MARCO Grand Rounds for August 16, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last Sunday we discussed "Electronic Records." The topic will be retained again this week as there has been quite a bit of activity on the subject.

Tune in, Sunday 14.307 at 10 am EST. Keep the Blue Side UP.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 9, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will finish up the flu discussion and switch by demand to ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS.

Do you know it will cost the solo practitioner about an average of $34,000 to install and $14,000 a year to update. So far, EHR is going okay in large hospitals and groups but can small groups afford it???????

Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for August 2, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

By request, in time with the times, we will re-discuss the upcoming and already here flu. Bone-up, wear your masks and remember what someone else told me "Fight organized crime, don't elect anybody!"

MARCO Grand Rounds for 7/26/09

From Warren, KD4GUA:

Last week we discussed the 15 risk factors in developing heart disease. The question: Would you prescribe a STATIN drug to a person with a HIGH Cholesterol, a HIGH HDL Cholesterol and a normal LDL Cholesterol. The answers seemed to reflect an individual response, i.e., according to what co-morbid (other diseases or risk factors) the person had.

This was an acceptable answer. This Sunday we will further the discussion as to the roll each plays, i.e,. (that is) LDL, VLDL, HDL etc. Since this is an environment we all live in there should be a lot of questions--and answers. Tune in should be fun. Aether is in your mail box.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July19, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

You patient tells you, he has a high total cholesterol, a high HDL cholesterol and a normal LDL. Would you put this patient on a statin drug such as Lipitor? Tune in and give your opinion. 10 a.m. Eastern 14.307.

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 12, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This week we will discuss "Travel Medicine." With 31 million U.S. residents traveling overseas each year it is pertinent they should see their doctor first. Here is your chance to tell us of your experiences both as a traveler and an adviser.

Should be fun, Sunday 14.307 10 a.m. Eastern

MARCO Grand Rounds for July 5, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This coming Sunday I will be in Washington D.C. to visit my daughter and family.

Harry WB9EDP has graciously accepted the net controller for that date. If Harry (and Ellen) can do as good a job as they did for the recent annual convention, next Sunday should be a winner!

Note: I do need actual photos to scan of the convention for Aether...the emailed ones are not so clear. Looking for those that should copy well. Since I won't be back until July 9th it would be helpful if Bruce could send the "Lood Backs" and if anyone else wants a want ad or technical paper printed please send soon. Have fun.

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 28, 2009

From Warren:

This Sunday we will discuss "Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy." This is a new (FDA approved 2002) treatment that can relieve congestive heart failure symptoms by improving the coordination of the heart's contractions. Hundreds of thousands of Americans with mild heart failure could be candidates for the devices.

The condition, in which the heart beats out of sync and pumps blood inefficiently, is common after a heart attack and other conditions.

A "CRT-D" is a kind of fancy pacemaker which connects wires to both ventricles. A doctor friend has had one for three years and is in active practice and feels great. Educational, tune in ((U-may need 1 some day!).

[Blogmeister's note: This weekend is Field Day - expect QRM!!]

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 21, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday at 14.307 MHz, 10 am Eastern we will answer questions concerning the Chicago meeting. We will then finish the discussion on "Vitamins," and time permitting will turn to the new 64-slice cardiovascular scanner which will probably replace both angiography and stress testing in the near future.

Tune in, should be fun.

MARCO 2009 Annual Meeting Report

MARCO's annual meeting took place in Chicago from June 12^th to June 14^th. Thanks to the efforts of Harry “Top Quark” Przekop and Ellen “Gluon” Przekop, the gathering was a complete success.

Several members gathered for dinner at Lawry's Restaurant on Thursday June 11^th. Unfortunately, your humble scribe had to work that day, and so was still enplaned and circling somewhere over Indiana when steaks were served. By all reports, it was a warm gathering and a great meal.

The annual business meeting took place on Friday morning at Harry and Ellen's home, located about ½ mile from our headquarters hotel, the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza.. Theirs is a very interesting place, a converted shrimp warehouse. It is part dwelling, part museum, part music studio, and part ham shack.

