Head and Neck Surgical Oncology by Medical Specialist Richard Isaacs

Dr. Isaacs possesses broad experience and know-how in handling various medical conditions. He has Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, making him an excellent practitioner dedicated to attending to the needs of patients suffering from head and neck conditions.

Ordinarily, the head and the neck are two important body members which we often neglect or abuse. How often do we suffer stick necks from texting or watching TV while lying in bed. These may not be serious problems; but other critical issues may arise from other causes, such as improper diet, toxic substances (cigarette smoke) and exposure to radiation. And when these big problems arise, we begin to think more of our head which happens to be supported by the humble and seemingly inconsequential neck.

Obviously, it is only when we feel pain on these parts that we think of them as ever providing us vital functions without which we would not exist at all or, at least, lead normal lives.

The neck bones and the skull which are connected to each other provide the structure for the two organs to function and to interrelate. Aside from providing support, the neck contains vital parts which allow us to breathe, use language, to sing, to ingest food, to rotate the head and to allow passage for electrical energy and biochemical substances which complete the entire bodily system necessary for human life.

As well, the head contains the brain and all the basic senses we utilize to function as intelligent living beings. Except for the heart and lungs which provide essential functions for the whole body to function well, the brain can be said to be the prime motor which allows the whole body to accomplish all that it was designed to do fundamentally or achieve potentially.

Together, the head and neck form a formidable pair which often requires serious medical attention because of damages or diseases.  Some of the more or less serious conditions which beset this pair, thereby requiring surgery, are the following:

    

1.  Tumors or cancers

2.  Benign and malignant disease of the thyroid

3.  Benign masses of the head and neck

The following procedures are taken to address the above and other conditions:

1.  Anterior and Lateral Skull Base surgery

2.  Diagnosis of head and neck cancers through endoscopy and laryngeal videostroboscopy

3.  Treatment of all head and neck skin cancers, such as carcinoma and melanoma

4.  Use of laser resection of head and neck malignancies

5.  Medical and Surgical Treatment of Thyroid and Parathyroid masses/disorders

6.  Microvascular Free-Tissue Transfer Reconstruction

When it is about the head and neck, you can be confident that Dr. Rich can provide the help you need through his professional medical attention. He will work with you closely to resolve your medical problem, aiding you to look for opportunities to provide treatment or management of your condition in order to lessen the mental and emotional anguish you may be going through.

Dr. Richard Isaacs Specializes in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology

The head and the neck are two body parts we rarely give so much thought to; ironically it seems, for the mind finds its home right at the top of the first which, in turn, is supported by the second. Obviously, it is only when we feel pain on these parts that we think of them as ever providing us vital functions without which we would not exist at all or, at least, lead normal lives.

The neck bones and the skull which are connected to each other provide the structure for the two organs to function and to interrelate. Aside from providing support, the neck contains vital parts which allow us to breathe, use language, to sing, to ingest food, to rotate the head and to allow passage for electrical energy and biochemical substances which complete the entire bodily system necessary for human life.

As well, the head contains the brain and all the basic senses we utilize to function as intelligent living beings. Except for the heart and lungs which provide essential functions for the brain to function well, the brain can be said to be the prime motor which allows the whole body to accomplish all that it was designed to do fundamentally or achieve potentially. Intellectual genius and athletic prowess would not at all be possible without the brain, supported by all other faculties and organs, doing a big part of the work.

Together, the head and neck form a formidable pair which often requires serious medical attention because of damage or diseases.  Some of the more or less serious conditions which beset this pair which require surgery are the following:

    

1. Tumors or cancers

2. Benign and malignant disease of the thyroid

3. Benign masses of the head and neck

The following procedures are taken to address the above and other conditions as well:

1. Anterior and Lateral Skull Base surgery

2. Diagnosis of head and neck cancers through endoscopy and laryngeal videostroboscopy

3. Use of laser resection of head and neck malignancies

4. Treatment of all head and neck skin cancers, such as carcinoma and melanoma

5. Microvascular Free-Tissue Transfer Reconstruction

6. Medical and Surgical Treatment of Thyroid and Parathyroid masses/disorders

Dr. Isaacs possesses broad experience and know-how in handling these medical conditions. He has Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, making him one of the best practitioners available for patients suffering the said problems. When it is about the head and neck, leave it to Dr. Rich to think and worry about as he has a way of helping your needs with professional medical care. At the least, he will take much of the burden of thinking how to resolve your problem medically. That can certainly remove a lot of pressure and worry from your own mind to begin with.

Dr. Richard Isaacs - Provides Otolaryngoloic Treatment for Cancer

Dr. Richard Isaacs has been a valuable part of Kaiser Permanente since 1995 and possesses Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, with specialties in orbital, nasal, and maxillofacial surgery, as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgery. His works as a regional resource for the management of advanced tumors of the head and neck and provides the otolaryngologic procedure for tumors at the skull base.

In addition, he is trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and has an interest in post-tumor facial reconstruction and facial reanimation surgery.

But what is this otolarynologic procedure used for head tumors? Let us briefly explain to get a better appreciation of what Dr. Isaacs offers for patients with this kind of problem.

