Plum Health Blog
Dr. Paul Thomas Gives the Welcome to Detroit Lecture for Incoming Class of 2027 at WSU SOM
Dr. Paul Thomas Gives the Welcome to Detroit Lecture for Incoming Class of 2027 at WSU SOM
This year, Dr. Paul Thomas was invited to give a “Welcome to Detroit” lecture for the Wayne State University School of Medicine Class of 2027. These medical students will be immersed in the Detroit community over the next 4 years, and upon graduation, many of them will continue to serve the Detroit and Metro Detroit community.
WSU SOM’s incoming class of 2026 had 300 Students, with 192 in-state and 108 out-of-state students. That class had 22 birth countries and 94 different colleges represented. The 2027 class is likely similar but their demographic data isn’t readily available online.
That being said, the vast majority of these students are experiencing Detroit for the first time. The lecture given by Dr. Paul Thomas highlights important moments in Detroit history, from its founding through the Arsenal of Democracy, through 1967, municipal bankruptcy, and today. It also discusses cultural events, the best coffee shops to study, the best parks to relax and unwind, and the best restaurants for a student budget and for when parents or loved ones come to town for a special occasion.
A short guide for new visitors to Detroit and also for new professional students in Detroit, like medical students or law students at institutions like Wayne State University or the University of Detroit.
So here are the best coffee shops in Detroit for 2023:
Lucky Detroit in Corktown
Momento Gelato in Corktown (great coffee and paninis and gelato)
James Oliver in Corktown (amazing bagel sandwiches and great coffee selection)
Dessert Oasis in Capitol Park
Rosa in Grandmont Rosedale
Oloman Café in Hamtramck
Cafe 1923 in Hamtramck
MadCap in Downtown
The Congregation in New Center/Virginia Park
Milwaukee Caffe in New Center
Anthology Coffee in Eastern Market
Detroit Air Quality Update June 29th 2023
Detroit Air Quality Update June 29th 2023
Unfortunately, today the air quality is 157 - 184, which is unhealthy.
What is the typical air quality?
The typical air quality index is closer to 30. This is an acceptable level of air quality where the air feels good, with no smoke, smog, or haze in the air. Visibility is good and asthma exacerbations happen with fewer frequency.
what is the air quality like today?
With a level of 150 to 200, like today, the air quality is unhealthy. Everyone may begin to experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. This poor air quality index is due to smoke particular matter wafting down from wildfires in Canada.
What you should do
Today, and on unhealthy air quality days, limit your outdoor activities and wear an N95 mask so that you don't breathe in the particulate matter. Unfortunately, these small particles can get into our lungs, into our blood stream, and can cross our blood brain barrier.
There are several ill health effects that can happen with prolonged exposure to poor air quality. Cities like Mumbai (formerly called Bombay), India have poor, unhealthy, and hazardous air quality on a regular basis, so there is more research in cities like this. From that data, the UN Environmental Programme released a compelling report. You can read the whole report, but the key health info starts on page 55, don’t miss page 61, 62, 63. Here are some of the key findings:
A wildfire event can cause feelings of confusion, anger, fear, and loss, all of which can have long-term impacts on the people and communities that experience them.
There are indications that people can also suffer psychological distress from losing a valued landscape due to a wildfire or as a result of long periods of smoke exposure
Particles (from wildfire smoke) may cause oxidative stress in brain cells
Particles can cross from the circulatory system to the central nervous system (into the brain) and impair it
Particles can cross the gas-blood barrier in the lung and reach the circulatory system
Particles can deliver harmful chemicals into the blood (Carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon)
Fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs causing an impact on the respiratory system (e.g., asthma, COPD*)
Particles can induce oxidative stress response in lung cells
I spoke to the media about this two weeks ago via Daily Detroit This is a podcast and my interview is in the second half of the podcast.
💨 Keep doors and windows closed on unhealthy air quality days
💨 Use a HEPA filter at your home or work place
💨 Plan on indoor activities
💨 Limit strenuous activities out doors when there are unhealthy air quality days - the more vigorous your exercise intensity out doors, the more particulate matter you breathe in, and therefore the more oxidate stress in your lungs, brain, and body
💨 Indoor vacuuming can stir up dust in your home, so limit vacuuming on days like these.
💨 Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution, such as burning candles, using gas stoves, and vacuuming.
The California Air Resource Board has more great tips, here.
