Esophageal Cancer Awareness Event – 2013

Posted on April 18, 2013 by MFMD

Thanks to all that attended our second annual Esophageal Cancer Awareness Event. The event was a big success with just under 140 people attending.

Dr. Fusco, Kristine, and Dr. Kartsonis

Thanks to Dr. Athan Kartsonis and Kristine Van Workum for very interesting talks. Also a special thanks to cancer survivor Milton Arthur who gave his personal perspective of acid reflux, esophageal cancer, treatment and survival.

An event such as this would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of my awesome office staff, Pam Evans, Kerry Owens, and Ashley Liparini. Also much appreciated is the staff from Melbourne GI Center for participating and handing out educational material about the important work they do to try and prevent GI cancers.

Pam and AshleyKim Rodriguez Melbourne GI Center

The following links were recommended from the presentation:

http://www.markfuscomd.com/gerd.htmECAE 2013 Dr. Fusco

http://www.markfuscomd.com/peh.htm

http://www.markfuscomd.com/barretts.htm

http://www.markfuscomd.com/lap_nissen.htmKristine at Esophageal Cancer Event

http://www.markfuscomd.com/barrx.htm

http://www.markfuscomd.com/barrx.htm

http://www.brevardnutrition.com

http://www.eatright.org

http://www.tobaccofreeflorida.com

Portion size me promotional video

NIDDK

AICR

ACS

Follow this link to see the books recommended by Kristine:

Slides used in the presentation.

Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month Patient information talk 2012 on Prezi

Remember to follow me on Facebook for information about additional events.

Mark Fusco MD

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Esophageal Cancer Awareness Event – Cancer survivor testimonial

Posted on April 15, 2013 by MFMD

Very special thanks to my patient Milton Arthur for sharing his story with a large crowd of over 140 people attending the 2013 Esophageal Cancer Awareness Event.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

IS IT ONLY HEARTBURN? April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month.

Posted on March 18, 2013 by Ashley

If you ever question, “Is It Only Heartburn?” please attend this important event to discover the difference between heartburn, acid reflux and Esophageal Cancer prevention. In honor of April being Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Mark Fusco will host this annual event:

Saturday, April 13, 2013
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

With Esophageal Cancer on the rise, it is imperative proper screening and knowledge is given to anyone suffering. Esophageal cancer, or cancer of the muscular tube that brings food to the stomach, is increasing in frequency. The risk of esophageal cancer is increased in people who have chronic acid reflux. Chronic reflux can lead to a precancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus.

Come learn about the link between acid reflux and Cancer of the Esophagus and learn about new treatment options for reflux and cancer prevention.

Panel:

  • Mark Fusco MD – Minimally Invasive Surgery, Health First Medical Group Medical Director, LifeShape Advanced Bariatric Center of Florida
  • Athan Kartsonis MD – Gastroenterologist, Surgery Center of Melbourne
  • Kristine Van Workum, RD, CSSD, LDN – Registered Dietitian, LifeShape Advanced Bariatric Center of Florida President, Brevard Nutrition, Inc.
  • Milton Arthur, Patient & Survivor – Offering his testimony and insight on the screening process, prevention and treatment.

Located at:
Health First Medical Group Cancer Center
1130 Hickory Street
Melbourne, Florida 32901

Call 321-725-4500 ext 7396 to reserve your space for this free program.

Posted in News | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Barrett’s Esophagus Patient Awareness Video

Posted on January 17, 2013 by MFMD

Last week the following commercial has been playing in selected markets around the US. The commercial is  sponsored by Covidien. Covidien is the company that markets the Halo radio frequency ablation catheter that I use for the treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus. The commercial features Dick Smothers of Smothers Brothers fame. The treatment he references is the Halo procedure that I have offered in Melbourne Florida since 2006.

Posted in News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Happy Hernia Patient

Posted on January 2, 2013 by MFMD

Hernia exampleI received this very nice email from one of my patients that totally made day… (so I thought I would share) The patient is a US expat who lives in South America and came to me for a hernia repair.

Dr. Fusco

I am a little late on reporting on my post operative Inguinal Surgery results.
Following surgery, I walked out of the Melbourne Same Day surgery center unassisted and with  little or no pain..  That afternoon I went shopping – and was quite comfortable.   I had a light dinner at Olive Garden that evening.  The whole process was exceptional, your staff and facilities were professional & efficient, and I thank you very much!
The healing process was uneventful.   And now – I feel comfortable and happy to have had the surgery.
As I noted to you – in 1962 – when I had my required preliminary Army Physical for the Draft – the physician noted that I had a “potential inguinal hernia” on my right side.   You of course corrected this in 2012. Following surgery,  you told my wife that you noted a “potential inguinal on my left side” during the operation.   I look forward to following through with this surgery, with you . . . .  in 2062.
Best wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season to you, your family & staff!

visit my main surgery website for more information about hernia surgery.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Times They Are A Changing – The Changing Face of Medical Practice.