Otolaryngology simply refers to medical attention given to ear, nose and throat conditions. Whereas in the recent past, EENT put all these three together, that is, including the eye, ENT (perhaps, a shorter and simpler way) now only refers to the said vital three organs of the human anatomy, especially because they are connected and related not only in terms of distance to one another but also in their functions.

The nose, probably the most conspicuous among the three, is connected to the ear, as well as to the throat through passageways that allow the air we breathe to be conducted into our body interiors. Although the ear was not specifically designed to serve as a passage for any fluid, whether air or liquid, it does allow air to enter through the ear canal with the help of valves that control the intake or outtake. Hence, every time we cough or sneeze, we can feel some air going out of our ears and even feel a bit slight hearing loss during colds due to some clogging of the passageways. Likewise, when we climb up a mountain, we can experience the same effect when the pressure inside our ears is higher relative to that of the pressure outside. This is easily solved through yawning, which alleviates the discomfort by opening up the ears valves and equalizing the external and internal pressures.

That is a simple description of the three organs as they relate with one another at their optimal level of functioning. But what if something happens to either one of these organs? Or especially, if a tumor grows in any one of them? We know that cancer cells can occur in any part of the human body. For smokers, often the effect of the habit on the throat (not to mention the lungs) is patently tragic as it bears the brunt of the toxins and carcinogens carried by the cigarette smoke.

This is where Dr. Rich Isaacs’ expertise comes in. Removing tumors or cancer cells from the throat, as well as the ears and nose, requires a wide knowledge and experience in otolaryngologic procedures which he has acquired as a top practitioner in the field, among other fields he practices. Knowing how these organs function is a vital part of treating them when they encounter issues in structure, function and general muscular or cellular conditions.

Dr. Isaacs provides a complete range of diagnostic, medical, and surgical services for ear, nose, and throat conditions, particularly cancer. Evaluation, diagnosis and/or direct treatment of these conditions which may include chronic ear infections, hearing loss, sinusitis, tonsillitis, airway problems, cysts, and tumors of the head and neck, comprise some of the problems he and his staff are capable of addressing with their professional and expert care.

Dr. Richard S. Isaacs, MD- A Leading Otolaryngologist Specializes in Head & Neck Surgical Oncology

Dr. Richard Isaacs is a leading ENT otolaryngologist who is affiliated with multiple health centers and hospitals in Sacramento, California. He has received medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and has been practicing for 27 years. He has devoted his career to treating ENT, neck and head conditions.

What is Otalaryngology and who are Otolaryngologists?

Otalaryngology is one of the primeval medical forte in the Unites States. This broad term is associated with ENT, head and neck surgery and treatment. This practice is carried out by specialized surgeons known Otolaryngologists. They are trained in the surgical and medical treatment and management of patients having ENT disorders and with structures of their nose and head.

Specialities of Richard Isaacs MD

Dr. Isaacs diagnoses and treats diseases related to ENT, such as sinuses, larynx etc. Additionally, he provides treatment for neck and head cancer. He is proficient in both medicine and surgery and have a long list of contented and satisfied patients.

Richard Isaacs specializes in following treatment

• Cancer
• Cancer of Floor of Mouth
• Cancer Treatment Complications
• Eye Cancer
• Head and Neck Cancer
• Jaw Tumor
• Facial Skin Cancer
• Laryngeal Cancer
• Paranasal Sinus Cancer
• Pharyngeal Cancer
• Cancer-Related Conditions
• Skin Cancer
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Thyroid Cancer
• Tongue Cancer
• Tonsil Cancer
• Uterine Cancer
• Vascular Disease

Apart from all these, Dr. Richard Isaacs MD, also treats head and neck ailments and disorder, including, facial trauma, benign (non-cancerous), infections, deformities of the face and malignant tumors. He follows two main procedures, including, head and neck surgery and the Vestibule and Floor of Mouth, Excision or Destruction.

Certification

Dr. Isaacs is a Board Certified in Otolaryngology. His accrediting board is 'The Americal Board of Otalaryngology.' He has received Healthgrades Honor Roll award for his services.

If you are looking to get effective treatment, then you should get in touch with professional Otolaryngologist Dr. Richard Isaacs MD.

Ears, Nose and Throat Treatment for Cancer - Care of Dr. Richard Isaacs

Have you encountered this big word “otolaryngology”? Quite a mouthful indeed! It comprises of four root words put together to form a new medical term: otic (of the ear), olfactory (pertaining to the nose) and larynx (or the throat) and logy (the study or the care of). Hence, it simply refers to the medical study and care of diseases and problems that beset our ears, nose and throat.

Whereas, previously the eyes were part of the three in the former medical acronym EENT, ENT (shorter and simpler way) now refers only to the said vital three organs of the human anatomy, particularly because they are directly interrelated not only in their proximity to one another but also in their functions. The eyes comprise a highly-specialized function although not entirely unrelated to that of the three.

So, what is otolarynologic method used for tumors? Let us first describe briefly the connection of the three for a better appreciation of what Dr. Isaacs can offer for patients suffering this kind of problem.