Minutes of the meeting are posted separately.

From Chez Przekop, we piled into several vehicles for the drive out to Fermilab. Harry formerly worked there, and was warmly greeted by old friends. Fermilab staffer Kermit Carlson (W9XA) and docent Lynda Ballingall took us on a 3-hour, take-no-prisoners tour of the facility. We saw plenty of hardware, including the 750,000 volt Cockroft-Walton accelerator and the various stages of the high-energy linear accelerator. More than one of us mused about firing up those 5 megawatt amplifier tubes on Field Day! We also learned about the construction and operation of the proton storage and collider rings as well as some of the medical applications of neutron beam therapy employed at the Lab. Lynda “B” also delivered an informal talk on the search for and classification of subatomic particles, the history of the site and the Lab's first Director, Robert R. Wilson. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any “techie.”

Any dinner plans effectively blown by our late return to Chicago, the group went its separate ways in the evening.

Saturday's schedule allowed some time to sleep in, and most people took advantage. I spent a little while exploring the massive Merchandise Mart adjacent to the hotel.

At 10 AM about 15 of us departed for the Museum of Science and Industry. There, we toured the U-505 exhibit. This is the only WWII German submarine in the United States. We learned of what living and working conditions were like for those who sailed on this vessel. We also learned the story of the daring capture of the U-505 by a team under the command of Chicago native Dan Gallery. From there, we were free to explore the rest of the museum. Some did, and others didn't. I did for a while, and then enjoyed the nice weather by taking a long walk along the Lake Shore. I also dropped in at the Chicago Blues Festival in Grant Park.

Mirabell was the setting for the MARCO banquet on Saturday evening. This authentic German restaurant served wonderful German beer, food and atmosphere. Our speaker was Chief Joseph Roccosalva of the Chicago Fire Department. Despite having just come off an extended tour of duty including twelve hours spent helping prevent a woman from jumping from a 25^th floor balcony, the Chief delivered an informative and interesting talk. We learned several useful tips for minimizing the risk of injury or death during a fire, and we each were given smoke detectors to take home and install. (I got mine through the TSA security check. Did you?) The Chief's personal reminiscences about his firefighting career were quite entertaining.

I didn't make a list of those in attendance, and so apologize in advance for anyone who might be inadvertently omitted from the roster of attendees. Those whom I remember are: Harry WB9EDP, Ellen KC9ARN, Lou WA1HGE, Danny W4DAN, Caroline Centers, Arnold WB6OJB, Joan Kalan, Warren KD4GUA, Linda KE5BQK, Bernie KD5QHV, Linda and Bernie's friend Iliana, Mary AE4BX, Bill WA9HIR, Marilyn N9PXI (Bill's XYL), Chip N5RTF, Terry Keister, Paul N6DMV, Elsa Lukas, Stuart WA9ZPL, Bill W9ZCL, Michaline KC9ARP and yours truly, Bruce KM2L. We missed Jili BD2CM, who participated in the business meeting and helped transport participants around Chicago. Unfortunately, he had another engagement and could not attend the banquet.

KD4GUA won the boobie for worst travel arrangements, as his return flight to Tampa departed at 5:30 Sunday morning. The rest of us followed at a safe distance.

As always, it was over much too quickly, and we can't wait to get back together. Mark your calendars for Dayton Hamvention, May 13^th to May 16^th, 2010.

Minutes of 2009 Annual Meeting

Minutes of the 2009 Medical Amateur Radio Council Annual Meeting

The 2009 MARCO Annual Meeting took place on June 12, 2009 at 950 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL. In attendance were Harry Przekop WB9EDP (President), Ellen Przekop KC9ARN, Danny Centers W4DAN (Secretary), Lou Wiederhold WA1HGE (Treasurer), Warren Brown KD4GUA (Newsletter Editor/Net Control), Arnold Kalan WB6OJB (MediShare Chair), Linda Krasowski KE5BQK (President-Elect), Chip Keister N5RTF, Paul Lukas N6DMV, Mary Favaro AE4BX, Bernie Krasowski KD5QHV, Bill Hargadon WA9HIR, Sun Jili BD2CM, and Bruce Small KM2L.

