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January 2007 News

Wayne County Doctor Has License Suspended - January 31st
Detroit Social Service Technician Has License Summarily Suspended - January 26th
Allegan Pharmacist Has License Summarily Suspended - January 11th
West Bloomfield Doctor Has License Summarily Suspended - January 11th
Southfield Social Worker Has License Summarily Suspended - January 10th
Grosse Pointe Social Worker Loses License - January 10th
State Health Officials Upgrade Michigan's Flu Season Status - January 8th
January Is National Birth Defects Prevention Month And Family Health History Month - January 4th
MDCH Debuts Pandemic Flu Resource Guide - January 4th
Charlotte Dentist Loses License - January 3rd


Wayne County Doctor Has License Suspended

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the license to practice medicine of Dennis Michael Zikowski, M.D., based on his felony convictions in the 6th Judicial Circuit Court, Oakland County. Zikowski failed to report his convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.

On August 17, 2006, Zikowski was convicted of one count of Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) in the third degree, one count of CSC in the second degree, and three counts of CSC in the fourth degree, all felonies. As a result, Zikowski was sentenced to jail for 365 days with one day credit, placed on probation, with terms, for five years, and ordered to pay costs and fees totaling $815.

On January 10, 2007, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Zikowski's license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional's license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Zikowski's license to practice medicine.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Health Profession Licensing.

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Detroit Social Service Technician Has License Summarily Suspended

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the social service technician license of Daren Dwayne Reese, S.S.T., based on his felony convictions in the Third Judicial Circuit Court, of Wayne County. Reese failed to report his convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.

On September 22, 2006, Reese was convicted of two felony counts of Controlled Substance-Delivery/Manufacture (Narcotic or Cocaine) Less than 50 Grams with a Habitual Offender-Fourth Offense Notice on both counts, and one felony count of Weapons-Felony Firearm. As a result, Reese was sentenced to four to 20 years in prison, with credit for 106 days served and was ordered to pay costs of $660.

On January 12, 2007, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending Reese's license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional's license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Reese's social service technician license.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Health Profession Licensing.

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Allegan Pharmacist Has License Summarily Suspended

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the pharmacist license of Wendy Leigh Wurtz, R.Ph. The MDCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public's health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action.

Wurtz's practice has been subject to the strict terms and conditions of a Consent Order and Stipulation, issued by the Michigan Board of Pharmacy's Disciplinary Subcommittee on August 11, 2004. In a quarterly employer report, which was required by the Consent Order, Wurtz was given an unsatisfactory rating and had violated certain terms of the Consent Order and Stipulation.

On December 27, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Wurtz's pharmacist license. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Wurtz's license to practice as a pharmacist.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Health Profession Licensing.

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West Bloomfield Doctor Has License Summarily Suspended

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the medical license of Albert Norman Bayer, M.D. The MDCH Bureau of Health Professions orders a summary suspension when it believes that the public's health, safety, and welfare warrant emergency action.

Bayer's license was suspended based on his sexual relationship with a patient that was in his care for psychiatric treatment.

On December 28, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Bayer's medical license. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Bayer's license.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Health Profession Licensing.

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Southfield Social Worker Has License Summarily Suspended

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the licensed master's social worker license of Terrell L. Cunningham, L.M.S.W., based on his felony conviction in the United States District Court for the Eastern District. Cunningham failed to report his conviction to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.

On April 17, 2006, Cunningham was convicted of one felony count of Health Care Fraud. As a result, Cunningham was placed on probation for a period of three years with terms, and ordered to pay restitution of $117,500.

On December 15, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Cunningham's license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional's license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Cunningham's licensed master's social worker license.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Health Profession Licensing.

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Grosse Pointe Social Worker Loses License

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) as summarily suspended the licensed master' social worker license of Latisha Pearl Fields, L.M.S.W., based on her felony conviction in the Third Judicial Circuit Court, Wayne County. Fields failed to report her conviction to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code.