The nose, perhaps, the most prominent of the three, is connected to the throat as well as throat through passageways that allow the air we breathe to be conducted into our lungs. Although the ear was not designed as an air passage, it does allow air to enter through the ear canal with the help of valves that control the intake or outtake. Often, when we cough or sneeze, we can feel some air forced out of our ears and even experience slight deafening when we have colds because of some clogging of the passageways. At times, when we travel up the mountain, we can have the same effect when the pressure inside our ears is higher than that outside. Yawning can easily remove the discomfort by opening up the valves and equalizing the pressure in and out.

That is a simple description of the three organs as they relate with one another at their optimal level of functioning. But what if something happens to either one of these organs? Or especially, for example, if a tumor grows in any one of them? We know that cancer cells can occur in any part of the human body. For smokers, often the effect on the throat (not to mention the lungs) is patently tragic as it bears the brunt of the toxins and carcinogens carried by the cigarette smoke.

Dr. Rich Isaacs’ expertise will remove tumors or cancer cells from the throat, as well as the ears and nose, through his wide knowledge and experience in otolaryngologic procedures obtained from many years of practice in this field, among other fields he is involved in. His know-how regarding how these organs function and how they can malfunction forms a strong foundation for treating them whenever issues in structure, function and general muscular or cellular conditions arise.

Dr. Isaacs provides a complete range of diagnostic, medical, and surgical services for ear, nose, and throat conditions, particularly cancer. Evaluation, diagnosis and/or direct treatment of these conditions which may include chronic ear infections, hearing loss, sinusitis, tonsillitis, airway problems, cysts, and tumors of the head and neck, comprise some of the problems he and his staff are capable of addressing with their professional and expert care.

Dr. Richard Isaacs has practiced with Kaiser Permanente from 1995 to the present and has Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery to his name. He specializes, in particular, in orbital, nasal, and maxillofacial surgery and also in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. His many years of experience in otolaryngologic procedure for tumors at the skull base has made him a valuable regional resource for the treatment of advanced tumors of the head and neck.

Dr. Richard “Rich” Isaacs: The Doctor is Out -- to Serve You!

Most professionals have worked inside a box for so long. By that, we mean it has taken so long for people to take the ways of the innovative world to benefit majority of people, especially in the medical profession. But doctors have learned to come out of their traditional comfort-zones in order to expand their horizon and serve more people in a more dynamic and effective way. Meet one of those physicians who is out there to serve your needs: Dr. Richard Isaacs.

Dr. Isaacs’ qualifications, as posted in his web homepage, were not meant to impress but to inform and convince people of what he is capable of providing. Rich is not only a specialist in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery but is also an experienced physician who has dealt with various cancer cases (facial skin cancer, jaw tumor. laryngeal cancer, paranasal sinus cancer and thyroid cancer and others). He has also worked in developing innovative medical procedures using robotics and computer-aided medical systems.

With his extensive experience and expertise, it is not surprising that Rich, who attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as an undergraduate, excelled in academics and garnered honors a graduate. He was born and raised in Detroit and finished his medical degree at the Wayne State University School of Medicine there, also finishing with honors.

Dr. Isaacs joined Kaiser Permanente in 1995 and he holds Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery. His specializes in such cases as orbital, nasal, and maxillofacial surgery, as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgical procedures. Moreover, Rich has undergone training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and is likewise an expert in post-tumor facial reanimation and facial reconstruction surgery. Rich is a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery as well as of the American College of Surgeons. He has written several articles in different medical and other related publications.

In his heart, Rich is a natural teacher and is engaged in training medical students, residents and fellows from the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine (Philadelphia), and Northstate University School of Medicine (Elk Grove) where he serves as a Professor of Otolaryngology. With his passion for teaching, Rich obviously finds personal satisfaction in achieving one of the noblest occupations any person can have in life. Expertise and knowhow thrive through continuing study and research, as well as through bequeathing them on to others who will likewise apply and pass them on through their own practice.

Being a Physician-In-Chief, Rich has shown good leadership abilities as well as proven his integrity as a trustworthy professional. In April of 2005, he was appointed to the Physician-In-Chief position for the South Sacramento and Elk Grove Medical Facilities. He heads 450 physicians and over 3,000 nurses and staff who serve 210,000 Kaiser Permanente members in the South Sacramento and Elk Grove locality. Rich also works as the Medical Director of operations, as well as all inpatient and outpatient sections. He likewise holds the position of Chief Medical Officer for the 290-bed Acute Care Hospital and ACS Level II Trauma Center.

Physicians are some of the most workaholic workers we know; however, they strive to spend meaningful time in other endeavors, such as in sports. And for a doctor with his credentials, Rich chose to become a skier and an Alpine Member at the National Ski Patrol, providing complete care to injured skiers at the Tahoe Donner Ski Resort. Not only is that inspiring; it is quite commendable – spending time out of the clinic and in the great outdoors while seeing to the medical needs of other sports-enthusiasts.

Here then is a physician you would want and who is totally prepared to meet your needs: Dr. Richard “Rich” Isaacs – now out there to catch you when you fall and falter.