Vulnerable groups
If you have a cardiac or pulmonary condition (asthma, COPD, heart disease) or if you are immunocompromised (receiving cancer treatments, pregnant), then I strongly recommend limiting any time outside today.
If you do go outside, I recommend wearing a mask, ideally an N95.
In general, for all patients, I recommend limiting the amount of time outside today or wearing a mask if outside, ideally an N95. As in the figure below, an N95 is recommended when the air quality is unhealthy (red).
Stay safe, and have a great weekend,
- Paul
Dr. Paul Thomas Speaks at the Dr. Morris S. Brent Lectureship
This month, Dr. Paul Thomas spoke at the Dr. Morris S. Brent Lectureship, a part of the Wayne State University School of Medicine’s Alumni Reunion Weekend activities. In the lecture, Dr. Paul Thomas discussed best practices for personal branding, and why it is important for doctors to become physician leaders, and build the platforms that can help them educate other doctors and the community about important issues in medicine.
This session will focus on developing a personal brand for physicians. What is a personal brand? How can you leverage your personal brand to attract new patients? How can you own your own brand and content? These topics and more will be addressed in this session!
Dr. Paul Thomas talks about Personal Branding at the WSU SOM Alumni Reunion Weekend during the Morris S. Brent Lectureship.
To watch the full lecture, head to the 2:14 (2 hour, 14 minute) mark in the YouTube video below:
Plum Health DPC Featured on CBS Detroit
Plum Health DPC: A New Era of Healthcare Delivery
Recently, Plum Health DPC, a direct primary care practice in Corktown, was featured on CBS Detroit, showcasing its innovative approach to healthcare delivery. The segment highlighted the many benefits of this new model, which is quickly gaining popularity among patients who are seeking a more personalized and cost-effective alternative to traditional insurance-based healthcare.
What is Direct Primary Care?
Direct primary care is a model of healthcare delivery that eliminates the middleman, i.e., insurance companies, and provides patients with direct access to their primary care physicians. In this model, patients pay a monthly membership fee to receive comprehensive, preventive care and access to their physician whenever they need it, without the need for insurance.
Benefits of Direct Primary Care
The benefits of direct primary care are numerous, including lower costs, improved access to care, and more personalized attention from physicians. With direct primary care, patients can see their physician at any time, without the need for appointments or copays, and receive the care they need, when they need it. Additionally, direct primary care physicians are incentivized to keep their patients healthy, rather than to perform tests and procedures, as is often the case in insurance-based healthcare.
Plum Health DPC: A Leader in Direct Primary Care
Plum Health DPC is a leader in the direct primary care movement, offering its patients a unique, affordable, and personalized approach to healthcare. With its state-of-the-art facilities and experienced physicians, Plum Health DPC is dedicated to providing its patients with the care they need to stay healthy and thrive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent feature on CBS Detroit highlights the many benefits of direct primary care and the innovative approach of Plum Health DPC. With its cost-effective and personalized approach to healthcare, direct primary care is poised to become the new standard in healthcare delivery. If you're looking for a more affordable, accessible, and personalized alternative to traditional insurance-based healthcare, consider joining Plum Health DPC today!
Thanks for reading,
-Dr. Paul Thomas with Plum Health DPC
Dr. Paul Thomas on the Soul of Enterprise
Dr. Paul Thomas on the Soul of Enterprise
In February 2022, Dr. Paul Thomas was featured in an episode of The Soul of Enterprise with Ron Baker and Ed Kless. In the episode we discuss all things Direct Primary Care! and they plug my book, Startup DPC:
Dr. Paul WROTE THE BOOK on Direct Primary Care. It’s called Startup DPC. Ron recommends this book because you can learn a lot from Dr. Paul’s experience. Here’s the Amazon link.
Dr. Paul Thomas is a family medicine physician who started Plum Health DPC in 2016, right out of residency. He is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician.
Direct Primary Care (DPC) is a model of primary care that is growing in popularity as an alternative to the traditional fee-for-service model. In a DPC practice, patients pay a monthly or annual membership fee for access to comprehensive primary care services. This fee typically covers all office visits and DPC practices offer at-cost medications, lab work, and imaging services to lower the cost of care for patients.
One of the benefits of DPC is that it allows for more time for the physician to spend with each patient. This is because DPC practices typically have fewer patients than traditional practices, which allows for more personalized care. Additionally, DPC patients often have direct access to their physician through phone or email, which can lead to quicker resolution of health concerns.