On August 18, 2006, Fields was convicted of one felony count of Financial Transaction Device - Possession. As a result, Field was placed on probation for a period of four years with terms, and ordered to pay costs, restitution and fees in the amount of $2,660.

On December 20, 2006, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Field's license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional's license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Field's licensed master's social worker license.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Health Profession Licensing.

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State Health Officials Upgrade Michigan's Flu Season Status

LANSING - Health officials said Monday there is still time for Michigan citizens to receive a flu vaccine, as influenza activity levels are only beginning to increase across the state. Dr. Gregory Holzman, State Chief Medical Executive, is encouraging all Michigan citizens to seek a vaccine if they have not already done so.

"Health care providers around the state have ample supplies of vaccine this season, so absolutely everyone should receive a flu shot," Holzman said. "Receiving a vaccine is the single best way to prevent against getting the flu, and by our latest estimate, tens of thousands of doses are still available."

Holzman said it takes two weeks for the vaccine to reach its maximum effectiveness once it is administered, meaning individuals who get a vaccine today would still be protected during the heart of Michigan's flu season.

On January 4, Michigan was upgraded to local levels of influenza activity by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. Local is the third level of activity as defined by the federal government, with regional and widespread being levels four and five, respectively.

Sporadic flu cases are often seen in Michigan during November and activity often begins to increase thereafter. Activity typically peaks in late January through February, but can sometimes peak earlier or later, depending on the strain of flu and severity of the season.

MDCH has several systems in place to detect influenza including a network of clinicians and hospital emergency departments throughout the state that report persons with flu-like illness, laboratories that report positive test results for influenza, and school-based absenteeism reports.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Every year in the United States, on average:
  • 5% to 20% of the population get the flu;
  • More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and;
  • Roughly 36,000 people die from flu.
Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. So far this year, state officials estimate that nearly 2.4 million doses of flu vaccine have been shipped to Michigan.

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January Is National Birth Defects Prevention Month And Family Health History Month

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is pleased to recognize January 2007 as a special time to both reduce the risk of birth defects and increase awareness of the role of family history to health and risk for disease. Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has issued declarations to honor both of these events in the state of Michigan.

In the New Year, the people of Michigan and their families are being encouraged to talk and share information about health conditions that run in their families, and women aged 16 to 45 years of age should take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, especially if they are considering a pregnancy.

MDCH is joining the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) to alert women and their families about the urgent need for good health even before thinking about becoming pregnant. "Good Health Habits for a Lifetime" is the theme of National Birth Defects Prevention Month this January 2007. Since more than half of all pregnancies are not planned, it is important that women of childbearing age (16-45) achieve the best possible health prior to conception. This is a very important prevention strategy that too few Michigan women employ, state officials said.

"We are excited to be part of this national movement promoting preconceptional health. We hope to reach millions of women across the country with this message," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "Good health habits for women of childbearing age include knowing their family health history, getting medical care on a regular basis, managing chronic health conditions, avoiding exposure to alcohol, nicotine and recreational drugs and taking a multivitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day."

"Just taking a multivitamin everyday can make a big difference," said Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom," Michigan's Surgeon General. "Taking at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily before becoming pregnant and throughout early pregnancy may reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTD) by up to 70 percent. These devastating birth defects of the brain and spinal cord occur only days after conception, before most women even know they are pregnant.

National Folic Acid Awareness Week is planned for January 8 to 14, 2007. Education about the benefits of daily folic acid supplementation is important for all women, no matter socioeconomic, racial or ethnic background. The message about folic acid is especially important for Hispanics/Latinos.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports that Hispanic/Latino women consume the least amount of folic acid among all racial and ethnic groups in this country. Hispanic babies are also 1.5 to 2 times more likely than others in the U.S. to be born with a NTD.

Folic acid is not only important for birth defects prevention but it also has many lifelong benefits to women and men alike. Folic acid is used for the growth and repair of cells in the body and daily use of folic acid is associated with reduced risk of heart disease and colon, cervical and breast cancers. Folic acid may even decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Spread the word about folic acid.

