Doctor’s Daughter Looks To Close Final Chapter Of Dad’s Legacy With Medical Records
Darcie Maurice-Garcia, the late Dr. Philip Maurice's daughter, has been keeping his patients' medical records in case they've needed them. But she plans to say goodbye to them in April.
Ventura County Star:
After The Doctor Dies, The Medical Records Remain
Dr. Philip Maurice, a neurologist who practiced in Camarillo and Thousand Oaks for nearly 40 years, died in April of liver cancer diagnosed less than three months earlier. He was 72. His legacy includes stacks of cardboard boxes and a mass of file folders that now fill a storage room lit by a bare lightbulb. Darcie Maurice-Garcia, the doctor’s middle daughter and office manager, asked the Medical Board of California for input on what to do with her father’s medical records. There are maybe 7,000 of them — all on paper, detailing his care of patients in the past seven years of a practice that began in the 1970s. (Kisken, 3/28)
In other news from across the state —
Modesto Bee:
'Her Heart Is With The Indigent.' Now, She's Modesto's Top Doctor
Dr. Silvia Diego became a doctor with a mission of providing health care to the poor and uninsured. ... Diego launched a private practice called Family First Medical Care, at 1317 Oakdale Road in Modesto. In keeping with her mission, Family First has an even mix of insured patients and people enrolled in government health programs. It might not be the best for business, but about 50 percent of the patients have Medi-Cal and Medicare coverage, Diego said. (Carlson, 3/28)
Modesto Bee:
Civil Racketeering Case Can Go Forward Against Two Law Firms Over Disability Claims
A federal racketeering civil lawsuit is moving forward against two law firms that have filed hundreds of Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuits that supporters say have benefited the disabled — but critics contend have put a financial strain on many small business owners in Fresno and elsewhere. (Lopez, 3/28)
The Mercury News:
Redwood City: Local Toddler With Rare Cancer Inspires Cousins To Honor Him In Contest
A Redwood City toddler who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at 10 months of age is the inspiration for one of three finalists in a nationwide art contest. Benny Van Haren, who turns 2 on April 12, is now in remission for Langerhans cell hisiocytosis, a rare cancer that affects the Langerhans cell, a white blood cell that normally helps the body fight off infections and occurs in one to two of every 1 million young children. He has spent half of his life with a device inserted to a vein in his chest through which he received chemotherapy. (Kelly, 3/28)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Former Offspring Drummer Turned OB/GYN Saves Juror During His Own Bay Area Malpractice Trial
A Bay Area obstetrician-gynecologist and former member of a legendary punk band proved he retains his DIY sensibility at a recent medical malpractice trial, where he saved a prospective juror's life. The judge declared a mistrial, fearing the doc's heroics would sway the jury. ... Trial proceedings didn't get very far this week after one of more than 35 prospective jurors collapsed, hit his head and lost consciousness, Law360 reports. [Dr. James] Lilja and his nurse assistant rushed from the courtroom to the juror's side and found him without a pulse and not breathing. (Robertson, 3/28)