Oregon Health & Science University
January 19, 2011 § Leave a comment
I graduated from the Oregon Health & Science University located in Portland, Oregon. While the University of Oregon Medical School opened in 1887, the school as it now stands wasn’t formed until 1974. This university operated under the name University of Oregon Health Sciences Center from 1974 until 1981, when it was renamed Oregon Health Sciences University. In 2001, the school became known as the Oregon Health & Science University.
The only school in the United States to feature a department solely dedicated to the study of human and environmental health, Oregon Health & Science University contains five schools: the School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, the School of Dentistry, the School of Science & Engineering, and the School of Pharmacy.
The Oregon Health & Science University remains the fourth largest employer in the Portland, Oregon, area, with more than 12,000 employees. The school offers its host city a variety of economic activity and social opportunities. With a mission to coalesce healing, teaching, and discovery of health-related knowledge, the Oregon Health & Science University endures as the only health and research college located in the state of Oregon.
A leading provider of trained medical staff in the state of Oregon, the university strives to provide its students with a comprehensive education. As an alumnus of Oregon Health & Science University, I remain appreciative of the opportunity to attend the school. The tools and medical foundation that I received from my professors at the university fully prepared me for my current career as a Medical Director.
Qualified Medical Evaluators (QME) License
December 30, 2010 § Leave a comment
By: Dr. David Shawa
A board-certified pain medicine physician and anesthesiologist, Dr. David Shawa earned his medical degree from Oregon Health & Science University before going on to complete his internship and residency at New Orleans’ Ochsner Hospital. Currently serving as the Director of Medicine at the SHARP Treatment of South Bay in Torrance, California, Dr. David Shawa possesses his qualified medical evaluators (QME) license, certifying him to examine and treat workers’ compensation patients.
Administered by California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation – Medical Unit, a QME license allows qualified physicians to not only screen an injured worker’s ailment but also to draw up medical-legal reports used to determine how much workers’ compensation to award, if any. To earn their QME licenses, doctors must possess the proper educational and accrediting requirements, pass a comprehensive examine, and participate in continuing education through the Division of Workers’ Compensation.
The Division of Workers’ Compensation – Medical Unit appoints QMEs chosen at random from a state database to examine a worker’s injuries. A QME receives a hurt employee’s medical records and non-medical items, like personnel films, all of which the physician uses to make an accurate judgment. Once a QME makes his or her evaluation, an issued report occurs after about one month. QME doctors may request extensions to complete the report if they are awaiting test results, need further consultation, or for other reasons. The injured worker, a claims administrator, the Division of Workers’ Compensation Disability Evaluation Unit, and any attorneys involved in the case all receives copies of the completed evaluation, The Disability Evaluation Unit typically releases a rating of the report within three weeks before the subject of settlement is broached.
Tips for a Healthy Back
December 15, 2010 § Leave a comment
Posted by User:Mikael Häggström
As a physician at SHARP Treatment of South Bay, Dr. David Shawa understands that maintaining a strong and healthy back is one of the best methods for avoiding chronic pain. By heeding the following advice, you can help avoid future back pain: 1. Do not strain your back and shoulders with heavy backpacks, which can cause poor posture and spine conditions. Always balance the backpack’s weight, wearing it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For those who cannot reduce the weight of their bags, chest straps distribute the weight more efficiently. 2. Sleep on a firm, supportive mattress placed on a strong foundation, such as a box spring. The bed should be comfortable but not so soft that you sink into it. Sleeping on your side also helps to avoid future spine and muscles problems. 3. Pay attention to your diet each day, verifying that you consume the requisite nutrients, especially calcium and Vitamin C, which are vital to the musculoskeletal system. Also, eating organic products and drinking sufficient water promotes overall health. 4. Purchase ergonomic furniture for the home and office to avoid spinal problems. Pay close attention to posture even while sitting, and try not to strain your neck while at the computer. 5. Always maintain proper posture when standing, allowing your spine to rest in a neutral position. Keep feet about shoulder-width apart, never lock your knees, and relax your neck. 6. Exercise regularly, focusing on strengthening, stretching, and aerobic training. Through exercise, you can bolster your body’s muscular support system while improving balance and taking pressure off your spine. 7. When performing physical labor, always use proper techniques, stretching and taking frequent breaks. Lift with your legs, bending at the knee, rather than at your back, and refrain from twisting. Using your back to lift heavy items may result in serious damage to your spine, neck, and legs. 8. Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support for your back. If necessary, purchase new orthopedic soles for your shoes. 9. When traveling, take frequent breaks to stretch your legs and ensure proper circulation. Even when you’re on vacation, watch your posture.
Cardiovascular Conditioning
November 30, 2010 § Leave a comment
At The S.H.A.R.P. Treatment of South Bay in Los Angeles County, we often manage clients’ musculoskeletal injuries and pain issues through a combination of chiropractic and exercise therapy techniques. Exercise therapy serves as a form of chiropractic rehabilitation, involving the use of strength and flexibility building exercises to recuperate from injuries and restore normal movement functions. I stress cardiovascular conditioning through flexing and extending various parts of the body in timed sets. Essentially, muscles are retrained, allowing for a full range of motion to be restored. The team at The S.H.A.R.P. Treatment of South Bay works with clients to develop patient-specific exercise therapy programs best suited to patient needs and injuries. This can range from passive and functional stretching, to balance and strength training. Common equipment includes exercise balls, weights, and balance equipment. Many of the routines can be duplicated at home, simply by utilizing a floor mat and an open wall area. Through regular practice, cardiovascular conditioning offers additional benefits related to managing weight and maintaining optimal health. Specific benefits include an increase in circulation and heart health, decreased blood pressure, an increase in muscular endurance, and a sense of emotional well being. Some simple exercises and stretches can be integrated into your workout routine for the sake of preventive care. One routine that works the shoulder and side effectively involves holding one elbow with the opposite hand and gently pulling it behind the head, as you bend to the side from the hips. A common shoulder stretch requires setting the hands shoulder-width apart on a ledge and letting the upper body relax and drop, while bending the knees slightly. For illustrated details on a full range of preventive exercises and stretches, visit The S.H.A.R.P. Treatment of South Bay website at Chiropractormegasites.com/templates/Rolling_Hills/index.asp.
Dr. David Shawa's Blog 