Another benefit of DPC is that it can help to lower healthcare costs for patients. By eliminating the need for insurance and reducing the number of unnecessary tests and procedures, DPC can save patients money in the long run.
Dr. Paul Thomas has been offering DPC services for the last 6 years and has seen positive results in the health of his patients. He believes that the DPC model allows for better continuity of care and a stronger physician-patient relationship, which leads to better health outcomes.
A big thanks to Ed Kless and Ron Baker for highlighting the work of Dr. Thomas and Plum Health DPC on The Soul of Enterprise!
-Paul Thomas MD with Startup DPC
Paul Thomas MD Featured in Michigan Academy of Family Physicians Magazine
Paul Thomas MD Featured in Michigan Academy of Family Physicians Magazine
A big thank you to the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians for featuring me and our family medicine colleagues with their recent cover story!
I love being a family medicine doctor - I get to take care of patients of all ages and stages, I get to manage a broad spectrum of medical conditions, and I get to build long-lasting relationships with amazing people in my community.
Family medicine is a medical speciality that requires 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and 3 years of residency training. With this 11 years of training, we're Family Medicine specialists!
Here's my quote from the recent publication:
“Starting and growing a direct primary care practice has changed my life. I’ve been able to serve people in my community with a high value family medicine service, advocate for causes that I feel passionate about, and be creative in my approach to solving people’s healthcare challenges.
"In short, I’ve been able to become the doctor I’m meant to be. The direct primary care model simplifies healthcare delivery in that our patients are able to text, email, or call us anytime.
"This takes a lot of the anxiety and stress out of the healthcare experience and our patients can seamlessly access the care that they need, when they need it.” - Paul Thomas, MD (Detroit)
#PlumHealth #DirectPrimaryCare #FamilyMedicine #HealthCare #Detroit #PrimaryCare #FamilyMedicineSpecialty #MAFP #AAFP #Corktown
What kind of medical conditions do Family Medicine Doctors take care of?
Family medicine doctors are primary care physicians who treat a wide range of medical conditions in patients of all ages. This can include common conditions such as the flu, colds, and injuries, as well as chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma.
Family doctors also provide preventive care, including routine check-ups, immunizations, and screenings for conditions such as cancer and heart disease. In addition to treating physical health conditions, family medicine doctors may also provide care for mental health conditions and may coordinate care with specialists as needed.
Can Family Doctors take care of Mental Health Concerns?
Yes, family medicine doctors can treat mental health conditions. While they may not have the same level of training as a psychiatrist or psychologist, they are often the first point of contact for patients seeking help for mental health concerns. They can provide a range of services, including counseling, medication management, and referrals to specialists as needed. It is important to note that the specific mental health services provided by a family medicine doctor may vary depending on their training and experience.
Fortunately, our family medicine doctors at Plum Health DPC have robust training in primary care mental health concerns, like depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and others.
If you’d like this type of Family medicine service for yourself or for your family, you can sign up here:
A Brief History of Plum Health DPC
A Brief History of Plum Health DPC in Detroit
Plum Health DPC is a Family Medicine practice based in Detroit, Michigan that is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable primary care to its patients. But where did it all begin? Here is a brief history of Plum Health DPC:
Plum Health DPC was founded in 2016 by Dr. Paul Thomas, a board-certified family medicine physician with a passion for improving healthcare for his patients. Dr. Thomas saw firsthand the challenges that patients faced when trying to navigate the traditional fee-for-service healthcare system, and he knew there had to be a better way.
That's when he discovered the direct primary care (DPC) model. In a DPC model, patients pay a monthly or annual fee for access to primary care services. This allows patients to have a close relationship with their primary care doctor and receive a wide range of medical services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and acute care.
Dr. Thomas was convinced that the DPC model was the future of healthcare, and he set out to create Plum Health DPC to bring this model to his patients in Detroit. Since its founding, Plum Health DPC has grown to serve thousands of patients in the Detroit area and has become a leader in the DPC movement.
Today, Plum Health DPC is committed to providing high-quality, affordable primary care to its patients and improving the healthcare system in Detroit and beyond. We are proud of our history and look forward to continuing to serve our community for years to come.
Laceration Repair and Other Urgent Care Services at Plum Health DPC
Laceration Repair and Other Urgent Care Services at Plum Health DPC
At Plum Health DPC, we understand that accidents and injuries can happen at any time, and we are here to help our patients when they need it most. Our team is equipped to handle a wide range of urgent care needs, including laceration repair.