A Man with a Lifetime Medical Mission: Dr. Richard Isaacs, MD

In general, medicine is recognized as a very broad area of study and involves so many various fields of health-care as well as different approaches and applications, whether we are talking of traditional, alternative and even emotional-healing practices. Most people, however, rely on the general field of medical practice accepted by countries and societies as the scientific and professional field of health-care practiced by graduates of Schools of Medicine and are referred to as Doctors of Medicine (MD’s).

Today, the willingness or passion to provide people with physical healing is not fully applied or recognized without leaving the comfort of one’s world and into the greater arena of the vast majority of people who need healing and proper medical care. The worldwide web has significantly eased the problem of how to make health care readily accessible to others. And, obviously in medicine or the medical profession, as it is often referred to by those tasked with providing health care to the ailing patient, the patient must not only seek the doctor; the doctor must also make himself or herself available and accessible as much as possible.

The physician or MD, in general, needs to be fully equipped and qualified to offer basic health care using methods accepted by most public health-providers in accordance with modern professional health-care methods. However, we all know that even old traditional healing approaches, which have been proven by modern research to be effective and are administered by more and more doctors along with modern medical practices, for instance, acupuncture, chelation and others. Which means that we have advanced in such a way that we have greatly enhanced the human power to serve the health needs of many people who require effective medical attention. Likewise, those who are given the function of administering such highly-specialized expertise must have a source of surplus amounts of diligence, persistence and altruism not easily available to majority of people.

A primary model of this innovative professional medical practitioner is Dr. Richard Isaacs, MD, who has availed of the Internet to widely post his qualifications and his specialization to more people needing his particular field of practice. This direct way of promoting one’s profession to the greater community online may seem a bit unusual and even suspicious to many. Yes, it may even seem to demean the respected position the medical doctor whom many view as being more altruistic or unselfish than other professions.

However, that may have been true in former times when doctors plied their trade as mainly unrecognized or unappreciated employees of medical institutions or small-time family doctors running day clinics in distant towns. At present, however, doctors organize and put up poly-clinics offering alternatives to hospitals as diagnostic and medical-consultancy centers in many urban areas. Yes, gone are the days when doctors hang up front-door signs and worked as free-lance-private doctors for a small regular clientele within a neighborhood or a residential subdivision.

The increase in the number of doctors and medical-health practitioners has also altered the way medical services are administered or practiced, especially with the advent of increased medical specialization and use of advanced medical technology. Hence, a physician in some cases is not required to physically visit a patient in order to serve his or her needs which may not include surgery or delicate attention by a physician and which a nurse or a training physician can readily handle. And even in more serious cases where the physician is not available as long as there are other skilled health-givers who can take the place of the doctor without endangering the patient unduly. It is, in fact, not uncommon now for a patient to be in a hospital for a day or two without having seen a specialist, who may be unavailable, while providing the needed proper medical attention through other available doctors. The way medicine is practiced nowadays has evolved with the times and the demands of modern world, whether we understand it or not.

As such, having a doctor such as Dr. Richard “Rich” Isaacs post his qualifications and experiences online provides a refreshing view of the medical profession not only in its application but likewise in its accessibility to people who require it. Thanks to people such as Dr. Isaacs for opening an innovative alternative to looking for medical help minus the trouble of walking or asking around for the proper medical attention needed so direly. And often, in matters of life and death, time is of the essence.

Rich is trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and has wide experience in post-tumor facial reconstruction and facial reanimation surgery and has an Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, specializing in orbital, nasal, and maxillofacial surgery, as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

To get an appointment with Rich Isaacs, get his contact info on this website and dial away. Didn’t we say he is available and accessible? Yes, he is within reach to anyone needing his specialization in Sacramento, California where he resides and works.

Dr. Richard Isaacs, MD: The Willingness to Serve

In the modern world, the desire or the willingness to help others solve their problems is not complete without coming out of the confines of one’s comfortable world into the broader community of people struggling through life, in need or in pain.The Internet has helped to bring this eagerness to reach out to others to its fulfillment -- especially in the field of medicine or medical practice, as it should be more properly called by those who are charged with administering health care to the ailing patient.

Medical practice is obviously a wide subject and incorporates so many different aspects of health-care and variations of methods or approaches, from traditional, alternative and even emotional in nature. The majority of people, however, depend on the general field of medical practice recognized by most societies and governments as the scientific and professional field of health-care provided by products of Schools of Medicine and are referred to as Doctors of Medicine (MD’s).

The more common term “physician” has also become synonymous with MD. To be a physician, in general, is to be qualified to provide essential health care using methods recognized by most public institutions as in keeping with accepted modern medical practices. This does not mean, of course, that ancient practices which have proven to be effective are without value in the modern medical profession. It only means that we have progressed to the level of fine-tuning the human capability to provide health care and to alleviate the sufferings of millions of sick people. And the people tasked with providing such highly-specialized skills also possess higher amounts of persistence, diligence and self-sacrifice than most people.

