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Robert Pugach, MD Urged Colleagues to Take Action to Safeguard
Patient Care
Los Alamitos, CA, August 26, 2008- Dr. Robert Pugach presented a
lecture to his colleagues to encourage them to become actively
involved in their future so that patient care isn’t further
jeopardized. “Physicians Taking Action…What’s Next for Physicians”
was held September 10, 2008, at Community Hospital of Long
Beach, 1720 Termino Avenue, Long Beach California 90804.
As recently elected Vice Chair of the American Medical Association’s
Organized Medical Staff Governing Council, Dr. Pugach will discussed
current “hot topics” that he and other members of the Governing
Council are dealing with. (see article below). He shared his
insights on how physicians can become involved in the legislative
process and take action.
The presentation discussed issues plaguing physicians today; such
as, how they can continue to provide quality care to their patients
in the face of increasing regulations and decreasing reimbursement.
“A collective voice and action is needed to address the critical
issues facing physicians,” says Dr. Pugach. “If physicians are
worried about how we will be able to pay our staff, medical
malpractice, rent, and a host of other bills, how can we be there
for our patients?”
Robert Pugach, MD Elected Vice Chair of the American Medical
Association’s Organized Medical Staff Governing Council - June
14-15, 2008
Dr. Robert Pugach, medical director of Pacific Coast Urology Medical
Center was recently elected Vice Chair of the American Medical
Association (AMA) Organized Medical Staff Governing Council at their
June 14-15 meeting in Chicago, IL. Dr. Pugach previously served
as Secretary and the Western States Caucus Chair of this section.
The Organized Medical Staff Governing Council is responsible for
making sure the voice of physicians is heard by federal and state
legislators, health care agencies, the Joint Commission (for
Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations), the insurance industry,
and other public and private sector groups. “This committee serves
a vital function as an advocate for practicing physicians and our
patients to ensure that we have the autonomy to provide quality
medical care,” says Dr. Pugach.
The Organized Medical Staff Governing Council has been instrumental
in getting physician input into major health decision-making
policies within the health insurance industry, hospitals and
government regulators.
As Vice Chair, Dr.
Pugach will assist Dr. Jay Gregory, a general surgeon from Oklahoma,
who is chair of the Governing Council section for
governance issues. In addition, one of Dr. Pugach's key
responsibilities is to serve as a liaison for the OMSS Outreach
Program. This program works to enhance the AMA’s outreach,
communication and interchange with the membership. “I’m honored
to have the confidence of my colleagues from across the United
States as I assume a new position in the Governing Council,”
continues Dr. Pugach. “Now, more than ever, physicians must take a
stand to preserve our autonomy so we can prevent economic interests
from having a negative impact on safe, affordable, quality medical
care for our patients.”
Local Urologist
Invited to China to Train Physicians
Robert Pugach, MD will instruct urologists in thermotherapy for BPH;
BPH is one of the most common health problems in men.
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Dr. Pugach
explains thermotherapy using
the new CoolWave system to Chinese
urologists. | |
Los Alamitos, CA--Dr. Robert
Pugach, Medical Director of Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, has
been invited to train urologists in Beijing and Shanghai. Dr. Pugach
and Gladys Rentie, RN, the Center’s Nursing Coordinator, will spend
one week with Chinese physicians and nurses providing instruction and
hands-on training in thermotherapy using the new CoolWave system.
Thermotherapy is used to treat men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
or an enlarged prostate. Dr. Pugach focuses his practice on minimally
invasive urological procedures and is one of the most experienced
physicians in thermotherapy in the world.
BPH is a non-cancerous condition in
which the prostate cells increase in number. Starting at age 35, the
prostate starts to enlarge and puts pressure on the urethra which
prevents the bladder from emptying completely, making urination
difficult and painful. Left untreated, BPH can result in urological
problems including frequent urination, a weak stream and sudden urges
to use a bathroom. More serious problems include bladder infections,
bleeding, incontinence and kidney failure.
Prior to 1993, surgery or medications
with short-term benefits were the only recommended treatment available
for men with prostate enlargement. “While surgery can provide a good
outcome, it comes with significant risks and associated costs related
to hospitalization and recovery time. Some of the risks include
erectile dysfunction (ED), incontinence, retrograde ejaculation, and a
need for blood transfusion,” explains Dr. Pugach.
Pugach uses Cooled ThermoTherapy™,
a non-surgical minimally invasive office-based treatment to treat BPH
in a single, 30-minute session. “Cooled ThermoTherapy™ uses precisely
targeted microwave energy to heat and shrink enlarged prostate tissues
while a cooling mechanism protects healthy, surrounding tissue,” says
Dr. Pugach. He introduced the CoolWave system to Southern California
last year. Ms. Rentie states, “The majority of men notice rapid
improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life.”
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Dr. Pugach
visits the Great Wall of China. |
Dr. Pugach’s visit is being
coordinated by Urologix and CunLling Gao, Beijing Lifecare Technology
Company. Contacts are Dr. Zhou, Department Chairman of Urology, Peking
University First Hospital, Dr. Lin Jian, Institute of Urology, and Dr.
Li Xin, Associate Professor of Urology, MD & PhD at Peking University.
PRESS RELEASE - UROLOGIX - MAY 16, 2008
Dr. Robert Pugach is quoted in a
recent Urologix news release on the launch of their new CTC advance
catheter at the 2008 American Urological Association Annual Meeting.
To read
press release, click here.
"The CTC Advance catheter is another improvement in cooled microwave
thermotherapy. It is easier to insert and the additional cooling
helps further preserve healthy urethral tissue. It demonstrates
Urologix' commitment to quality patient care and is another reason
why I use their microwave technology exclusively," said Dr. Robert
Pugach, Medical Director at Pacific Coast Urology.
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