PAX Centurion - March / April 2013

Page 16 • PAX CENTURION • March/April 2013 617-989-BPPA (2772) T hey say you can only judge people or organizations by your own personal experiences and interactions. For many years, I had never had occasion to visit the Occupational Health Unit (MIS), other than for the yearly drug test. But in Feb., 2011, I tore my lateral-collateral ligament and biceps tendon after a fall on the ice. I had heard horror stories from some officers about waiting for treatment, such as MRI’s or other needed medical services following an injury. But on my very first appointment with Dr. Chris Arnold at OHU, I was being sent within two hours to an MRI in Brookline. Two hours later, Dr. Arnold was on the phone informing me of the damage to my knee. A week or so later, I had an appointment with Dr. Brian McKeon, who is also the Boston Celtics’ orthopedic surgeon and can be seen behind the Celtics bench at every home game. (For those of you who don’t know him, he’s been voted “One of Boston’s Best Doctors” many years in a row, and is an outstanding surgeon and great guy who genuinely likes police officers and lives in the city.) I had surgery at the New England Baptist (again, one of the best orthopedic hospitals in the country) in May 2011 and was back at work in November 2011. Then this year, I was assigned to theA202F wagon trying to drag a dead-weight, 300 lb. drunk off the sidewalk on Cambridge St. when something went “rip” inside my shoulder. (I’m a delicate flower and I’m not getting younger…). The emergency room doctor at NEMC thought it might be a rotator cuff tear. In a short time, I was meeting with PA Zelma Greenstein of OHU, and she quickly made a few Kudos to the BPDOccupational HealthUnit By James Carnell, Pax Editor Representing and providing counsel to members of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association since 1993 regarding critical incidents, criminal and departmental investigations, and civil rights matters. Many members have also sought our guidance and representation in a wide variety of matters, particularly personal injury claims on behalf of injured officers and/or their family and friends. We also provide representation in criminal and civil litigation, real estate and estate planning. We invite you to learn more about Byrne & Drechsler, LLP by visiting our website – ByrneDrechsler.com JAMES E. BYRNE XXXXXXXX THOMAS DRECHSLER KENNETH H. ANDERSON • RICHARD P. MAZZOCCA • ERIC S. GOLDMAN • JONATHAN E. TOBIN • JOSEPH A. MERLINO 50 Redfield Street, Boston, MA 02122 (617) 265-3900 • Fax (617) 265-3627 phone calls. Within hours, I was meeting with Dr. Alan Curtis of Boston Sports and Shoulder in Brookline (also located inWaltham, works with Dr. McKeon), another orthopedic specialist voted “One of Boston’s Best Doctors.” I was authorized for an MRI, and sure enough, my rotator cuff was torn. I will be ( was… by the time this Pax is printed) surgically repaired onApril 1 st , and hopefully be back to work onApril 2 nd . (NOT!) The point is this: for all the horror stories I’ve heard over the years about OHU/MIS, I’ve experienced nothing but outstanding, prompt and professional treatment. If I dropped off a medical bill that needed to be paid, I seldom heard about it again. (If I did, it was usually the fault of the party sending the bill, who had already been paid!) If I needed an appointment changed, the secretaries (Maria, Linda, et al…) were pleasant and accommodating. (And as you know, I’m not exactly the most well-liked officer amongst the command staff at the other end of the third-floor hall….) I guess the key to good service is this: cooperate/coordinate between your doctor and Occupational Health, don’t set up appoint- ments with Dr. Vinnie Boombah in Costa Rica or anyone resembling “Dr. Howard, Dr. Fine, Dr. Howard” (Three Stooges fans will know what I mean), keep your appointments as best you can and follow through with treatment suggestions and physical therapy. I had great doctors, prompt treatment and good service. That was my experience. I’m sure there are other stories and experiences. But all I can tell you is mine…