The meeting was called to order at 8:45 AM CDT by WB9EDP, who announced that June 13, 2009 had been declared MARCO Day in the city of Chicago.

An invocation was provided by WA9HIR.

WB6OJB read the minutes of the 2008 meeting, and they were approved with minor corrections.

WA1HGE presented the Treasurer's Report. Comparing calendar year 2007 with 2008, cash inflows were down $3007.01 and outflows were up $6102.26. There was a large one-time expenditure for the MediShare Sri Lanka project. Also, substantial dues payments have been received since the first of the year. Administrative expenses for 2008 were below those of 2007. As of June 9, 2009, our assets were $11, 638.45 and liabilities were zero.
The Treasurer's Report was approved.

W4DAN presented the Secretary's Report. Most of the discussion dealt with promoting the organization and prompting existing members to pay their dues in timely fashion.
Our advertisement in QST has not been very productive, but it was felt to be necessary. We should explore means of obtaining free publicity in QST and CQ. WB9EDP suggested creating the print equivalent of sound bites, that is, short, interesting bits of information about MARCO, its people and activities. When these have been submitted in the past, they have usually been ignored. WB9EDP thought that tie-ins with FEMA or Homeland Security might be more likely to be picked up. He will try to use his connections with people in ARRL to further this cause.
N5RTF suggested that we write up a piece for eHam.net and inquire about placing an ad on their Web site.
N5RTF also inquired as to whether MARCO could accept dues payments through PayPal. W4DAN indicated that he has received inquiries about this and also credit card payment of dues. The advantages of PayPal are that it facilitates “impulse” shopping, cuts several steps out of the process of joining or renewing membership, and saves postage. The disadvantages are cost to MARCO and possible additional administrative overhead. After some discussion, the details of information flow between Secretary and Treasurer were clarified, and it was decided to explore the feasibility of setting up PayPal.
MARCO currently has 48 lapsed members still receiving the newsletter. This is a typical figure. The membership expiration date is printed on the mailing label, but some people do not look for it. KD4GUA has been stamping “Courtesy Copy” on the newsletters mailed to lapsed members. It was suggested that the stamp be changed to something less subtle, such as “You Membership Has Expired.”
The Treasurer's Report was approved.

KD4GUA presented a Newsletter Editor's report. Each copy of the newsletter costs $0.92 to produce and mail.
Warren has deliberately planted typographical errors in the paper and invited readers to report them to him. He found a suitable trophy and will present it to the reader who has detected the most errors, Louis Lyell WA5MYK.
N5RTF will provide the proper url for downloading the Grand Rounds audio.

WB6OJB presented the MediShare report. Several substantial donations have been received, including those from WB9EDP/KC9ARN and Gene and Judy Hoenig N3HG/N3MBW. Additional donations are encouraged.
MARCO stickers were passed out to those in attendance.
MediShare has received a few proposals for funding, but none meet our criteria, so there are currently no active projects.

KM2L presented the Internet Committee report. The Web site was migrated to Godaddy.com in September 2008. The email list moved from University at Buffalo to Google Groups, and after a few initial problems has been working smoothly.
WB9EDP commented that some of the members' links on the Web site are stale. He also mentioned that a few of his coworkers have listened to the streaming audio of Grand Rounds and have been inspired to obtain their amateur radio licenses.
It is desirable to make audio of Grand Rounds available as podcasts. N5RTF will work on this.
N5RTF also reminded the group that we have the ability to provide email aliases for all members in the form of XXX@marco-ltd.org.
WA1HGE has not received a bill from Godaddy.com. AA4FL set up this account, and will be invited to submit a request for reimbursement.

KM2L presented a brief report on Dayton Hamvention. The booth was busy. In addition to current members, we met several prospective members and a few former members who promised to rejoin. N6DMV's Dr. Pepper satellite model drew by far the most interest at the booth. Although KM2L spent very little and went home virtually empty-handed, the same cannot be said for N5RTF or N3IM.