Lacerations, or cuts, can range in severity from small, shallow wounds to deep, jagged injuries that require surgical repair. No matter the severity of the laceration, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent infection and minimize scarring.
At Plum Health DPC, our team is skilled in laceration repair and can provide the necessary care to help our patients heal quickly and properly. Depending on the location and severity of the laceration, we may use sutures (stitches) or adhesive skin closures to close the wound. We will also clean the wound and provide any necessary antibiotics to prevent infection.
Furthermore, if you haven’t had a recent TDaP booster (a tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine), we will provide you with this necessary protection. If dirt or debris gets into the wound, tetanus can result. Getting the TDaP vaccine at the time of the laceration repair can prevent tetanus from occurring.
In addition to laceration repair, we also offer a range of other urgent care services at Plum Health DPC. These may include treatment for minor injuries, such as sprains and fractures, as well as management of acute illnesses, such as colds and flu.
If you or a loved one is in need of urgent care, don't hesitate to contact us at Plum Health DPC. Our team is here to provide the care you need, when you need it most.
Special Botox Promotion at Plum Health DPC in Detroit
Special Botox Promotion at Plum Health DPC in Detroit
Are you interested in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? At Plum Health DPC in Detroit, Dr. Raquel Orlich offers a range of injectable treatments, including Botox, to help patients achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
But what exactly is Botox and how does it work? Botox is a prescription medication that is injected into the muscles in the face to temporarily paralyze them and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It is most commonly used to treat wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes (crow's feet), and between the eyebrows (frown lines).
One of the benefits of Botox is that it is a non-surgical treatment with minimal downtime. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Botox results typically last for three to four months, at which point the treatment can be repeated to maintain the desired results.
In addition to its cosmetic benefits, Botox can also be used to treat a number of medical conditions, including chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms. Dr. Orlich will work with you to determine the best treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.
At Plum Health DPC, we prioritize personalized care and strive to make our treatments as convenient and affordable as possible. If you are interested in learning more about Botox and other injectable treatments at our practice in Detroit, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Orlich. She will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you determine if Botox is the right treatment option for you.
Additionally, we’re running a special reduced rate for Botox at our Plum Health DPC - the Botox medication is usually $12.50 per unit, and from January 15th to February 15th, 2023, we are offering the Botox at $11.00 per unit!
Interested in taking the next step? Fill out this form!
The Benefits of Primary Care at Plum Health DPC
As a patient at Plum Health DPC, you have access to high-quality primary care that is focused on you and your specific health needs. But what exactly does primary care at Plum Health DPC entail, and how can it benefit you?
First and foremost, primary care at Plum Health DPC is personalized. Your primary care doctor gets to know you, your medical history, and your health goals, and works with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. This level of individualized care is especially important for managing chronic conditions and promoting overall health and wellness.
Another benefit of primary care at Plum Health DPC is the convenience factor. With same-day appointments available, you can easily schedule a visit to see your primary care doctor when it is most convenient for you. In addition, our telemedicine services allow you to have virtual visits with your doctor from the comfort of your own home.
At Plum Health DPC, we also prioritize preventative care. Your primary care doctor can help you identify potential health risks and work with you to implement strategies to prevent them. This can include screenings, immunizations, and lifestyle modifications to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions.
Finally, primary care at Plum Health DPC is more affordable than traditional fee-for-service models. With a membership-based model, you pay a monthly fee for access to primary care and other services, rather than paying for each individual visit or procedure. This can save you money in the long run, especially if you require frequent medical attention.
Overall, primary care at Plum Health DPC is an effective and convenient way to manage your health and prevent potential problems. If you are looking for a primary care doctor who truly cares about your well-being, consider becoming a member at Plum Health DPC.
How to get a Flu Shot in Detroit
Protect Yourself and Your Community with a Flu Shot at Plum Health DPC in Detroit
As the winter season approaches, it's important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. The flu, or influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe symptoms and complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections.
One of the most effective ways to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot. At our Plum Health DPC office in Detroit, we carry two types of flu vaccines: Afluria and Fluzone. Both vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing influenza.
It's important to get a flu shot each year, as the flu virus can change from year to year and the vaccine is reformulated to protect against the most common strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu shot.