Dr. Richard Isaacs, MD, is a prime example of the qualified modern physician who has made good use of the worldwide web to present his credentials and his services to those who require medical care or assistance. A lot of people might either be surprised or turned off by such a direct approach to promoting one’s profession to the greater virtual community out there. That is because it might come out as somewhat demeaning to the noble profession of the physician which many consider to be more altruistic or service-oriented than most other vocations.

But that was common in the older times when medical practitioners worked silently in the bigger institutions, hospitals or hole-in-the-wall clinics they worked in. Today, doctors form so-called poly-clinics to provide a para-hospital alternative facilities for providing diagnostic and consultancy services. Most doctors, in the past, made do with putting up a sign on their home front-door as simple private general practitioners with a handful of devoted patients in their immediate neighborhood or locality.

However, today, the number of physicians and medical-help providers has multiplied and the means of providing such services have become more dynamic and diverse with the aid of technology. A doctor does not need to be with the patient to provide care, especially with common ailments. Or even in more serious cases where the doctor cannot be present and as long as there are other qualified professionals who can administer the prescription in an acceptable manner. Hence, it is not uncommon for a patient to be in a hospital for a couple of days, for instance, without having been visited by a medical specialist who may be preoccupied somewhere else although she does gets proper medical care under resident doctors. Times change and the way doctors apply their skills has also evolved with the times and the needs of the growing population.

And so, seeing a doctor such as Dr. Richard “Rich” Isaacs open up his resume on a website not only changes the field of medicine in its application but also in its accessibility to those who need its benefits. For this, we have to thank the likes of him for providing a convenient way of seeking medical help without the hassle of directly interviewing or hunting for qualified medical practitioners wherever they may be found.

Just a call away, Rich Isaacs, who holds an Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, specializes in orbital, nasal, and maxillofacial surgery, as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Moreover, he is trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and has an interest in post-tumor facial reconstruction and facial reanimation surgery. Rich is within reach to anyone needing his field of specialization in Sacramento, California where he holds his clinic.

Dr. Richard “Rich” Isaacs: At your service!

Dr. Isaacs’ credentials, as seen in his web homepage, are not just impressive but awesome in many respects. For one, he not only has a specialization in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery but also has wide grasp and experience in other medical fields, such as cancer (facial skin cancer, jaw tumor, laryngeal cancer, paranasal sinus cancer and thyroid cancer, to name a few) and has been involved in innovative medical care utilizing robotics and computer technology.

Such vast experience and expertise possessed by one physician should not come as a surprise from one who attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor as an undergraduate and finished with honors. Rich, for short, was born and raised in Detroit and took up his medical studies at Wayne State University School of Medicine in that city, graduating, as we would have expected, with honors. 

Rich joined Kaiser Permanente in 1995 and he has Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery. His specialties include orbital, nasal, and maxillofacial surgery, as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Additionally, Rich is trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and is also highly involved in post-tumor facial reanimation and facial reconstruction surgery. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery as well as of the American College of Surgeons. Rich has also published many articles in various publications.

Rich has a passion for teaching and has trained medical students, residents and fellows from the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine (Philadelphia), and Northstate University School of Medicine (Elk Grove) where he teaches as a Professor of Otolaryngology. Serving as a teacher-doctor could be considered one of the highest accomplishments any professional or any person can have, for that matter. Skills and knowledge can grow not just through study and research but through passing them on to more people who can practice them as well as improve them for more people to benefit from.

As a Physician-In-Chief, Rich has proven his himself to be a good leader as well as a trusted practitioner. In April of 2005, He was appointed to the Physician-In-Chief position for the South Sacramento and Elk Grove Medical Facilities. He supervises 450 physicians and more than 3,000 nurses and staff who care for the 210,000 Kaiser Permanente members in the South Sacramento and Elk Grove areas. Rich also serves as the Medical Director of operations, including all inpatient and outpatient departments. He also works as the Chief Medical Officer for the 290 bed Acute Care Hospital and ACS Level II Trauma Center.

Does Rich still have time to do something else? 

We all know doctors are quite busy people but they do find time to enjoy life. Hence, as impressive as Rich’s credentials may appear, he does find time to be an active sportsman, being an Alpine Member at the National Ski Patrol. And while he is at that, he likewise provides comprehensive care to injured skiers at the Tahoe Donner Ski Resort. Now, that is impressive as well as admirable – having a great, exhilarating time and serving fellow sports-enthusiasts when they need medical care.

What can we say but present to you Dr. Richard “Rich” Isaacs – at your service! He must enjoy what he is doing.

Kaiser promotes healthy babies with Dr. Richard Isaacs

Kaiser pushes for greater breast-feeding success among moms

The healthiest thing any child will ever consume is his or her mother’s breast milk. Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento wants to make certain new mothers learn how to breastfeed their babies before they leave the hospital to increase the future good health for babies.

Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento was recently designated a “Baby Friendly” hospital in accordance with the World Health Organization’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative.

The staff had a small celebration on Aug. 14.

Max Villalobos, senior vice president for Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento said, “This is an international recognition.”

He said a special thanks to Barb Hansen, assistant manager of health education, and Cheryl Cox, manager of the perinatal services unit.

