their future in an increasingly rowed, and specialists are feeling
complex health-care environ- the pinch of the "gatekeeper" sys-
ment. Dr. Minkow is also a mem- tem of managed care organiza-
ber of the board of directors of the tions, which requires a primary
Michigan State Medical Society. care doctor to justify referrals to
Many doctors are leaving med- specialists.
Many younger doctors, Dr.
icine in their 50s now or re-learn-
ing the old skills, like treating an Minkow said, are choosing to be-
ear infection, to position them- come hospital employees rather
selves as primary care physicians, than striking out on their own.
he said. Like his colleagues, he And many doctors have decided
believes managed care has turned to sell their practices to hospitals.
the practice of medicine on its That way, their malpractice in-
side, taking authority away from surance is covered and they avoid
doctors, squeezing out specialists the hassles of dealing directly
and limiting care options for pa- with health-insurance companies.
"Economically, it's almost im-
tients.
Specialists and subspecialists possible to make it," Dr. Minkow
like himself must do "way more" said, adding that many new doc-
to stay on top of the changes, he tors "are not as driven. They want
said. His practice is still thriving security, time off."
Not that he frowns on the atti-
because, among other reasons,
the competition isn't there: There tude.
"If I wanted to practice pure
simply aren't many hand sur-
medicine, I might get out and
geons around.
But the writing is on the wall. want 40-hour work weeks," he
Fewer medical students are said. "If they're no longer in
choosing specialties because the charge of things, why should they
market for their services has nar- knock themselves out?" ❑
Encouragm
. g
Activity
LIZ POPPENS SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
etting children involved in
sports takes parental in-
volvement, too, says Jon
Blickenstaff, a self-de-
scribed supersports parent and
former educator who is director of
the National Hot Rod Associa-
tion's Junior Drag Racing League.
Here are his top 10 tips:
Introduce children to a variety
of sports through television, books,
magazines and attending sports
events.
Once a child shows an interest,
discuss it with him.
Emphasize the fun aspects of
sports, such as fitness and new
friendships, but don't emphasize
winning.
Discuss teamwork, sports-
manship and competition with
your child.
Follow through by practicing
with your child and attending his
or her sporting events.
Try not to relive your own
sports days with your child; cur-
tail unrealistic expectations and
let your child grow at his or her
own pace.
Support your children if they
make a mistake and remind them
it's a natural part of life.
Set a positive example. Do not
Liz Poppens is a writer for Copley
News Service.
argue or undermine a coach's de-
cision in front of your children; dis-
cuss your concerns with the coach
in private.
If your child plays a team sport,
encourage the rest of the team,
too. This helps reinforce the idea
of teamwork.
Don't discourage your children
if they want to quit. Discuss their
feelings and explore other possi-
ble activities together.
For parents who want to raise
fit kids, here are some resources:
American Dietetic Association's
National Center for Nutrition and
Dietetics, (800) 366-1655.
C. Everett Koop Foundation
Health Letter (bimonthly publi-
cation on preventive health mea-
sures), P.O. Box 1200, Southport,
CT 06490; $25 per year.
Project SPARK: For free infor-
mation on SPARKs children's fit-
ness program for elementary
schools, call (800) SPARK-PE (In-
ternet address:
sparkpe(at)mail.sdsu.edu ).
Your Child's Wellness Newslet-
ter (bimonthly review of children's
health issues), 244 Madison Ave.,
New York, NY 10016; (800) 938-
1915; $14.95 per year. For a sam-
ple copy, send self-addressed,
stamped envelope to address
above. ❑
CARDIOVASCULAR SPECIALISTS, P.C.
ALLAN CHERNICK, M.D., FACC
LARY GOLDMAN, M.D., FACC
NATHAN KERNER, M.D., FACC
MARY LAZAR, M.D., FACC
LYNN MILLER, M.D. FACC
STEVEN WIDLANSKY, M.D., FACC
are pleased to announce the association of
STEVEN BELEN, D.O.
and
ALAN SILVERMAN, D.O.
in the practice of Adult Cardiology
as of January 1, 1996
at
29645 Fourteen Mile Road, Suite 200
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
(810) 932-3700
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