In addition to protecting yourself, getting a flu shot can also help protect your community by reducing the spread of the flu. This is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from the flu, such as young children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions.
Don't wait until it's too late – make an appointment to get your flu shot at Plum Health DPC in Detroit today! Protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu this season.
Appreciation Post for Dr. George Costea
When I was 17 years old, I started volunteering at Cass Clinic, associated with the Cass United Methodist Church. This was about 2004, and it was a life changing experience. As a high school student, I got to work with and learn from medical students at Wayne State University School of Medicine as they took care of patients who were uninsured, underinsured, homeless, and elderly folks who couldn’t drive to another clinic.
After each patient encounter, we would give a presentation to Dr. Costea, who waited patiently for us to share the important clinical information, and who helped guide our management and care with an in-house pharmacy, dispensing blood pressure medications and diabetes medications alongside clinical pearls and clinical wisdom.
We were able to take care of about 30 to 50 patients each day, working in teams of 2 or 3 students, and seeing one patient at a time. We got to spend 30 minutes to an hour with each patient, and listen to their stories. They allowed us to learn from them with otoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, our stethoscopes, and an index card medical record system as many patients returned each week or each month.
From this experience, I knew that I wanted to become a doctor, not just any doctor, but a doctor like Dr. George Costea. Dr. Costea seemed to be infinitely knowledgable about every medication stocked in that backroom pharmacy, he was unendingly patient, and faced difficult situations in the clinic with unmatched equanimity.
When I eventually finished college and made it into Wayne State University School of Medicine, I continued to volunteer at the Cass Clinic, to serve the patients there and to learn from Dr. Costea. When it came time in my third year of medical school to rotate through a family medicine office, I had the privilege of rotating through Dr. Costea’s family medicine practice.
To say that my experiences working with and learning from Dr. Costea shaped me and shaped my career in medicine would be a gross understatement. His presence at the Cass Clinic is the single biggest reason that I had the opportunity to make it into medical school and to become a physician. Further, his model for care inspired me to start Plum Health.
Unfortunately, Dr. Costea passed away on September 19th, 2022.
Dr. Costea worked with hundreds or maybe even thousands of pre-medical students and medical students as they served patients in the Cass Corridor. He started the clinic in the early 1980’s as a part of the free health care movement, and volunteered just about every Saturday for more than 40 years. Dr. Costea’s example - his care, his selflessness, his humility, his patience, and his willingness to teach - will stay with me forever.
Thank you Dr. Costea!
-Paul Thomas, MD
Dr. George Costea at the Cass Clinic in Midtown Detroit.
From Wayne State University School of Medicine:
George Costea, D.O., founder of the Cass Clinic and attending physician for more than 40 years, died Sept. 19. Dr. Costea dedicated nearly every Saturday morning since the early 1980s to providing free health care to Detroit's poor and underserved. Dr. Costea taught hundreds of Wayne State University School of Medicine students during those years and demonstrated selflessness and commitment to serving the community. Cass Clinic is in need of physicians interested in volunteering their time. If you are interested in participating or need more information, please contact Rob Sherwin, M.D. at rsherwin@dmc.org.
Plum Health is Committed to Corktown for the Long Term
Plum Health is Committed to Corktown for the Long Term
This week, there was an attempted smash-and-grab at a neighboring business.
Fortunately, no one was harmed, nothing appears to have been taken, and there are neighbors who live upstairs who reported the incident.
Our Plum Health clinic next door was not affected.
All that being said, we are committed to delivering affordable and accessible health care services in Corktown and Detroit for the long-term. We know that smash-and-grab incidents can happen anywhere, and this does not deter us from being present and delivering the health care services that our community needs.
We are operating a business in Corktown during good times, and we are looking forward to an even brighter future. There are new development projects throughout greater Corktown as Ford Motor Company completes its $1 billion investment into the Michigan Central Station.
For us, this attempted smash-and-grab is a bump in the road towards a more prosperous future.
- Dr. Paul Thomas with Plum Health DPC in Detroit, MI
Addendum from October 12th, 2022
On October 11th, the smash-and-grab attempt happened to one of our neighboring businesses. During the day, Sarah Grimmer, a reporter from Channel 7 Action News aka WXYZ Channel 7 stopped by our office to ask a few questions. Here’s the full story and interview that aired on the 11th:
In the evening, I took some time to reflect on what had happened. Here are my thoughts:
Last night, there was a smash-and-grab attempt at an AT&T store next door to our Plum Health DPC clinic.
