Lushniak addresses Illinois Branch of Ukrainian Medical Association (12/24/06)

Lushniak addresses Illinois Branch of Ukrainian Medical Association

by George Hrycelak

CHICAGO - Newly named assistant surgeon general of the United States, Rear Adm. Boris Lushniak, spoke at a meeting of the Illinois Branch of the Ukrainian Medical Association of North America (UMANA) on Sunday, November 5, at the Signature Room in Chicago's distinctive John Hancock Center.

UMANA Illinois President Dr. George Kuritza introduced Chicago-raised Dr. Lushniak to over 115 health care professionals, spouses and guests gathered 95 stories above the Windy City's Magnificent Mile. Dr. Lushniak warmly greeted his colleagues, presenting a fascinating history of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) and its vigilant efforts in preparation for a possible influenza pandemic that could occur at an unknown time in the future.

Dr. Lushniak reviewed the effects of the last great worldwide flu pandemic in 1918, summarized the current state of medical knowledge regarding the H5N1 strain of bird flu, and examined the impact such an event might have in today's health and economic environments. Surprisingly, despite technological advances in anti-viral medications and vaccine developments, some of the simplest but strongest advice echoes from 1918: stay home if you are sick, avoid crowds, don't sneeze or cough on your neighbor, and wash your hands.

Dr. Lushniak, who is a physician and holds a Master's of Public Health, delivered an interesting historical overview of the USPHS from its beginning in the 1780s through its involvement with the Hurricane Katrina disaster as well as the Indonesian tsunami. He informed his listeners that the USPHS is the seventh commissioned uniformed service in the U.S. government, along with the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (hurricane hunters).

Dr. Lushniak graciously answered questions from the attendees, and mingled with the respectful crowd, meeting with members and their families for some time after the conclusion of his presentation. Dr. Kuritza awarded Dr. Lushniak a historical ceremonial UMANA 50th anniversary emblem for his professional achievements, pinning it onto his already well-adorned uniform.

At the initiative of member Irene Stasula, R.N., and the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago, a number of doses of the current flu vaccine were made available to those in need of augmenting their immune system in preparation for the upcoming flu season. The restaurant kindly set aside a private corner for the administering of the injections to those taking advantage of this service for a nominal fee.

Dr. Kuritza also introduced a number of colleagues newly approved to membership from Illinois by the board of directors the prior day. Eighteen new applicants were accepted from around the United States and Canada, with eight members present at that day's gathering. New member Dr. Liza Pilch, director of the Education Division in the Emergency Medicine Department of Rush University Medical Center, brought 10 guest students and residents from her program to meet the assistant surgeon general.

Its growing, active and participating membership positions UMANA for continued expansion in this early decade of the new century. The caliber of members personified by Dr. Lushniak reflects the evolution and integration of Ukrainian American health care professionals into mainstream medicine. For further information, readers may call UMANA at 773-278-6262.

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