Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Alsaied, Neville, Carlson, Avecilla, Thurlow, LoRusso, Marg
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 8/16/2017
Neillsville: MMC Welcomes (Surgeon – 7 August 2017)
Dr. Osama Alsaied began his duties Aug. 7, as a general surgeon at Memorial Medical Center in Neillsville. His position will include managing critical care patients in the Level 3 Trauma Program. (Todd Schmidt/Clark County Press)
By Todd Schmidt
The Level 3 Trauma Program at Memorial Medical Center (MMC) in Neillsville just got a huge boost, with the addition of general surgeon Dr. Osama Alsaied. His first day on the job was Aug. 7.
MMC CEO Ryan Neville said Alsaied brings a unique skill set to his new position, which will include managing critical care patients. Neville said it takes three surgeons to cover the trauma care program 24/7, 365 days per year.
“Dr. Alsaied is a board-certified surgeon who will be accessible full-time,” Neville said. “He will increase our capability to manage additional cases going forward. He can fulfil two roles; managing the care of critically-ill patients, and also serving as a general surgeon.
“Dr. Alsaied is a great fit for our facility. We had a bonding and a connection at our first interview. We are very proud of all of our surgeons.”
Alsaied joins the MMC roster of surgeons that includes Dr. Carlson, full-time orthopedic surgeon; Dr. Avecilla, part-time general surgeon; Dr. Thurlow, part-time general surgeon; and Dr. LoRusso, gynecology. LoRusso is at MMC every Tuesday, performing surgeries in the morning, and seeing clinic patients in the afternoon.
Neville said Alsaied is interested in a leadership position on the medical staff. Alsaied will be mentored to be the operating room medical director.
“Dr. Alsaied is very knowledgeable,” Neville added. “MMC is blessed to have a professional like him on our staff.”
In 2016, Alsaied completed a seven-year general surgery training and residency program at the University of Minnesota Hospital, with a concentration in surgical critical care. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons, the Society for Surgery of the alimentary Tract, the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine.
Alsaied has done a number of presentations, and has received several honors and awards for his research and work, including a Clinical Excellence Award from Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN. He has dealt with many administrative issues, along with serving in a surgical education office where residents’ concerns are heard.
His training included two years of cancer research, testing the effectiveness of different medications on in-vitro models in a Petri dish.
Alsaied, who is a Syrian national, began his medical career in 2004 at the Cornell University branch in Qatar. In 2008-2009, he served a full-time post as a doctor fellow at Cornell University in New York.
From 2009-2016, he finished his residency and research fellowship at the University of Minnesota Hospital, followed by a one-year critical care fellowship.
Alsaied’s father is an anesthetist.
“From a very young age, I was immersed in clinical culture,” he said. “I became fascinated with computers. I love science. Medicine is the crucible where everything comes together. You can help people while you are doing it.
Alsaied said he is happy to join the MMC team. He said he was looking or a position in a rural hospital setting.
“My thought and purpose is to do the most good for the most people,” he said. “It has been a long journey to get to this point. I am happy where I am right now. It has been a long time coming.
“MMC has a capable and willing team. We are ready to break through the ceiling.”
Alsaied said Neville “is the testament of a leader who wants his facility to improve and do better.” Alsaied has been impressed with the hospitality shown to him and his wife Dina. They moved to Neillsville at the end of July.
“This town is serene and quiet,” Alsaied said. “We love it.”
Alsaied said MMC has been providing great medical care in the area since 1954.
“I am happy to be part of the building project for a new facility, although I felt I would be coming here anyway,” he said. “We are looking to serve more of the population locally. We would send those on with complex cases requiring specialty care.”
Alsaied said the existing MMC facility is well-equipped and is functionally staffed.
“We received a trauma center certification for three years,” Neville added. “That speaks well for what we have to offer. People are doing great in carrying out our mission with what we are doing now. A new facility will enhance our capabilities.”
Alsaied emphasized the importance of screening procedures, particularly colonoscopy and mammography, to catch problems early on. He is eager to visit area communities to meet people, and promote what MMC has to offer.
To arrange a presentation by Alsaied to a group, or organization, contact Candy Marg at 715-743-3101 or cmarg@memorialmedcenter.org.
