EDITOR'S NOTE: NOV/DEC 2009

Jim Palermo, MD

The Lebanese American artist, poet, and writer Kahlil Gibran; the American essayist, philosopher, and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson; and British politician, statesman and orator Winston Churchill are all oft-quoted icons, who have expounded on the human purpose and benefits of giving.

• “You give but little when you give of your possessions.  It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” – Kahlil Gibran
• “The only gift is a portion of thyself.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” – Sir Winston Churchill

Although each quote originates from a different source and perspective, the message is consistent and embodies the spirit and mission of the people featured in this edition of Space Coast Medicine and Healthy Living, who are committed to the principle that the decision to donate life can be the most powerfully positive decision an individual can make.

TRAUMA SURGEONS Dr. Bartel Turk, front, and Dr. Peter Pappas are surrounded by members of the Holmes Regional Medical Center Transplant team, including left to right, Audrey Harling, Cindy Werling, Nancy Lefort, Lynn Williams, Pappas, Nicki Andersen.

You’ll meet these remarkable professionals who are dedicated to saving and improving lives through organ and tissue donation and public education, while honoring all donors and their loved ones whose generosity makes the gift of life possible.

Baskets and Blankets 4 Brevard

Healthcare providers of the Space Coast give of themselves in many other ways as exemplified by a grass roots community initiative called Baskets and Blankets 4 Brevard and lead by Holmes Regional Trauma Physician’s Assistant Melissa Hoppe and her family.  She has mobilized people and organizations from all sectors of the community to donate canned food, non perishable food, blankets, personal hygiene items or gently used medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, etc. for the needy and less-fortunate in Brevard.

Anesthesiologist Dr. Kirk Dockendorf

Aldendorf Chocolates

The Holidays are a time of giving, but also the season for enjoying traditional treats and festive occasions.  What better way to celebrate the yuletide than with original chocolate creations from Kirk and Anne Dockendorf’s Aldendorf Chocolates in West Melbourne?  While Kirk, an anesthesiologist, plays Santa for visitors during the Holidays, Anne indulges her passion for making the highest quality artisan chocolate and hosting private holiday chocolate parties at the high-end boutique factory and tea-room.

Rogers Is Father of Brevard Lacrosse

Lacrosse, one of the oldest team sports in the Americas, and the fastest growing sport in the U.S., has exploded on the Space Coast scene with the rapid development of both varsity men’s and women’s teams at Melbourne Central Catholic High School.  Rich Rogers, the architect of Health First’s award winning information technology system, approaches his commitment as MCC’s head lacrosse coach with the same enthusiasm, intensity and precision that he applies to his day job.

Ultralight Adventurer

We’ve featured many enterprising Space Coast healthcare providers with a wide variety of adventurous avocations, but Dr. Dave Malis’ “hobby” may well surpass all of them.  Dr. Malis, Brevard’s only pediatric otolaryngologist, gets “high” on a form of ultralight aviation where the pilot wears a motor on his back which provides enough thrust to take off using a paraglider wing.

Q&A: Sleep Apnea

“Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone,” is a quote attributed to the sagacious English author, poet, playwright, and literary critic, Anthony Burgess.  No longer considered just a social nuisance, snoring, or known in medical jargon as obstructive sleep apnea, is now recognized as a very prevalent and often significant health problem.  We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jim Shaffer to our Q&A to address the fundamental questions related to this sleep disorder that affects up to 20 million Americans.

MIMA Original Docs Enjoy Lasting Bond

In our Flashback, Dr. Marty Isenman reflects back on the early days of MIMA, the largest and one of the most highly respected multi specialty groups on the Space Coast.  The past 39 years have brought many changes, but, from the original founding fathers of MIMA to the more than 120 physicians including second-generation medical professionals, the group has been steadfast in its mission to provide state of the art professional, diagnostic, research and ancillary services that enhance the quality of lives in our community.

As we approach the end of 2009, we would like to sincerely thank our loyal readers and supporters, without whom we could not accomplish our primary mission of promoting improved health for all.

For 2010, Space Coast  Medicine & Healthy Living will strive to expand our reach through our ever-growing multimedia channels, including our magazine, website, radio show and our state-wide event series – the Florida Anti-Aging & Healthy Living Expos.

We will also continue to engage, educate and entertain by featuring  informative, inspiring and timely articles focusing on local people and their healthcare providers dealing with, and overcoming, all types of healthcare and medical challenges.

We wish you and your family a very healthy, happy and prosperous holiday and New Year!

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1. Editor’s Note: Sobering, Exciting Time For Healthcare
2. Editor’s Note
3. Editor’s Note: Medical Pros Dedicated To Haiti
4. Giving Life: The Ultimate Gift
5. Magazine Offers Diverse Line-up of Features, Topics