Medical Sources Available for September 11 Stories

8/30/2002

From: Mike Campea of the American Osteopathic Association, 800-621-1773, ext. 8043 or 312-202-8043

News Advisory:

As the country prepares to remember those who were lost last September 11, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) have available several osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) with expertise in areas of bioterrorism and related topics for upcoming articles and newscasts.

-- Ronald R. Blanck, D.O.: president, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine; former Surgeon General for the U.S. Army (ret.); chair of AOA/AACOM Bioterrorism Task Force. Dr. Blanck can discuss many bioterrorism issues.

-- Robin McFee, D.O.: bioterrorism preparedness coordinator, Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; member of the AOA/AACOM Bioterrorism Task Force. Dr. McFee can discuss bioterrorism issues including diagnosis, treatment, and preparedness as well as weapons of mass destruction.

-- Ian Levenson, D.O.: board certified family physician in Greenwood Village, Colo.; Dr. Levenson can provide information on the psychological effects of the attacks.

-- Robert Gerstman, D.O.: board certified psychiatrist in Danville, Pa.; Dr. Gerstman can address psychological issues such as post traumatic stress disorder, fear of public places or flying and depression or anxiety.

-- Jimmie Leleszi, D.O.: board certified psychiatrist in Detroit, Mich.; Dr. Leleszi can discuss psychological issues related to children and dying.

-- Greg Lande, D.O.: board certified psychiatrist in Columbia, S.C.; Dr. Lande can provide information on the psychiatric aspects of bioterrorism.

The American Osteopathic Association represents approximately 47,000 osteopathic physicians (D.O.s), promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s, and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical schools and health care facilities. Osteopathic physicians are fully licensed physicians able to prescribe medication and perform surgery. They treat their patients with a unique approach to care that focuses on the whole person instead of a specific illness or injury. For more information on osteopathic medicine, you can access the AOA's Media Center at http://www.aoa-net.org.