New Business:

Bob Nevins KF1J has asked to step down as the 1st call area Director. Ted Figlock W1HGY will be asked to serve.

Duane Wyatt has informally requested assistance from MARCO for his efforts to produce compact short wave listening stations for placement in children's health care facilities. While we believe that the idea is a good one, it is not relevant to the mission or purpose of MARCO.

N5RTF proposed that the organization consider purchasing a 1.5KW amplifier for use by the Grand Rounds Net Control station. The consensus was that the idea had merit. WA1HGE suggested that the choice be determined by a committee. WB9EDP offered to discuss our need with Ray Novak, a personal contact at Icom. W4TAD (SK) was KD4GUA's neighbor, and had an Alpha amplifier. Warren will in quire about its availability.

BD2CM was asked to say a few words about himself. Jili is a surgeon from northeastern China, where he founded a small hospital. He is currently living in Chicago while pursuing an MBA degree at University of Illinois – Chicago.

WB9EDP raised the possibility of MARCO staging a special operating event for publicity purposes. We could use WB5D as a call sign.

KD5QHV recommended that we use every opportunity for 1:1 personal contact with ARRL staff, whether at Dayton or visiting League headquarters.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 AM CDT.

MARCO Grand Rounds for June 7, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

I think most of us have had it concerning medicine's future since next week Congress will decide, so we will finish that and then go on to more medical discussions of "Update on Vitamins." A lot of changes going on, especially with Vit. E., Folic Acid and D.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 31, 2009

From Warren. KD4GUA:

By request we are going to continue the discussion about Physicians Assistants and we hope Linda can throw something in about nurse practitioners. This is a very interesting subject and all of us should be aware about how the Earth is revolving.

Tune in Sunday, 10 a.m Eastern on 14.307 and view your thoughts. We are trying to keep the subject strictly 100% non-political, just concerned medicians who are attempting to keep the course on course.

PS: There is a discussion in AETHER on this subject which you should receive in the next day or two. (It was mailed Friday).

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 24, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion of the role of the Physician's Assistant. We will also throw in the "Nurse Practitioner," "Midwife" and the role they play with the depleting ranks of the Family doctor.

Last week was very educational, this should be as well.

You should get your early "Aether" by Monday or Tuesday. Chicago convention June 11th, don't miss it.

Dayton 2009 Update

Another Hamvention has come and gone, and MARCO was there. Keith N3IM, Chip N5RTF and Bruce KM2L alternated between staffing the booth and wandering around the show.

Dayton's infamous weather did not completely materialize. Friday was a beautiful day with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70's. On Saturday it rained intermittently, but breaks in the showers allowed browsing out in the flea market. Sunday was cool (OK, cold) but sunny.

We had plenty of traffic at the MARCO display, and distributed countless copies of Aether, MARCO's Newsletter as well as membership applications. Friends and members saying “Hello” included Roger W8CRK, Rob WA3IHV, “Doc” W4TX (a founding member of MARCO), Howard VE3AXD, Stu WA9PZL, Carl WA3ZZU, Ramon YV5EED, Steve YV5DTA, Yoshi JH1URT, Matt KD8HMX and former member Bob W8YD. Apologies to the many whose names and calls escaped me.

Attendance did not appear to suffer from the lax economy or influenza scare, and those who attended were prepared to buy. Keith went home with two new Yaesu radios, a VX-8R and an FT-897. Chip took away a Begali Graciela key and a bunch of odds and ends. Me – I have college tuition to pay.

There was an abundance of new toys to look at. Here are a few random observations...

• On the D-STAR front, DV dongle is a device that plugs into your computer and lets you communicate via D-STAR without having to use a radio.

• FlexRadio brought out the new Flex-3000. It is small enough to fit in a suitcase and $1200 less than a Flex-5000. The major trade-offs are a single antenna connector instead of two, slightly less robust front end, and no option for a second receiver. Very cool!

• Tokyo Hy-Power has two new amplifiers, a 600 watt model and a 45 watt model for frustrated QRPers.