Another step for health promotion with lifelong benefits is family health history. A recent survey of Michigan adults shows that two-thirds believe that family health history is very important to their personal health; but only thirty-seven percent of Michigan adults have actively gathered their family health history.

Family Health History Month encourages all families to talk and share information about the health conditions that run in their families. This month long celebration is an extension of National Family History Day, which has been promoted by the U.S. Surgeon General every Thanksgiving since 2004.

The declaration by Governor Granholm to celebrate January 2007 as Family Health History Month marks a first in the nation and state. Family Health History Month is being promoted by many organizations, including MDCH, Michigan's Surgeon General, Michigan Cancer Genetics Alliance, Michigan Association of Genetic Counselors and Michigan Center for Public Health and Community Genomics at the University of Michigan.

Family members share environments, lifestyles, and behaviors as well as genes. The risks of common health concerns are determined by how these shared factors work together. Health care professionals can assess the family health history to identify risk factors that may predispose a person to health concerns. Early discovery of someone at risk, coupled with early intervention services and screening, may save lives and improve long term chances of a meaningful life.

To make it easier to collect a family health history, the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General has created a free web-based tool that organizes the information into a printout that you can take to a health care provider. The recently redesigned tool, "My Family Health Portrait," is available in English and Spanish at https://familyhistory.hhs.gov.

All Michigan families are encouraged to know their family health history of birth defects, developmental disabilities, and chronic diseases and share that information with their health care provider, prior to pregnancy and throughout the lifespan.

For more about family history and birth defects prevention strategies including folic acid, please contact the MDCH Public Health Genomics Program toll-free at (866) 852-1247 or visit www.migeneticsconnection.org.

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MDCH Debuts Pandemic Flu Resource Guide

Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and the Michigan Association of Local Public Health (MALPH) today debuted "Pandemic Flu and You", a new public health resource designed to give Michigan citizens proactive information regarding the potential health threat.

"This effort is our next step in helping the citizens of our state have the latest information about pandemic influenza," said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. "We want individuals, businesses, and families to be prepared for any potential threat this illness might pose in the future, because we believe that, in the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak, following the instructions of public health officials will ultimately save lives."

The 12-page document, available on the MDCH influenza web page, provides citizens pandemic flu facts, information about vaccines and antiviral medications, tips for handling birds safely, and advice for practicing good hygiene - a critical weapon in the fight against illness, said Dr. Gregory Holzman, State Chief Medical Executive.

"The beauty of the information contained in this resource guide is that so many of the tips are applicable to all diseases, not just influenza," Holzman said. "Knowledge is our best defense against any public health threat, and we have worked hard to make the language in this document easily understandable. By removing medical jargon, we increase the chances of citizens putting this issue in the appropriate proactive context."

The document also outlines potential challenges Michigan could face in dealing with a potential pandemic influenza outbreak, including planning for service disruption, travel considerations, family communications plans, food and water considerations, potential closure of schools and daycare centers, and preparedness for medical care. Additionally, the guide gives Michigan businesses a checklist to follow as they develop plans for health preparedness and business continuity.

"We're pleased along with our MDCH partners to be able to make this pandemic influenza resource guide, 'Pandemic Flu and You', available to Michigan residents, businesses, and local communities," said Ellen J. Clement, MALPH President and Health Officer of the Washtenaw County Public Health Department. "The best way to prevent or limit the negative impact of health emergencies such as pandemic influenza is to have every sector and individual understand what they need to do ahead of time. By providing accurate, timely, and comprehensive information to the broadest possible audience we can help ensure that they will take the necessary steps to be prepared."

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Charlotte Dentist Loses License

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has immediately suspended the dentistry license of Thomas William Minguske, D.D.S., based on his felony conviction in the United States District Court, Western District Court of Michigan.

On May 25, 2006, Minguske was convicted of one felony count of Income Tax Evasion. As a result, Minguske was sentenced to 12 months plus one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release with conditions, and was ordered to pay a $100 assessment and $132,042 in restitution.

On December 14, 2006, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending Minguske's license pursuant to the Public Health Code which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Minguske's dentistry license.

For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Health Profession Licensing.

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