Fortunately, no one was harmed, nothing appears to have been taken, and the police are working to resolve the case.
Today, a reporter from WXYZ/WMYD stopped by to ask some questions. I felt like I couldn't clearly articulate what this means, so here's how I think/feel after some reflection.
It's sad and frustrating to see this kind of senseless damage to a neighboring business in Corktown.
We know that smash-and-grab incidents can happen anywhere, and this does not deter us from being present and delivering the health care services that our community needs.
We are committed to delivering affordable and accessible health care services in Corktown and Detroit for the long-term.
We are operating a business in Corktown during good times, and we are looking forward to an even brighter future.
There are new development projects throughout greater Corktown - a new apartment complex is being built across the street from us, a new hotel is going up 1 block away, and Ford Motor Company is completing its $1 billion investment into the Michigan Central Station.
Further, several other small and medium investors continue to improve the neighborhood brick by brick.
Finally, TV crews tend to show up when things are at their worst - hopefully they report that the facade got fixed within hours of the incident.
For us, this attempted smash-and-grab is a bump in the road towards a healthier and more prosperous future.
As a final note, the AT&T store repaired their facade and is back open for business as of the 11th. I stopped in after 5 pm to chat with them, wish them well, and they were already taking care of their customers and helping with new phones, supplies, and tech support. It’s great to see them bounce back like that!
Plum Health DPC at Men's Health Event at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
Plum Health DPC at Men's Health Event at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan
On Saturday October 8th, we were out at Ford Field for the Men’s Health event - we had a booth and we talked with men of all ages and backgrounds about the affordable and accessible health care services that we offer at Plum Health DPC.
We know that men face many health challenges - mental health concerns, high blood pressure, diabetes, colon health, prostate health, obesity, and so much more
We also know that having an excellent primary care doctor to help you navigate these issues can be transformative. That’s where we come in - to help, serve, and guide our patients through their health challenges so that they can live their best life.
Further, we had a lot of fun at the event! It’s great meeting up with other health care professionals, and it was even cooler meeting up with health care professionals at Ford Field! We were mostly on the concourse, be we were able to go down to the Detroit Lion’s field of play and kick a few field goals. Here’s one:
Corktown Detroit Walking Tour with Dr. Paul Thomas of Plum Health DPC
Corktown Detroit Walking Tour with Dr. Paul Thomas of Plum Health DPC
Today, we decided to do a walking tour of Corktown.
There's a few big developments on Michigan Avenue - the Godfrey Hotel/boutique hotel and the Perennial Apartments/luxury apartment building with a rooftop pool. https://detroit.eater.com/2021/9/29/22700588/corktown-detroit-opening-the-godfrey-hotel-rooftop-lounge-restaurant
Michigan Avenue is set to be replaced with an road surface that will charge electric vehicles as they drive. https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/mark-phelan/2020/08/13/michigan-avenue-most-advanced-road/3364328001/
As we walk, we pass Momento Gelato, Ottava Via, Brooklyn Street Local, and Detroit Institute of Bagels on the way to Mudgie's Deli. http://www.mudgiesdeli.com/wp/
Importantly, Mudgie's Deli owner Greg Mudge recently passed away and there is an ongoing effort to rename the street in the honor of Greg Mudge. It's heading to Detroit's City Council this week: https://detroitmi.gov/government/city-council
From a medical perspective, you should aim for 30 minutes of vigorous activity each day - cardiovascular exercise like walking, running, biking, swimming, or other aerobic activities. The goal is to get 30 minutes each day for 5 days each week, or 150 minutes in total of vigorous, aerobic exercise.
The new COVID booster is a bivalent booster, meaning that it has the original vaccine PLUS the omicron-specific vaccine. Bivalent just means that the vaccine protects you from TWO strains of virus.
In comparison, the Fluarix Flu shot is a Quadrivalent vaccine, which protects against four strains of flu viruses. This year the Fluarix quadrivalent flu shot protects against the Victoria 2019, Darwin 2021, Austria 2021, and Phuket 2013 flu strains. We have the Fluarix flu shots at our Plum Health DPC office for $24.
We also carry the Fluzone Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine, which again protects against four strains of flu viruses. This year the Fluzone quadrivalent flu shot protects against the Victoria 2019, Darwin 2021, Phuket 2013, and Michigan 2021 flu strains. This Fluzone vaccine is $23 at our Plum Health DPC office.
