Jackson Clinic Expansion Moving Forward

Progress continues on the expansion of our Jackson Clinic which began in August 2009. We are looking forward to completion and the ability to better serve the residents of Washington County and the Jackson community.

When complete, Jackson Clinic will include additional family practice services, preventive medicine, women's health, on-site lab, radiology, and EKG services. The expansion will add 7,200 sq ft. bringing the total to 17,600 square feet and feature 24 exam rooms, 8 physician offices, and procedure rooms. The expected completion date is July 2010.

Women's Fair on Saturday March 20

West Bend Clinic, St. Joseph's Hospital, and Community Memorial Hospital will host the eighth annual Women's Fair at Washington County Fair Park, Hwy 45 and Pleasant Valley Road, on Saturday, March 20 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Women's Fair, A Celebration of Mind, Body and Spirit, will inspire women of all ages to take time out for themselves to enhance their health and wellness. The Women's Fair features shopping and dining opportunities, vendor booths, seminars and demonstrations on wellness and lifestyle topics. New this year, the "Wellness Oasis" will include chair massages, health and wellness information, "Ask the Doctor" sessions and interactive health displays. Learn more and register online.

H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Updates

West Bend Clinic continues to monitor the H1N1 influenza situation. We encourage you to call our Flu Hotline at 262-836-2121 or this Web site for updates on the availability of the H1N1 vaccine. The Washington County Health Department has scheduled several dates in November for H1N1 clinics. You will find the schedule for these clinics at www.co.washington.wi.us.

For more Information about the H1N1 flu symptoms, treatment or prevention, please review the H1N1 Information Sheet link below. H1N1 vaccine information can be found by choosing the vaccine links below, visit www.cdc.gov or call our Flu Hotline at 262-836-2121, for treatment recommendations.

H1N1 Vaccine (flu shot)              H1N1 Vaccine (flu mist)               H1N1 Information Sheet

Relief for Those Suffering From Heartburn or Barrett's Esophagus

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or frequent heartburn can be associated with potentially serious complications. Chronic acid exposure to the distal esophagus, especially at night, may lead to a precancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus.

Barrett’s esophagus can be diagnosed only with endoscopy and biopsy. Using the endoscope, abnormal tissue can be seen and biopsied and other abnormalities such as strictures, ulcers or cancer can be assessed. Persons who experience heartburn symptoms more than three times a week are advised to consult their physician.

Barrett’s esophagus increases the risk for a patient to develop esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer. Patients with Barrett’s should undergo an upper endoscopy procedure with biopsies at regular intervals determined by the grade of dysplasia – anywhere from every three months to three years, unless the abnormal tissue can be removed or “ablated.”

Since Barrett’s tissue is very thin, we are now able to use HALO ablation technology to completely remove the diseased tissue without damaging underlying structures. Early studies are encouraging in that they show complete resolution of Barrett’s esophagus and a cure for this early cancer. Long-term follow-up and the need for future surveillance endoscopies are yet to be determined.

HALO Procedure

The HALO ablation is performed by David Dozer, MD and Madhuri Trivedi, MD, gastroenterologists from West Bend Clinic in an outpatient setting in conjunction with an upper endoscopy. No incisions are involved.

The ablation procedure may be an alternative to "watchful waiting" for patients who due to chronic GERD have low-grade dysplasia or high-grad dysplasia and whose disease has not yet advanced to the point where surgery is required. During the procedure, the diseased tissue is removed allowing the regrowth of normal cells

Patients or referring physicians with GERD patients may get more information or may make an appointment with Dr. Dozer or Dr. Trivedi, West Bend Clinic gastroenterologist by calling the West Bend Clinic at 262-334-3451. Dr. Dozer is board-certified and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases. He is also fellowship-trained in gastorenterology form the University of Chicago Medical Center.