“Sometimes we overuse words, but this is prestigious,” he said.

Currently, Kaiser South Sacramento is one of 83 hospitals nationwide to fulfill the program’s 10-step process to become baby friendly.

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative was launched in 1991 with help from UNICEF. Kaiser staff received a certificate of intent to work towards being admitted to the Baby Friendly program in 1993.

Physician-in-Chief, Dr. Richard S. Isaacs thanked the staff for their commitment. Isaacs, an ear, nose and throat doctor, said he learned that breast-feeding a baby causes fewer ear infections as they grow.

“It gives the child the best start,” he said. “It gives them natural immunity, it helps prevent infection, and it gives them tremendous nutrition. But more importantly it’s an emotional bond between the mother and the child.”

Debra Payne, program planner for First 5 Sacramento was at the Aug. 14 ceremony to congratulate the staff. First 5 Sacramento was involved with this program at Kaiser too.

Joni Wuthrich, director of prenatal services, said the staff have undergone training courses, learning the importance of encouraging breast-feeding over formula and allowing new mothers to “room in,” or stay with their baby the entire hour after delivery to breastfeed.

“I’ve been a nurse for 34 years and every single year more research comes out about how good breast-feeding is for babies,” she said.

Dessiree Whitehurst gave birth to her first child, a girl, on Aug. 13 at Kaiser in South Sacramento. The fact that Kaiser South Sacramento is in the Baby Friendly program and promotes breast-feeding amongst new mothers was reassuring to her as a new mom, she said.

“I’ve heard so many things like ‘It’s hard to breastfeed,’” she said. “Knowing that there is so much help- it’s really good for me.”

Whitehurst had already started breast-feeding her baby by the next day.

As part of the Baby Friendly Initiative, Kaiser will not accept free formula from vendors.

“We separated our relationship with formula vendors and that is a part of baby friendly too,” Wuthrich said.

Formula is prescribed when it is medically recommended for babies, rather than being a substitute for milk.

Wuthrich said baby formula is healthy, but human milk is better.

Not all women have to breast-feed, they support family choice too, she added.

CAPMG Steering Committee - Dr. Richard Isaacs, MD

As California Permanente physicians, we have a lot to be proud of.

Our physician-led mode of practice. Our partnership with patients. Our proven clinical excellence and nationally recognized quality leadership.

When health care legislation is debated, we want the best chance of a good outcome.

That is why The Permanente Medical Group and the Southern California Permanente Medical Group created California Permanente Medical Groups (CAPMG) political action committee.

CAPMG is our political arm. Our job is to help elect lawmakers who understand and share our values.

On behalf of CAPMG Steering Committee — This is our pledge.

• No one will work harder than we will.

• Our priority will always be the Permanente Medical Group model.

• We will devote our full energy to electing officials who will work with us on enacting the best possible health care legislation.

Like you, we are passionate about our goals and optimistic about our success.

STEERING COMMITTEE:

Members

• Sharon Levine, MD, Chair, Pediatrics, TPMG

• Michelle Caughey, MD, Internal Medicine, TPMG

• Ken Grullon, MD, Gynecology, TPMG

• Vito Imbasciani, MD, Urology, SCPMG

• David Lerman, MD, JD. Family Medicine, SCPMG

• Michael Neri, Jr. MD, Family Medicine, SCPMG

• Richard Isaacs, MD, Head and Neck Oncology, TPMG

For more info about Dr. Richard Isaacs, you could visit this page or like us on facebook for more update.

Staff

• Traci Perry, Executive Director

• Liz Rothberg-Smith, CAPMG Staff

Business Journal names "Healthiest Employers" winners

Attendees at the Healthiest Employers 2011 awards luncheon walk around the exhibitors area before the awards.

Five Sacramento-area companies won top honors at a luncheon Friday for theie employee health and wellness efforts. Rood & Dax Advanced Insurance Services Inc. of Sacramento won in the micro category (10 – 50 employees).

Dr. Richards Isaacs accepts a Healtiest Employers award on behalf of Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Kaiser won in the mega category (10, 000-plus employees). The health care nonprofit, which has made healthy living a central message in its advertising years, has had a wellness program since 2002.

Richard Isaacs MD: Kaiser South gets Level II trauma certification

Kaiser Permanente’s South Sacramento Medical Center has been verified by the American College of Surgeons as a Level II trauma center.

The center got provisional verification by the group last year so it could begin operations, but the process requires reviewers to evaluate the program after it is up and running.

Reviewers conducted another on-site review in March to evaluate trauma center staff, equipment and other resources to make sure they meet national standards. Full verification will be in effect until 2013.

Since opening Aug. 1, the new South Sacramento trauma center has treated an average of 150 patients per month.

“We are extremely proud that the American College of Surgeons has verified that our program meets their stringent standards,” Dr. Richard Isaacs, physician-in-chief at Kaiser Permanente South

Sacramento, said in a press release. “We have an excellent staff here and we are committed to caring for some of the area’s most critically injured patients.”

The South Sacramento hospital serves an area from Interstate 5 east to Rancho Cordova, and from Florin Road south to the San Joaquin County line.

