with American Shared Hospital Services, the world's largest owner of Gamma Knife radiosurgery services. The agreement will be final upon New York State regulatory approval.The Gamma Knife is a non-invasive treatment of malignant and benign brain tumors, vascular malformations and trigeminal neuralgia facial pain. The Gamma Knife, the gold standard in radiosurgery, uses three-dimensional computer modeling to target a high dose of radiation at abnormal tissue. More than 150,000 patients worldwide have already received this treatment.Vincent DiRubbio, president and chief executive officer of Mercy Medical Center, said, "The introduction of the Gamma Knife will be a great benefit to the people of Long Island. The Gamma Knife is a key ingredient in Mercy Medical Center's goal to allow people to receive the most comprehensive and state-of-the-art cancer treatment services within their community."Mercy Medical Center's Gamma Knife will be offered beginning the summer of 2002.
Other events and activities
North Shore Fantasy Party on Sat., Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m. at LIJ Teaching Center Building, second floor, Rooms 201 A, B and C, located at 270-05 76th Avenue, New Hyde Park...Coping Chat at the Center for Coping, 120 Bethpage Road, Suite 310, Hicksville, on Thurs., Dec. 6 & 13, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for anyone wishing to discuss their feelings and fears. The discussions center on how to keep calm and focused during the coming holiday season and beyond. Call (516) 822-3131 for reservations or further information...American Red Cross volunteers will wrap newly purchased holiday gifts at Borders Books & Music, 1260 Old Country Road, Westbury. In exchange for this service, ARC/Nassau will request financial donations. The gift-wrapping is scheduled for: Thurs., Dec. 13, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sun., Dec. 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon., Dec. 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thurs., Dec. 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.Compiled by Francisco Mejia