Posted on December 12, 2012 by MFMD

thanks to www.DiosCaficho.comReproduced below is an article from Medscape about the significant changes occurring in medical practice economics. From my position as a surgical mentor at UCF college of medicine I have also had the opportunity to learn the most recent statistics dealing with students leaving medical training. Apparently last year only 1% of surgeons leaving training entered practice in the traditional private practice setting. What this means for the future of the economics of medicine is unclear. It is also unclear how this may effect the subtle relationships between surgeons and their patients. There have been many time in my career that I have said to patients something like “I work for you, I will do what you want me to do”. I hope surgeons still feel this way and are able to act this way even after they invariably will be working for someone else. And don’t worry. I have no thought that we would ever see surgeons on strike like the cartoon above…. you couldn’t read our signs.

Private Practice: The End Is Near

That hissing sound you are hearing right now is the final bit of air leaking out of the private practice of medicine. Faced with a perfect storm of escalating costs, crashing reimbursements, patient consumerism, and a government mandate to push physicians into the public realm, more and more doctors have abandoned the world of Marcus Welby, M.D. for the apparent safety of Grey’s Anatomy. The general drift to hospital employment that has marked the past few years has now escalated to a stampede, with the introduction of Obamacare and the targeted small business tax increases that loom on the horizon.
Raymond Rocco Monto, MD

In their 2012 annual report on medical recruitment incentives, Merritt Hawkins notes that 63% of its search assignments in 2011/12 featured hospital employment of the physician, up from 56% the previous year and only 11% eight years ago. [1] In a 2011 survey of final-year US medical residents, Merritt Hawkins also found that the majority preferred hospital employment to private practice. [2] Nearly one half of all senior residents polled said that they were unprepared for the business side of medicine.

Residency programs have done little to help. More than one half of all residents said they received no formal training regarding contracts, compensation arrangements, or reimbursement methods. [1] It would seem that many surgeons are uncomfortable in the world of copayments and cash discounts that has been cast for them and would instead prefer the safety of a biweekly check and the dream of a relative value unit production bonus swirling in the frosty Christmas air.

Posted in News | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Dr. Mark A. Fusco Inspires Students to Pursue Science, Technology and Medicine through the Innovation Tour 2012

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Ashley

Students, medical professionals, and the public were invited to experience the latest technology in minimally invasive surgery through Covidien’s Innovation Tour 2012, hosted by Dr. Fusco, in Melbourne, FL.

     

October 8, 2012 Melbourne, FL

Dr. Mark A. Fusco, General Surgeon and Medical Director of LifeShape Advanced Bariatric Center of Florida hosted Covidien’s Innovation Tour 2012 truck in Melbourne, FL. On October 1 and 2, students, medical professionals and public were invited to gain hands-on experience with the latest technology in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) through a state-of-the-art operating room on wheels.

On Monday, October 1, students from Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy’s Pre-Med club took a class field trip to the Innovation Tour. Dr. Fusco gave an informative lecture on the history of surgery and provided a complete tour of the truck. Students experienced the different stations and were given example surgical tasks to perform. Holy Trinity Pre-Med Club President Christina Darwish (age 17) stated, “We got to learn a lot about different surgical techniques and laparoscopic procedures were fun to try out. This was our first field trip and a great experience. Very inspiring.” Brevard Community College Surgical Technologist Trainees attended the event as well, along with many medical professionals and the public.

States Dr. Mark Fusco, “OUR PURPOSE was to offer the local medical community the opportunity to gain experience with the latest surgery technology, and provide a way to introduce the latest surgical procedures to local students with the intention to inspire them to pursue careers in science, technology, and medicine. We were very happy to host Mr. Chiarella and the Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy premed club. There is no doubt that these bright enthusiastic high school students are the scientists and physicians of the future.”

The 85-foot tractor-trailer truck featured a 1200 square foot training facility, including five operating room stations, where the world’s most advanced minimally invasive surgical tools can be demonstrated. Some procedures that utilize MIS procedures include: LapBand (for weight loss), Nissen Fundoplication (Anti-reflux surgery), Paraesophageal Hernia Repair, Splenectomy (Removal of the spleen), Hernia Surgery, Gallbladder removal and Hysterectomy.