• MicroHAM introduced Station Master Deluxe, an integrated station interface for those who run multiple radios and multiple antennas.

• A Japanese company called Luso displayed a 168-foot self-supporting crank up tower. It was retracted and stowed on a flat bed trailer in the back of the East Hall. It can be yours for $41,000 plus some assembly...

• For more humble antenna projects, The Wireman introduced the “Hot Rope.” This antenna rope is covered with a tinned copper braid. String up the rope, solder a wire to the braid, and you are in business.

• Super Antennas offer a variety of portable Yagis and dipoles that break down for transportation in a bag.

• Ten-Tec brought out a high-power cross needle tuner/wattmeter, the 238C.

• You can count on MFJ to roll out a new product or two for Hamvention. This year's new box is a 75-amp switching power supply.

• DX Engineering introduced a family of hexagonal wire beam antennas. They are calling them Hexx Beams (One more “X” and they can advertise on porn sites...). Mike Traffie, who developed and sells the original Hex Beam, exhibited at the show as well. He built the antenna that I am using. He's a nice fellow, and it is a great product.

• Speaking of nice fellows, Piero Begali was back and as busy as ever with his line up of museum-quality CW paddles. The Graciela model has been discontinued, and he has introduced seven new products including a smaller “Stealth” key, an upright paddle, and a marvelously complex bug.

Next year MARCO will hold its membership meeting in conjunction with Hamvention. Here's hoping that we see you there.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 17, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday we will continue the discussion on the coming shortage of physicians primarily family doctors. Harry EDP will also interpose the part the physician's assistant plays in helping the doctor. Tune in, should be interesting.

If you are on the fence, time to fall off and get your tickets for Chicago June 11. Ellen ARN has great plans including a trip to the Fermi Lab--the atom chaser nearby. Details in the upcoming AETHER which should be in the mail early this month.

Annual Meeting Agenda

Ellen, KC9ARN has just published the agenda for MARCO's annual membership meeting, to be held in Chicago from June 11 to June 14, 2009.

Here we go:

Thursday Evening, June 11

• Informal meeting at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza bar, 350 W. Mart Center Drive, Chicago, 312-836-5000

• Dinner (optional) at Lawry’s Restaurant

Friday, June 12

• 8am – 12pm Annual Business Meeting at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza

• 1:30pm-4:00pm Tour of Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory in Batavia, Il

• Dinner (optional) at Gene and Georetti’s Steak House, 500 N. Franklin St. (about 4 blocks from the Hotel)

Saturday, June 13

• 10am – Depart the Holiday Inn for a visit to the Museum of Science and Industry for a tour of the U-505 Submarine at 11am

• Stay and enjoy other parts of the Museum or other activities in Chicago for the rest of the day

• 6:30pm – 2009 Banquet at the Mirabell Restaurant, 3454 West Addison, Chicago

• Our Guest Speaker for the Banquet will be Chief Joseph J. Roccasalva, Coordinator of Fire Awareness at the Chicago Fire Department

Sunday, June 14

• Sightseeing

Anyone going to Dayton??

I will be there, as will Chip, N5RTF and Keith, N3IM.
Danny, W4DAN was 'iffy" as of last week.

Look for us at the MARCO booth.

I will not have a laptop with me this year, so there will not be daily blogging from Hamvention. I'll post a full report as soon as I return home.

-KM2L

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 01, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

This Sunday should be a go-round as we will discuss "the Family Doctor, where is he going?" This will be strictly a scientific non-political discussion. No adjectives will be allowed. Everyone will get a chance to give his opinion. Sunday, 14.307 11 am Eastern.

Note: Harry WB9EDP has agreed to discuss the role of the Physicians Assistant the following Sunday. Listen in World.

MARCO Grand Rounds for May 3, 2009

From Warren, KD4GUA:

We were side-tracked by the "flu" last Sunday, so we will resume normal scheduling and discuss "Cushings Syndrome" and "Cushing's Disease."

If you have some medical problems you want discussed please advise.