Introducing SCMS President Vraj Panara on Orlando Medical News

Introducing SCMS President Vraj Panara

By: LYNNE JETER

Altamonte Springs Internist Sets Aggressive Agenda for 2009

The Seminole County Medical Society began its 101st year with a new leader, Vraj Panara, MD,an internist practicing in Altamonte Springs.

On his agenda: new benefits for SCMS members, such as employee group health insurance coverage, disability insurance at discounted rates with guaranteed coverage, and hopefully some EMR solutions.

"There's no better time in the history of America than today for all of us to work together for the better cause and bring the community and nation back on track and see again a prosperous and healthy America," said Panara, who studied medicine at Gujarat University in India, completed his residency at Lincoln Hospital in New York, and is board-certified in internal medicine. "SCMS has developed the reputation of being a well-rounded, effective organization and has earned respect for being politically savvy and being able to influence the legislative process. This role is vital, since no other Seminole County organization is positioned to provide these functions."

Panara joined SCMS in 2004, when the organization became a non-profit. That same year, the society helped gain more than 10,000 signatures so the Florida Medical Association could secure an amendment placing limits on attorney contingency fees in malpractice cases on the Florida General Election ballot. It passed by a 68 percent majority.

The nearly 250-member society, one of the fastest growing medical societies in Florida, has worked with the Florida Medical Association, other county medical societies, area hospitals, Seminole County public schools, Seminole County Health Department, University of Central Florida, and Florida State University and "has shown the ability to use these relationships to benefit our members as well as the overall medical community," said Panara. "SCMS works hard to set a positive, constructive agenda for the medical community. Improving physician camaraderie in Seminole County is a major SCMS objective, and we feel this … reflects our success in this area."

Panara also pointed out that SCMS is the only Seminole County physician organization addressing issues to improve the welfare of the Seminole County patient community. "SCMS has taken a leading role in patient safety, addressing healthcare disparities, providing services to those in need, and advancing scholarships in our schools," said Panara. "SCMS has made cultural awareness and sensitivity a top SCMS priority."

For example, SCMS collaborated with Seminole County's three hospitals in 2006 to host the Seminole County Patient Safety Summit, featuring several national speakers, including keynoter Paul Gluck, MD, then board chairman of the National Patient Safety Foundation. As a result of the summit, SCMS published the Seminole County Patient Safety magazine for 2,000 physicians in Central Florida, and created a Patient Safety Council, becoming the first county in the United States to address patient safety issues on a county-wide basis.

Also in 2006, the SCMS created the SCMS Foundation to oversee the society's educational, charitable, and public service activities.

The Orlando Medical News chatted with Panara about the society's agenda, the role societies play in the medical paradigm, member concerns, and how he chose a medical career.

How did you get involved in medicine?

When I was in high school, I had a dream of helping poor and needy people. My grandfather and my family physicians wanted me to be a doctor so I could help the unfortunate who could not afford to have medical care. In my opinion, medicine is the noblest profession and I'm glad that I chose medicine as a career.

When did you decide and why did you aspire to play a leadership role in this particular medical society?

During 2003 and 2004, we had witnessed a healthcare crisis. I've seen and worked with many great, dedicated and passionate leaders to save the healthcare system, which has truly inspired me to continue working for the society and contribute my time and ideas to improve and protect patient care and an affordable healthcare system.

What role do you see local medical societies playing in the medical paradigm?

Local societies have responsibilities to protect member rights and preserve the positive image and integrity of the medical profession. I'd like to see positive healthcare reform so future generations can enjoy the best affordable healthcare system.

What are your priorities as president of SCMS? What hot-button issues particular to Orlando and also nationally must be addressed?

I would like to see increased membership, provide more benefits to society members, improve communication among physicians and other healthcare providers, and most importantly work on patient safety. I'm also working with the Florida Medical Association and legislators to have positive policies for patient care and healthcare reform. At the national level, I would like to contribute my ideas and opinion to save Social Security and Medicare.