Meeting Recap for Monday, April 21, 2013
Javid Siddiqui, M.D. a Principal with TeleMed2U, was the Rotary Club of Sacramento Speaker for the April 21st meeting. Dr. Siddiqui, a specialist in telemedicine, argues that telemedicine is not really about cutting-edge technology so much as it is about using currently available “off the shelf” devices and technologies - such as IPads, Skype, Facetime - to make patient-doctor encounters more convenient, timely and customer friendly. Siddiqui described himself as a “salmon swimming upstream” trying to advocate for more widespread use of telemedicine in healthcare.
Siddiqui argues that nationally the average wait time for a patient to see a specialist in the U.S. is sixty days. In his opinion, IPads, Skype, and Facetime are all readily available technologies that could dramatically cut down wait time, travel time and medical expenses while still protecting patient information and privacy.
Siddiqui mentioned the ability of Walmart to track virtually their entire inventory world-wide at any given moment. He suggested that hospitals could follow Walmart’s example by putting devices such as RFID’s (radio frequency identification devices) the size of a grain of salt embedded in wrist ID bands that would allow hospitals to know exactly where all of their patients were at any time of the night or day. Siddiqui stressed the value of telemedicine in helping the nation’s 5,700 accredited hospitals to provide timely and efficient patient care.
Todd Andrews boasted about his niece Amy Gaines accomplishments at UC Davis Mind Institute, Stephanie Foster boasted being a 1st time grandmother, both contributing to their EM funds. DA Jan Scully toasted Ann Marie Schubert for her work at the District Attorney’s office and Ann Marie toasted Jan for 25 outstanding years as Sacramento County DA. Each made contributions to Jan’s EM fund. Ed Melia toasted ED Katrina for her election (no, she is not leaving our club) as Secretary/Treasurer of the California Board of Accountancy. Ed contributed to his next EM and Pres.Thom matched with his own contribution. Bob Rosenberg boasted his successful real estate venture and toasted the new Sacramento Republic FC, contibuting to his PH fund.
President Thom announced the Roster/ClubRunner update, including the need for updated photos. Committee announcements included: Diane Schachterle announced District Rotarians at Work (4/26), Roy Alexander announced Theatre Night, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (4/26), John Swentowsky talked up the Loaves & Fishes (4/29), Dave Cohen announced the Centennial set up volunteer opportunity (contact Dave or John Lemmon), and Tanya Kravchuk announced Face Book training at the Rotary meeting on April 28th (bring your smart phone, iPad or tablet to the meeting) Also congatulations to Tanya on expecting a new family addition. Dave Higdon sponsored the pre-meeting wine reception. Dick Osen led the club in singing “God Bless America” to open the meeting. John Frisch was the Meeting Sponsor and introduced the Sponsor Guest District Attorney(soon to be former) and honorary member Jan Scully. Jim Craig provided the final thought.