The Bivalent Covid vaccine is free at most pharmacies and health departments. We will have free doses at Plum Health starting next week on Wednesday (09/28/2022).
Covid Bivalent Booster Vaccine side effects are similar to previous vaccines - arm soreness, it could cause malaise (not feeling well) for 1 to 2 days, it could cause a low-grade temperature increase to 99 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day,
-Dr. Paul Thomas with Plum Health DPC
Paul Thomas MD in the USA Today
Back in 2013, Dr. Paul Thomas helped start an organization called Street Medicine Detroit.
Street Medicine Detroit is a student-run organization that delivers primary care medical services to homeless and uninsured people on the streets of Detroit, in parks and in church basements, warming centers and homeless shelters. Street Medicine Detroit is a lifeline for folks who are living on the streets.
Medical Students from Wayne State University School of Medicine run the Street Medicine Detroit program and deliver medical care and compassion to people who are homeless, unsheltered, or without permanent housing.
When I was a fourth year medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine in 2013, I helped a second year medical student named Johnny Wong start the organization. We went on "street runs" to deliver medical care to homeless people.
During one of those runs, a journalist named John Wisely followed our work and wrote about it in the USA Today.
I've been reflecting about the meaning of our work at Plum Health DPC and it has deep roots in the advocacy and volunteering that I engaged in before, during, and after medical school.
I turned the newspaper article from the USA Today into a plaque that I hang in my office as a reminder to keep meeting people where they are at, to keep delivering compassionate care, and to keep striving to make health care affordable and accessible for everyone.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day.
- Paul Thomas, MD with Plum Health DPC
Ganglion Cyst Drainage in Detroit
Ganglion Cyst Drainage at Plum Health DPC in Detroit
At Plum Health DPC in Detroit, we take care of a variety of health concerns. We are Family Medicine Specialists and we help our patients with a variety of health problems.
At Plum Health, we perform many procedures. One of those is a Ganglion Cyst Removal. This procedure takes a few minutes but it can be a tremendous relief.
A ganglion cyst is a pocket of fluid that builds up adjacent to a tendon. The Fluid inside the cyst is viscous and clear. The ganglion cysts are usually not painful, but they can be irritating if you wear a watch. They can also cause people to be self conscious or to wear long sleeves to cover them up.
At our clinic, we clean off the skin overlying the ganglion cyst and we use an 18 gauge needle to draw out the cystic fluid. This helps to relieve the symptoms for the patient.
After this procedure, there is a 50% chance that the ganglion cyst will resolve. For the other 50% of patients, the ganglion cyst will refill. Usually the ganglion cyst will refill slowly over time.
New ICD 10 Codes for Long Haul Covid in Detroit
Different Types of long-haul covid syndromes that we see in our Plum Health clinic in Detroit
Many patients have been dealing with the fallout from their previous COVID 19 infections. Many of us know the symptoms of Coronavirus or COVID 19 infection - muscle aches, weakness, loss of taste, loss of smell, headaches, difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, and more.
However, not that many people know that COVID 19 can cause residual symptoms or lingering symptoms that can lasts for weeks, months, or even years after the initial COVID 19 infection. Patients can experience long-haul covid as residual covid symptoms like fatigue, muscle aches, muscle weakness, brain fog, etc..
Some patients can experience long-haul covid as POTS or Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS). With POTS, patients can have heart palpitations or rapid heart beats, they can become easily fatigued even after doing low or moderate intensity tasks, fainting or losing consciousness, or shaking and sweating. We’ve seen a handful of patients in our Plum Health DPC clinic with long-haul covid that presents as POTS.
Finally, we have had a few patients in our Plum Health clinic here in Detroit present with long-haul covid that presents as ME/CFS or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. First, myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome are commonly used labels for the same condition, so the names can be used interchangeably. I think these disease labels are combined with a slash to avoid confusion. Either way, ME/CFS is a condition that presents with a lot of fatigue or tiredness, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, pain, and often times brain fog. Symptoms are worsened when patients exert themselves - even a task like folding laundry can trigger profound fatigue.
ICD-10 codes for different long-haul covid syndromes
That being said, the ICD 10 or International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, just released disease classifications for long-haul covid. See below, a tweet from Alexis N. Misko or @turnoftheshrew on Twitter:
Here’s a tweet from Alexis N. Misko or @turnoftheshrew on Twitter that shows the ICD 10 codes for different long-haul covid syndromes.