The trauma center is a first for Kaiser Permanente nationwide.

Richard Isaacs MD - Kaiser Permanente: Company wants employees to serve as role models in community

Carman stopped exercising after leaving the military in 1991, and the pounds began piling on. But after his father died at age 54, and at the urging of his daughter, a nursing student, Carman decided in 2012 to start making a change.

He credits Kaiser’s Live Well, Be Well program for his improved fitness. Carman dropped 40 pounds since starting the program and trimmed 6 inches from his waist. And in September, he was able to stop taking the blood pressure medication he’d been on for 10 years.

Carman ran in the December marathon as part of a four-member relay team with his daughter and friends. His goal is to run half the marathon this year, and the entire course in 2015. He’s also working on losing another 20 pounds.

The constant encouragement Carman receives through Kaiser has helped him overcome his biggest obstacle: sticking with his exercise program consistently. “I’m just very grateful for everything my employer does,” Carman said.

While many employers encourage a healthy workforce, Kaiser, which employs 66,000 in its Northern California region, including 12,000 in the Sacramento area, has an additional motivation as a health-care provider.

“We want all of our staff and physicians to be role models for our community,” said Dr. Richard Isaacs, physician-in-chief of Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center.

Kaiser’s program offers more than 250 wellness options that focus on six categories: physical activity, healthy eating, emotional health, prevention, healthy workplace and healthy community.

Issacs, a head and neck surgeon, said the program has caused a cultural transformation at the company, reducing absenteeism and making employees happier and more engaged.

“I’m watching our employees actually transform their lives,” Isaacs said. “They look different. They just exude health.”

Employees encourage colleagues to get involved, take lunch-time walks or train for competitions. There are free exercise classes, with yoga, Zumba and boot camp among the popular options.

Employees can track their health improvements online and enroll in a wellness university, where they earn credits and even graduate.

To encourage healthy eating, there are on-site farmers markets and employee gardens at Kaiser’s South Sacramento Medical Center, as well as at offices in Davis and Rancho Cordova. There, workers grow vegetables and chefs demonstrate healthy cooking techniques.

The program’s emotional health component encourages employees to pursue creative outlets. Toward that end, the South Sacramento Medical Center held its third annual art show March 28, where physicians and employees displayed paintings, photographs, sculptures, quilts, beadwork and floral arrangements.

Dr. Richard Isaacs: Kaiser’s summer internship program

Kaiser’s summer internship program gives high school students a chance to see if medical field is right for them

Valley High School senior Faith Allison thought she was interested in cardiology when she started a paid internship at Kaiser Permanente’s South Sacramento Medical Center this summer, but she liked the variety she saw in trauma.

Luther Burbank graduate Melany Caldera figured “you can’t go wrong with health care,” but she got dizzy every time she saw blood. Human resources, she likes.

The idea behind the Kaiser internship program is to give underrepresented and low-income students a close-up view of the career promise of health care before they make a career choice. A comprehensive program that focuses on careers in demand, it can also serve as a pipeline for future Kaiser employees.

“It’s really important for people who have an interest to see their destination before they begin their journey,” said Dr. Richard Isaacs, physician-in-chief at Kaiser’s South Sacramento hospital. “Our hope is they will go back to their own community with a better idea of what they can and want to do.”

The Summer Youth Employment Program is one of the community benefits Kaiser offers in exchange for tax-exempt status. There are 215 participants in Northern California this summer, about 30 in the Sacramento area.

Eleven high-achieving students were selected from 150 applicants for internships at Kaiser South Sacramento.

The full-time program runs for eight weeks. Students do workshops, projects and rotations in departments, meet weekly to share information — and get paid $8 an hour at a time when many high school students have trouble getting a job.

Other local health systems offer internship programs for high school students, too. But most are unpaid.

“Any organized professional experience we can expose young people to — and high school seems to be the focus now — can pique interest in and provide direction for college and medical school,” said Scott Seamons, regional vice president of the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California.

A lot of exposure’

Karima Ziyarmal, now 23, was a 2006 summer intern at Kaiser’s South Sacramento hospital.

Richard Isaacs MD: Big Pharma has the upper hand 'and they know it'

There has been an alarming upward trend in the costs of similar treatments, as more drugs are developed and come on to the market, new Pharmac figures  show.

And as  the price of life-saving medicines soar and pharmaceutical companies show no signs of justifying their costs, the Government is warning that something has got to give. 

Pharmac, the Government's drug buying agency,  began funding a key blood cancer drug Thalidomide, manufactured by drug giant Celgene, in 2002. While the true costs of what Pharmac pays are confidential, the list price for the drug in 2002 was $360, based on a daily average dose for a month.

Compare that with a later iteration of the same drug - Lenalidomide - which in 2014 carried a list price of $8353. A third option for blood cancer patients, whose condition might not respond so well to the first two, was Bortezomib, which had a list price of $9742.

The benefits of treating cancer with any of the drugs were similar, and limited studies comparing Lenalidomide and Thalidomide showed no survival difference.

