Sequim Gazette staff

Olympic Medical Center recently announced the recent accomplishments of staff members. Among them:

Wolff, Shaw certified as orthopedic specialists

Olympic Medical Center Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation therapists Jonathan Wolff and Chris Shaw recently passed the Orthopedic Specialist Certification exam of the American Physical Therapy Association.

With the certification that recognizes their advanced diagnostic and clinical practice skills, the two can treat patients with complex musculoskeletal ailments.

"I am very pleased that Jon and Chris have joined fellow therapists Rick Klawitter and Gloria Andrus in this achievement," said Ken Berkes, director of rehabilitation services. "We strive to have therapists who can provide the very best clinical skills to our community."

Fischer project featured at international conference

A project led by Olympic Medical Physicians pulmonologist Mark Fischer, M.D., was accepted for display at the American College of Chest Physicians international conference in late October and early November in Vancouver, British Columbia. The conference allows physicians to review and learn about current clinical topics, apply clinical recommendations, analyze information and become more skilled by participating in patient-simulated training.

The Dyspnea Crisis Project, a study on the treatment of crisis dyspnea or difficulty breathing, was designed and conducted in part by Fischer.

Dyspnea is an acute awareness of breathing, often with distress. Many chronically ill patients with dyspnea crises may be near the end of life.

"Crisis dyspnea is a painful and frightening condition that causes significant anxiety in the sufferer and oftentimes, the responding caregiver or provider," said Fischer. "Ultimately we want to enhance scientific evidence and educational products that provide protocols and guidance for all caregivers, patients and families – increasing the level of care to those who may suffer from acute crisis dyspnea."