Those ICD-10 Codes are as follows:
U09.9 - Post-covid conditions unspecified
G90.A - POTS
G93.32 - ME/CFS
We take care of People with COVID 19 at Plum Health DPC
At Plum Health DPC, we take care of patients of all ages and stages. We also take care of patients who have Covid 19 or Coronavirus. We offer curb-side COVID 19 PCR testing and we also have antibody testing in the office. We have taken care of several patients with long-haul covid symptoms and as discussed above, we take care of patients with COVID who have POTS and ME/CFS presentations. We know that the mental, physical, emotional, and psychological strain of COVID 19 can be difficult to handle, so we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive care and timely referrals for folks who are struggling with long-haul COVID syndrome.
-Paul Thomas, MD with Plum Health DPC
Plum Health DPC accepts patients from across Michigan
Plum Health DPC Accepts Patients From Across Michigan
At Plum Health DPC, we take care of patients of all ages and stages from across the Metro Detroit region.
Our office is in Corktown, Detroit, which is designated as a health-professional shortage area, meaning that there are not enough primary care doctors in this neighborhood.
We are proud to serve people here in Corktown and across Detroit.
In addition, our office is a destination for health care services - our patients travel from across the Metro Detroit region to seek out care from our team of excellent physicians.
Most patients live in Detroit, but we have many patients from Dearborn, Ferndale, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Livonia, Royal Oak, Southfield, Sterling Heights, Warren, Wyandotte, and many other communities.
This pie chart shows where most of our patients at Plum Health DPC reside. Most of our patients at Plum Health come from Detroit, Dearborn, Ferndale, Grosse Pointe, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Livonia, Royal Oak, Southfield, and other southeast Michigan communities.
Here’s a map from DETROITography about health professional shortage areas in Detroit.
A health professional shortage area (HPSA) does not have enough primary care doctors for the population in the community. Unfortunately, much of Detroit is considered an HPSA.
The work that we do at Plum Health helps to address the HPSA designation in Corktown and Southwest Detroit. But there is so much more work to be done.
This is a map from DETROITography about health professional shortage areas in Detroit. A health professional shortage area (HPSA) does not have enough primary care doctors for the population in the community. Unfortunately, much of Detroit is considered an HPSA.
Plum Health DPC Started in 2016
Plum Health DPC Started in 2016
We started Plum Health DPC in November, 2016. We started by making house calls for our patients. We recognized a need for excellent primary care services in Detroit, and we strive every day to meet that demand. We have had great growth over the last 5 and a half years, and we’ve needed to grow and add more doctors.
Plum Health Grew into a Larger Office on Michigan Avenue in 2019
We decided to build out a new space in Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, on Michigan Avenue near Trumbull. We’re at “The Corner” or the property where the old Tiger Stadium used to sit. When Tiger Stadium was torn down, the ball field/baseball diamond was perserved as a field for Detroit youth sports via Detroit PAL or Police Athletic Field. The properties around the perimeter of the park became the building where our office is, which has 3 floors of apartments above 1 floor of retail. There are also condos on the perimeter of the old Tiger Stadium site going up on Trumbull avenue.
Anyways, here’s some old pictures from about October 2018 when we leased out our new space and it started construction to eventually become our office.
The construction finished in October 2019! Boy did we have to be patient, but once it was complete, we were ready to serve the community with an amazing primary care and health care experience.
We love practicing in this space, and now we’re coming up on 6 years in practice as Plum Health DPC and 3 years in practice at the Michigan and Trumbull or “The Corner” location.
This is such an amazing place to work and to serve patients and we get to fulfill our mission of delivering affordable and accessible health care services in Detroit and beyond!
Plum Health Continues to Thrive into 2022
Now, we have three amazing doctors - Dr. Raquel Orlich, Dr. Leslie Rabaut, and Dr. Paul Thomas - serving patients in Corktown, Detroit, and beyond. We take care of about 1,150 patients at this point. Our patients are of all ages and stages - pediatric patients, young adults, older adults, and geriatric patients. We take care of a variety of health care conditions - high blood pressure, diabetes, gout, asthma, physical exams for work, and so much more, too many conditions to list.
To celebrate and to say thank you, we are having a thank you party at the Congregation Detroit tonight at 5:30 pm. Join us!
-Paul Thomas, MD with Plum Health DPC