When it came to differing forms of chemotherapy for breast cancer, list prices had risen 443 per cent.

Anthracycline, a common chemotherapy, was listed at $975 in 2002. As two more options came onto the market - Docetaxel, also in 2002, and Trastuzumab, in 2007 - list prices rose to $2488 and $5300 respectively.

A similar trend was also shown across medicines for the treatment of kidney cancer, and lung cancer, rising 411 and 44 per cent respectively.

While all those costs related to the list-price of the medicines, chief executive Steffan Crauzas said Pharmac did not pay that much.

How much less Pharmac paid was confidential, but the increase in the list-price showed an alarming trend that the overall cost of providing New Zealanders access to medicines was becoming more difficult.

Costs were symptomatic of a price-war raging overseas, where the medicines market was not so tightly controlled by a public purchaser.

According to the World Health Organisation, medicines  accounted for over half of total health expenditures and were often "unavailable and unaffordable to consumers who need them".

It recommended making some essential medicines exempt from taxation.

Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition chair Libby Burgess, who led a campaign for the public funding of breast cancer drug Herceptin, said the problem was the Pharmac model.

She cited Australia, where two separate bodies took care of funding decisions and then purchase of the medicines respectively.

                                                    

"All of that happens under one roof in Pharmac, which means its very easy for one part of the process to compromise another."

MidCentral DHB Oncologist Dr Richard Isaacs said the prices big pharma was charging was "gobsmacking".

"There's been a lot of criticism of Pharmac over the years, and I was involved in advocating for Herceptin, but I strongly believe now there needs to be a strong focus on the costs that pharma are charging when they introduce new targeted therapies into the market.

"We certainly can't afford all of them and I think our process of carefully assessing the drugs is a good one."

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne said Pharmaceutical companies needed to justify their costs more.

"I think that there's a real question about how everything starts with several zeros behind it, and think that is a question mark... but it may not solve the issue as far as access to medicines in New Zealand is concerned."

Instead, it was Pharmac that would likely undergo changes in the next 10 to 15 years. Those changes were unlikely to be the kind Burgess was after, however.

"Pharmac are remarkably skillfull... and they are able to put these packages together, which are impressive. But the issue I thought they would have done a little more on, is actually evaluating their decisions; was there a benefit from funding Herceptin, for instance?

"We can be confident in the model at the moment, and in the forseeable future. But that's not going to [last forever]." Dunne said.

"[Drug companies] have got the upper hand, and they know it. At the end of the day, no government is going to deny its citizens access to medicines."

Medical Profile: Richard Isaacs, MD

Otolaryngology (ENT) Sacramento, CA
Physician-in-Chief / Director, The Permanente Medical Group, Board of Directors, Oakland, CA


SUMMARY

Professional Background
“I joined Kaiser Permanente in 1995 and have Advanced Certification in Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery. My specialties include: orbital, nasal, and maxillofacial surgery, as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgery. I function as a regional resource for the management of advanced tumors of the head and neck and provide the otolaryngologic approach for tumors at the skull base. Additionally, I am trained in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and perform rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, and rhytidectomy. I have an interest in post-tumor facial reconstruction and facial reanimation surgery. I am a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

I received my Bachelor of Science degree, with Distinction, from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and my Doctor of Medicine degree, with Honors, from Wayne State University in Detroit. Then, I completed my Otolaryngology training in New York at the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital / New York Hospital-Cornell Medical College. Subsequently, I received additional Head and Neck Oncologic and Skull Base Surgical training from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and The University of California, Davis. I am also a 2004 graduate of the Kenan-Flagler School of Business Advanced Leadership Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and the University of California, San Francisco, CHCF Advanced Leadership Program. “


Roles
“In April of 2005, I was appointed to the Physician-In-Chief and Chief-of-Staff positions for the South Sacramento and Elk Grove Medical Facilities. I am very fortunate to be able to continue my head and neck surgical practice and I greatly enjoy my administrative position as well. I provide leadership to our 450 physicians/providers and more than 2000 nurses and staff who care for the 200,000 Kaiser Permanente members in the South Sacramento/Elk Grove area.”


CLINICAL SPECIALTIES & INTERESTS

Otolaryngology (ENT): General Otolaryngology/ENT, Head & Neck Microvascular Surgery, Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery


EDUCATION & TRAINING
* University of California Davis
* Cornell University Medical College
* Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
* St Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center
* Wayne State University School of Medicine


CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURE
* CA State Medical License
1992 – 2016

* American Board of Otolaryngology
Otolaryngology


AWARDS, HONORS, & RECOGNITION
* Fellow (FAAO-HNS)
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
* Presidents Award for Scientific Exhibit: "Skull Base Surgical Approaches to Distal Carotid Aneurisms."
American Academy of Otolaryngology
* Top MD
Consumers Checkbook


PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

PUBMED
* Anatomy and physiology of the upper airway.
Isaacs, R.S., Sykes, J.M.; Anesthesiol Clin North America. 2002 Dec.


PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

* American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery - AAO - NHS
Fellow
* American College of Surgeons - ACS
Member



HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS
* Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center
Sacramento, CA