Dr. Mark Fusco is the Medical Director for LifeShape Advanced Bariatric Center of Florida, a full service multidisciplinary weight loss center offering physician supervised medical weight loss programs, personalized fitness training in private state-of-the-art gym, and surgical treatment. With a highly trained team of surgeons, internal medicine doctors, nurses, nutritionists, personal trainers, and psychologists, LifeShape is able to provide patients with a safe and effective weight-loss surgery, comprehensive pre- and post-operative education and ongoing aftercare. LifeShape is located at 1223 Gateway Drive, Suite 2B, Melbourne, FL 32901. 321-728-7553.

Please direct all inquiries to: Ashley Liparini, ashley.liparini@mima.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

FLORIDA TODAY Covers Dr. Mark Fusco’s Local “Innovation Tour 2012″

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Ashley

On Monday, October 1st, Holy Trinity Pre-Med Club students took a field trip to experience the latest technology in minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Fusco hosted the event through Covidien’s Innovation Tour 2012.

View the video below:

http://www.floridatoday.com/VideoNetwork/1871464448001/Mobile-medical-training-truck-visits-Brevard?odyssey=mod|video||news

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Innovation Tour 2012

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Ashley

Dr. Mark Fusco hosts The Covidien Innovation Tour 2012 in Melbourne, FL

This October, you are invited to come aboard the Innovation Tour truck! View the latest technology in minimally invasive surgery and gain hands on experience by using simulated trainers in a lab style environment.

Dr. Fusco, through Covidien’s Innovation Tour, brings a state-of-the-art operating room on wheels to Melbourne on October 1 & 2, 2012.  The 85-foot tractor-trailer will transform into a 1200-square foot training facility, including five operating room stations, where the world’s most advanced minimally invasive surgical (MIS) tools can be demonstrated. Some procedures that utilize MIS procedures include:

  • Lap-Band (For weight loss)
  • Nissen Fundoplication (Anti-reflux surgery)
  • Paraesophageal Hernia Repair
  • Splenectomy (Removal of the spleen)
  • Hernia Surgery
  • Gallbladder removal
  • Hysterectomy
  • and many more

Dr. Fusco is making the bus accessable to the local medical community, area high school and college students, MIMA patients, and the public!

THE PURPOSE:
This tour will offer the local medical community and patients the opportunity to gain experience with the latest surgery technology, and will provide a way to introduce the latest surgical procedures to local students with the intention to inspire them to pursue careers in science, technology, and medicine. Surgeons and med/tech experts will be available to answer questions and provide interviews.

Location: Parking lot MIMA Gateway office building 1223 Gateway drive, Melbourne FL

Innovation Tour Truck Schedule:

Monday, October 1, 2012 – “Technological Advancements in Surgical History”

9:00 am – 10:00 am ~ Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy Pre-Med Club

11:00 am – 12:00 pm ~ Local High School Pre-Med Club

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ~ Innovations in Surgery Tour & Lunch for Hospital Volunteers (By invitation only, please RSVP to lisa.fraser@covidien.com)

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Brevard Community College Surgical Technologist Trainees

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Open to MIMA Staff, Patients & Public

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm ~ Local Area Physician Event – “Minimally Invasive Techniques in General and Thoracic Surgery.” Lecture by Dr. Mark A. Fusco & Dr. Michael Greene (By invitation only, please RSVP to lisa.fraser@covidien.com)

Tuesday, October 2, 2012
9:00 am – 4:30 pm ~ Open to all local area medical professionals

Don’t miss your chance to experience how Top Physicians Perform Groundbreaking Surgical Procedures in Covidien’s Mobile Operating Room on a Semi!

Posted in News, Research, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Sally Ride, first US woman in space dead at 61

Posted on July 24, 2012 by MFMD

I was very saddened to hear that Sally Ride passed away today. She died from pancreatic cancer at only 61 years of age.  It seems like pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, and non-smoking related lung cancer, are spiking in frequency. Pancreatic cancer unfortunately has minimal symptoms in its earliest (potentially curable) stage. In reality the cure rate for pancreatic cancer is quite bleak.

For several reasons I have a particular affinity to Sally Ride. First of all, I am a huge space buff. Even before I relocated on the “Space Coast”, I have loved all things NASA. Secondly, like me, she played junior tennis. But most importantly, as the Dad of young daughters who I hope will have every opportunity to follow in their geek Dad’s footsteps, my wife and I have always tried to present our daughters with positive female role models. One of the earliest bedtime books we read to our daughters was a children’s book about Sally Ride. Below is a photo of my daughter dressed up as Sally Ride for her school “timeline” program. The idea of the “timeline” program was for the children to dress up as people in history that made important contributions. Other years they dressed up as Helen Taussig, Abigale Adams, Sandra Day O’Conner, and Julia Morgan. Pretty good company.

RIP Sally Ride 1951-2012

Posted in News | Tagged | Leave a comment